Robert Jakobson

I'm a 20+ year veteran in the Tech Industry, passionate about impossible projects, amazing people, and tech innovation. I began as a lowly but proud Code Monkey (Developer), and in 20 years, I evolved into a Sr. Program Manager, occasionally consulting at the Director and C levels, so, I guess, that makes me ... a... Silverback??

I don't know. I'm more interested in Projects and Challenges than titles.

I know I thrive on challenges others find boring or ones they run in terror saying things like, "That's a career-ender...".

So, who am I?

I'm the guy who wants to keep doing this for another 20 years.

What I Do

Program / Project Management

I'm experienced in most forms of program and project management methodologies and processes, including Agile and Agile variants, Hybrids, Lean, and Extreme. I even have extensive experience in Waterfall and Critical Path. I like to stay up-to-date on effective strategies for maximizing team and project performance. I'm a severe believer in connecting Objectives and Key Results all the way down to User Stories, and I excel at leading projects from vision to release.

UX / UI Design

Ensuring a positive user experience is critical for any product. It encompasses more than just surface-level design elements such as buttons and colors. It's how users think, and interact, anticipating what they need and understanding why they need it. I think making it a top priority is essential. It's the difference between a product that people use and love and one that fails.

Code / Development

Coding is an art I have little time for these days outside of keeping up with language updates. My special area these days is in creating proofs of concept, refining designs, updating old code, and occasionally building something unique.

Author / Writer

I write. Everything from Game/Software/Table Top Dialog to Tech and Business to Fiction.

RPGs, Shorts, Articles, Scripts, Novels.

Note: Currently Booked Up on a Project

Analysis / Special Consult

I provide specialized consulting services for complex or unique projects. This work ranges from performing a once-over on a Project, Risk, or Concern to a detailed breakdown of project work.

Coaching / Training

As coaches and leaders, we aim to inspire and motivate team members to excel, commit, and grow while advancing work and lives. However, simply inspiring people and setting some goals is not enough. We have to also help them turn aspirations into actionable movements. For decades now, I've learned from watching other teams struggle and my teams succeed.

Spoiler Alert: It wasn't because I am an amazing leader. It was because I'd learned to lead amazing teams and build them.

Places I've been known to hang out at....

Resume

Experienced Program Manager

Career High Lights

Microsoft (Contractor)

Introduced First authorized gaming and entertainment systems (Xbox) to China.

This required creating an International joint Venture Partnership, working with dozens of teams across Microsoft, Vendors, and external parties, and completely revamping global FMV and carrier systems, SAP and Accounting systems, and Factory Floor to Final Sales Point tracking that all Microsoft would eventually use.   

AT&T (Contractor)

Release Program Manager for 1604, 1607, 1610, and 1702 releases for ECOMP

Handling multiple project releases with a broad spectrum of teams from development, networking, operations, finance, and marketing, all with divergent schedules that needed to land as overlapping release points, led to a single master release in a year's time. This was extremely high pressure and high visibility, and it was only possible with the finest of teams and upper management support. The closest comparison I can think of is being the only Air Traffic Controller at LAX the week of Christmas.

AT&T (Contractor)

Created PITT Tool for AT&T a key resource in onboarding hundreds of Vendors

Created Premier Integration Test Tool: It allowed AT&T  to check vendors for failed PunchOut systems, produce remedies, troubleshoot issues, and get them up and running often in a few hours, which had before taken days or weeks.  The success of this tool was such that it would later be turned into an online version accessible across AT&T for working with PunchOut systems.

Microsoft (Contractor)

User Experience Evangelist - MSDN

I worked directly with dozens of MSDN Developers and Developer Community Members to create new Apps and upgrade existing Apps for the launch of Windows 8, also known as the "Metro UX." This involved training and SME consulting work evaluating UX/UI, broken code, and code update design assistance to meet standards for admission to the new Microsoft Online Apps Store.

Microsoft (Volt)

Program Manager for OLPC X0-1

Program Manager overseeing BIOS and HID driver/software design and development for the OLPC XO-1 laptop.

Designed by teams at MIT to be built for $100 running a Linux variant.  The UN and various backers of the project requested a Windows version be created despite the units being specifically designed not to run Windows.  As the PM responsible for BIOS, HID, and Drivers, I worked with the MIT teams to ensure feature parity was achieved, as well as hardware capability from BIOS to Audio, Graphics, Keyboard, Gamepad, trackpad, and full Windows XP compatibility.  

IBM

September 11, 2001 – IBM Emergency SWAT TEAM IT

September 11, 2001 – IBM Emergency SWAT TEAM IT technical skills and On-Site Emergency Response for IBM Customers and businesses directly affected or destroyed in the 9/11 World Trade Center and surrounding buildings collapse.  These customers were responsible for 15-25% of all online stock transactions in the USA making restoration of services a matter of National Security.  Several key customers and vendors supporting them had been wiped out entirely, with backup systems either corrupted or inoperable forcing a complete recreation of systems, software, and business processes from scratch in a 14-day window at a secure facility.

Experience

July 2023 – Mar. 2024
Microsoft (Aditi Consulting)

Program Manager for Microsoft CO+I DC IDEA Team

- Increase and direct the adoption of Azure DevOps Project Management processes by DC IDEA, DC Graph, and DC STREAM Teams, and provide comprehensive training and support geared to DC IDEA team needs.
- Review the existing Azure DevOps processes and align them with MS Eng WoW Processes.
- Provide Project Management Support for agile processes, scrum sessions, and OKR strategies to DC Graph and DC Stream teams.
- Thoroughly train teams on ADO and OKR Processes, define and identify Objectives and Key Results, and align work results from User Stories back up to OKRs.
- Integrate Viva Goals into the existing ADO Organization and ensure seamless integration.
- Update team WIKI and other ADO processes and guidance documentation to reflect the latest changes and developments.

