When I originally joined Avanade back in 2010, the company had just begun its development of an organic marketing automation framework – starting from square one. Throughout the years – alongside other digital marketing leaders – I had the amazing opportunity to help build, enhance and progress our ever-evolving digital marketing infrastructure and martech stack to the fine-tuned marketing engines in place today, as well as help support our global campaign initiatives.

Over time, one of the areas I felt challenging was being able to expand into a more strategic role outside of the day-to day operational/tactical duties, and I had a passion to elevate that part of my technical skillset. After 11 years with Avanade, I recently left for another career opportunity with a West Coast technology firm, leading their Marketing Operations team and helping to oversee their automation framework. I still stayed in touch with colleagues and friends at Avanade and kept my rapport with former leaders and mentors in high regard.  

Avanade’s culture and tools make a difference

From the perspective of working outside of Avanade, I could look back and see that it was run in a way that was unique. The culture is “family oriented” in a way, and the work-life balance could be well managed. Another thing I noticed while not working here was how sophisticated the tools are that Avanade provides its employees. The other employer lacked technology and process modernization, as well as flexibility. In my opinion, this has a deep impact on the employee experience – something I missed on the other side.

When I was presented with an opportunity to rejoin Avanade where I was able to expand my skillset into a more strategic role as desired, I felt it was a sign. I saw an opportunity to reintegrate into a company I had always admired, with the potential to grow and put into practice everything I had learned from my previous experience. I felt more emboldened to embrace new challenges.

Having been back at Avanade for the past two months, the second experience feels like a reset. Having an expanded role with our overall marketing technology ecosystem, I've been involved in different strategic challenges, working with more complex solutions and involved in more stretch projects – in addition to my role as Marketo Ops team lead. As this was my first-ever experience as a “boomerang,” I appreciate Avanade’s eagerness to bring employees back into the fold. I think some of it is the fact that Avanade seems to be very welcoming of it – which I appreciate, especially if you truly provide invaluable impact to the organization.