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How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?
As the president of AT&T Consumer, I oversee the part of the business you probably think of when you think of AT&T. This includes our consumer wireless offerings, like cell phones and plans, as well as home internet products, like fiber and fixed wireless. These are all very complex technologies (we use a lot of acronyms), but the core of what we do is creating connections. When I get to work, my goal is to connect customers at home and on the go.
What’s the most compelling tech project you’ve worked on, and why?
The best part about working in technology is that the most compelling thing you’re working on is the one you’re working on right now, because the next big thing is always around the corner. That said, when I look back, one of the most compelling projects I’ve worked on in my career was when I worked on Y2K. Believe it or not, I was one of the programmers that had to work New Year’s Eve 1999 so the world wouldn’t fall apart. That was hugely compelling at the time, but now we kind of laugh at it.
Fast-forward a few years, and I helped bring cable TV and DSL to life. Then wireless 5G to the market. And now using AI and machine learning to massively optimize our operations, better serve our customers, and meet them where they are. It’s a constant push forward, and the most compelling thing you’ll work on is probably what you’ll work on tomorrow. I’m excited to answer this question to myself a year from now and see what is the new and now.
What technologies are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?
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When we think of technology, we often think of things that are built upon the assumption that you’re connected. Think apps, devices, etc. But what I’m really optimistic about is the network itself, especially fiber. It’s durable and resilient, and iit’s laying the foundation for tech innovations to come. It’s future-proofing innovation in a way. It may not be as flashy as an app or goggles, but those innovations only happen if you have strong connectivity. Fiber and the internet are the thread that pulls technology together—pun intended. Perhaps a trendy answer, but the potential for AI is huge. And the responsibility that comes with that is even larger. Any time you bring a technological advancement to the market, you have to consider how it impacts people. The possibilities are endless, but consumers and communities have to be protected. I’ll plead eternal optimist on the “least” question.
What’s the best tech-related media you read/watch/listen to?
I’m a big fan of podcasts, like Wisdom From The Top, that I can listen to on the way to work.
What’s something about you we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?
I’m a big music fan, and my preferences span from ’90’s hip-hop—Young MC, Tone Loc, LL Cool J—to ’70s country and Eric Church and Beyoncé. My son also loves music. It’s what we bond over.
What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?
People. I always tell my teams, “We serve our customers, we serve each other, and we serve our shareholders.” Every day I’m thinking, “How can I be in service to other people? What can I do to make it easier on our people while also getting the work done?” I am a person who wants to serve others and prepare them to go do good things.
Design. Aesthetics, observing the environment around me—that’s my happy place.
Travel. It’s my escape when I need to quit worrying about my kids.