The Power of Connection: Learning, Growing, and Moving Forward Together

As many people know, I thrive on conversations. Whether it’s discussing business, technology, personal growth, or just everyday life, I truly enjoy hearing about the experiences of others. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, to gain a new perspective, and to appreciate the journeys that shape each of us.

Today was no different. As I reflect on the interactions I’ve had, I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by the people I choose to surround myself with—those who openly share their time, wisdom, and experiences with me. These moments of exchange remind me that growth is not a solo journey but a shared one.

In my continued aspiration to learn and evolve—not just as a leader but as a better human being—I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has taken the time to connect with me. Your insights, whether they align with my own thinking or challenge my perspectives, are invaluable. While we may not always see eye to eye, I deeply respect the effort it takes to share honest opinions, both positive and critical. Constructive dialogue is what fuels growth, and I welcome it.

Life presents challenges, but what truly matters is not just how we navigate obstacles but how we rise above them. Failure often comes from a lack of movement—standing still when we should be pushing forward. Progress, no matter how small, keeps us in motion. The key is to never stop moving. Keep learning, keep adapting, keep striving. Stagnation leads to failure, but momentum creates opportunity.

For me, that strength to keep moving comes from the power of community. Alone, I am just one person, but together, we create an unstoppable force—one that supports, uplifts, and drives meaningful progress.

So, to those who have shared their time, their stories, and their wisdom—thank you. Your generosity in sharing your experiences helps shape my journey, and I only hope to offer the same value in return.

Here’s to continuous learning, embracing new perspectives, and always moving forward. Wishing you all a fantastic day ahead!

 

The Power of Gratitude: A Mindset for Growth

As many people who know me can tell you, I often have YouTube running in the background while I work, whether it's for music or training materials. Every now and then, a video pops up that truly resonates with me, and this is one of those moments.

The video that struck a chord with me recently is about the power of gratitude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ0nLHIAC94&t=60s

Gratitude is a transformative force. It’s a mindset that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, from challenges to opportunities, and from frustration to fulfillment. Embracing gratitude can fuel our personal and professional growth, helping us become more resilient, appreciative, and driven to improve each day.

Continuous learning is part of my core. I strive to be 1% better daily because that means that every 101st day, I am 100% better than I was before. This growth is not accidental—it happens through dedication, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to being better.

As a servant leader, my goal is to uplift my team and those I support. I serve best when I continuously learn and grow while maintaining the humility to recognize that I am never as good as I can be. That’s why I commit myself to improvement every single day.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on gratitude. How can it shape your mindset, impact your leadership, and fuel your growth? Small, intentional changes lead to remarkable transformation. Let’s keep moving forward together.

Mission Accomplished: Conquering AI/ML for Leaders!

Hi Everyone,

After 4 ½ months of late nights, long weekends, and countless cups of coffee, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially completed the AI/ML for Leaders program through the University of Texas at Austin!

This was an intense and demanding course—definitely not for the faint of heart. It pushed me to dive deep into the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, challenging my thinking and expanding my skill set in ways I never expected.

A huge thank you to my family for their patience and support. Let’s be honest—I wasn’t exactly the most available person these past few months. They endured my absence on nights and weekends, and I couldn’t have done it without their understanding (or the occasional reminder that I still exist outside of my computer).

For anyone considering a similar path, my advice? Be ready to put in the work—but also be ready for the incredible growth that comes with it.

Lifelong learning is key to staying ahead, and this program has been an invaluable part of that journey for me.

WHATS NEXT:

• Scrum Master Certification,
• followed by ITIL Foundation Certification.

Because why stop now?

 

Adaptability in Tech: Lessons from the Dot-Com Era to Leadership Success

Lessons in Adaptability: From the Dot-Com Boom to Leadership

Technology has been a driving force of change since the early ‘90s, and I’ve had the privilege of experiencing its evolution firsthand. The dot-com era was a defining moment—businesses rushed to secure domain names, launch online ventures, and build ad-driven revenue models. The excitement was palpable.

Then, it all collapsed.

The bubble burst, and countless companies disappeared overnight. While working in the DC Metro area, I saw the fallout firsthand. I was among the fortunate few who walked through the empty offices of failed startups, acquiring leftover assets—desktops, servers, even furniture. It was surreal to buy a once $10,000 server for just $500.

But the real lesson wasn’t in capitalizing on failure—it was in learning from it. The dot-com crash was a harsh but valuable reminder that businesses and individuals must be adaptable. As Warren Buffett put it, “Diversification is protection against ignorance.” Focus is crucial, but blind optimism in a single trend is risky.

Building a Strong Foundation in IT & Security

Rather than slowing me down, the dot-com bust gave me perspective. Around the same time, I was deepening my expertise in IT security, building network files for organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and firms like Case Design and Remodeling.

That hands-on experience solidified my understanding of security principles, infrastructure, and connectivity—knowledge that extended far beyond keeping systems running. I learned how technology powers business operations, from networking to server management.

Returning to San Antonio, TX, I quickly realized the value of these skills. At WellMed Medical Management, I applied everything I had learned, stepping into the role of an enterprise administrator for servers. My background in security, networking, and infrastructure came together, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Stepping into Leadership: IT, Software, and Product Delivery

A pivotal moment in my career came when I joined IAS Claim Services as their Director of IT. This role was a milestone, but my responsibilities quickly expanded. Over time, I advanced to Vice President, overseeing multiple areas of the company.

While managing IT, I also took on the role of Software Development Manager—an opportunity that introduced me to product delivery. This shift was eye-opening. I realized IT isn’t just about maintaining systems; it’s about enabling business success through technology. Understanding how technology solutions align with business strategy transformed my approach to leadership.

My time at IAS reinforced a critical lesson: success isn’t just about technical expertise—it requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to lead teams through change.

Resilience and Lifelong Learning: The Keys to Growth

One thing I know for sure—we all get knocked down. Sometimes hard. But if there’s one lesson I’ve carried with me from the dot-com era to today, it’s this: winners get back up.

At my core, I’m a lifelong learner. I thrive on sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and guiding teams toward success. Over 20+ years, I’ve learned that the key to growth is a willingness to adapt, evolve, and stay open to new opportunities.

Let’s Connect—But Let’s Be Clear

If you’re passionate about technology, leadership, and innovation, I welcome the conversation. However, if you’re reaching out just to sell me a product or service, I encourage you not to call me.

I don’t make decisions in isolation—I rely on my team. We evaluate solutions together, ensuring they align with our business needs and budget. We don’t just buy products; we seek strategic partnerships that help us move forward.

Without a strong team, I’m just one person. But with my team, I’m a servant leader, committed to driving business success.

Looking back, the dot-com era wasn’t a failure—it was a learning experience that reshaped how we approach technology, investment, and innovation. The key takeaway? Success isn’t about chasing the next big thing—it’s about knowing when to pivot, diversify, and rise again.

 

Product Management Feels Like Home

I was recently asked about my approach to Product Management, and the question made me pause—it was a great one. It made me reflect on what I truly enjoy about this field and why it resonates so deeply with me. Before diving into that, let’s outline the different types of Product Managers in the industry.

Types of Product Managers

1. Technical Product Manager (TPM) – Focuses on the technical aspects of the product, working closely with engineering teams.

2. Growth Product Manager (GPM) – Prioritizes user acquisition, retention, and revenue growth.

3. Platform Product Manager – Manages internal platforms, APIs, and infrastructure to support multiple products.

4. Enterprise Product Manager – Develops products for business customers with complex needs.

5. Consumer Product Manager – Designs products for individual consumers with a focus on user experience.

6. Data Product Manager – Uses data and analytics to drive product decisions and improvements.

7. AI/ML Product Manager – Focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into products.

8. Operations Product Manager – Optimizes internal processes and efficiency using product management principles.

9. Hardware Product Manager – Works on physical products, often integrating software and hardware.

10. Strategic Product Manager – Focuses on long-term vision, market trends, and high-level business objectives.

Where I Fit In

I naturally gravitate toward several of these roles based on my experience, interests, and skills. Here’s why:

Technical Product Manager (TPM)

With 30 years in IT, I love diving into the technical aspects of a product. At Claimatic, I led the strategy and execution for enterprise claims automation solutions, ensuring they met both technical and business requirements. I thrive on working closely with engineers, breaking down complex systems, and ensuring that our solutions are scalable, secure, and efficient. My background in software development, cloud infrastructure, and security has helped bridge the gap between business needs and technical execution, leading to innovations such as our patented claims automation software (Patent No. 11,151,658).

Platform Product Manager

I find satisfaction in designing processes and systems that serve as the backbone for multiple products. Managing platforms and APIs excites me because it’s about building sustainable, scalable solutions. At IAS Claim Services, I spearheaded product management initiatives to develop a custom content management system that saved $1.2M annually. Similarly, at Claimatic, I optimized IT and software teams, scaling them from 5 to 30 members, significantly improving product development velocity. Creating platforms that enable teams to build better, faster, and smarter is where I thrive.

Consumer Product Manager

I genuinely enjoy talking to people, understanding their challenges, and building solutions that make a real difference in their daily lives. There's an art to listening—truly hearing what customers need, even when they don’t know how to express it themselves. At IAS Claim Services, I worked directly with over 260 clients, aligning software solutions with market needs and improving user satisfaction. Additionally, during my time at Case Design, I focused on customer product management, where I helped refine the product experience to better match customer expectations and ensure usability. Seeing a product resonate with users because it solves their pain points in unexpected ways is what makes this role so rewarding for me.

AI/ML Product Manager

The potential of AI and ML excites me because it represents the future of problem-solving. With my ML/AI for Leaders certification, I’ve been able to combine my experience in IT governance, data-driven decision-making, and product strategy to shape AI-driven initiatives. At Claimatic, I worked on leveraging AI to improve automation within claims processing, ensuring that data-driven insights helped refine decision-making. I enjoy collaborating with engineers and data scientists to turn complex machine learning models into practical, real-world applications that enhance business outcomes.

Operations Product Manager

I have an instinct for optimization—whenever I see inefficiencies, I can’t help but think, There has to be a better way. Whether it’s streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, or refining processes, I find immense satisfaction in making things run smoother. At IAS Claim Services, I automated workflows that reduced operational costs by $100K annually. Similarly, at Claimatic, I led SOC 2 compliance efforts, establishing governance frameworks to ensure security and operational excellence. I take pride in creating systems that enable teams to work more effectively, minimizing friction and maximizing productivity.

Why Product Management?

Product Management is where all my passions come together—technology, problem-solving, creativity, and human connection. It gives me the opportunity to take my years of IT experience and apply them in a way that directly impacts people’s lives. Every day, I get to tackle new challenges, collaborate with brilliant minds, and build something meaningful.

The universe led me to this world, and I’m grateful for it.