Aug 2021 – Sept. 2022
Microsoft (Aditi Consulting)

Program Manager for AHA, AI + Cloud, AI Frameworks

AHA AI Teams, AI Frameworks Teams

- Identify gaps, provide training, guidance, and mentor teams for best practices using Azure DevOps with Agile, Scrum, and Hybrid processes.
- Provide training and support for Azure DevOps process systems, Dashboards, TaskBoards, and Backlogs in Agile and Scrum for AI Teams.
- Customize Azure DevOps for Open Source AI Teams.

SCC Addendum Project

Work with cross-divisional teams to ensure Microsoft meets the EU Privacy requirements with all globally affected vendors.
- Creation of tracking and planning systems SharePoint, AzureDevOps, PowerBI, and Dashboards.
- Monitor track responses and provide FAQ and other documentation required.

April 2021 – Jul. 31, 2021
Microsoft (Aditi Consulting)

Program Manager: CHIE COGS Engineering

- Designed, Developed, and created custom Power BI dashboard solutions for all CHIE COGs Teams linked to Azure DevOps.
- Develop customized reporting, Requirements, and specification automation processes and tools (ADO, Word, OnePDM) for teams.
- Creation of Python tools to identify specifications and requirements in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Work with teams on Documentation, Dependency Automation, Processes, and driving open task items going into year-end planning.
- Define and promote Azure DevOps and Dependency, Requirements, and Specification processes for upcoming releases and documentation.
- Video and Remote training sessions on new tools and processes.

May 2018 – Jul. 31, 2020
Safran Aerospace

Contractor / Teams

- Work directly with teams to drive deliverables to Mexico and Internal Operations Teams.
- Provide direct support for day-to-day Cascade Tools production items.
- Derive and produce scheduled and weekly forecast items required for Pouring, Kardex Support, and forward Production teams.

Apr 2017 - Sep 2017
AT&T (Contractor)

Project Manager / Scrum Master

- Project Manager and Scrum Master on AT&T myAT&T (Digital Sales and Delivery) on Buy flow and Checkout experiences teams.

- Developed customized reporting, management, and analysis tools combining Azure DevOps, JIRA, specialized data structures, Excel, and Pivot Table analysis into Dashboards, Power BI, and SharePoint reports.

Jan 2016 - Oct 2016
AT&T (Amdocs)

Release Program Manager

- Manage a portfolio of projects for all AT&T Delivery Services for 2016 ECOMP Release points.
- Conducted business reviews, surveys, risk assessments, issue analyses, and inventory backlog for releases covering 75 teams.
- Release Program Manager for 1604, 1607, 1610, and 1702 releases for ECOMP, focusing on release scheduling assignment, planning, backlog, and feature traffic control for the 70+ teams bringing features for release.
- Provided status, messaging content, and materials for executives and departments for bi-weekly C-Level reporting.
- Maintain and Update SharePoint / 0365 / Power BI Release sites for critical stakeholders.
- Work with Domain 2.0 Ecomp teams to promote and evangelize the release chain process for cross-functional and development group onboarding.
- Promote, plan, and assist with training and mentoring 70+ teams from Waterfall to Agile process.

Jul 2014 - Jan 2016
Microsoft (Artech / Accenture)

Program Manager - MSCIS/MSCIT Teams

- Program Manager for joint-venture partnership between Microsoft and China to bring the first game consoles and games to that country.
- PM over Global FMV Transition updating Microsoft Global supply chain SAP system while simultaneously swapping Global carrier systems for all MS products.
- Provided traffic control, direction, information gathering, risk/issue determination, analysis, design, and support for multiple interweaved cross-department project roadmaps.
- Project to update Corporate Interlink between UPS (and other global carriers) to FMV Carrier Instant Information Awareness and Microsoft Logistics Systems.
- Work directly with Engineers from Business and logistics teams and vendors from the Factory floor to final product destinations for all Microsoft products globally (Xbox, Surface, Software).
Collaborate with the MS, Volume Licensing, Finance, and Logistics teams to ensure vendor process compliance and ensure all MS Products meet their respective delivery gates.
- Develop PMO and SAP best practice frameworks, services, and features for future logistics and partnerships projects and forward roadmap planning.
- Create, maintain, and work with Azure DevOps, TFS, SharePoint, and Office 365 (O365) repositories.

Feb 2014 - Apr 2014
Microsoft (Avanade)

Program Manager

Program Manager for ECIT OEM Engineering. - Consultant to guide and help develop the FY2015 budgeting and security compliance for ECIT Engineering.

Sep 2012 - Dec 2013
AT&T (Insight Global)

Business Analyst / SME

Developed business and software requirements and authored custom tools and documentation for Premier Integration Online Test Tool, the online version of the tool I created for AT&T in 2008.

Jul. 8, 2012 - Sep 2012
Channel Services Group (CSG)

User Experience Evangelist for Microsoft Windows 8

- Mentor and guide / improve app quality to external partner Developers on Windows 8 Apps for the Windows 8 release date to go live.
- Provide Design and Development suggestions, changes, and direct guidance to 3rd party developers.
- Evangelized UX design goals and reviewed submitted apps to MS Store.
- Consulted and provided training & mentorship on Windows Modern (formerly Metro) Design for app developers.

Oct 2011 - Jun 2012
Program Manager

Microsoft (Aditi Consulting)

Designed and created reporting and analytics tools for Windows Azure Fabric Team to analyze incoming errors and processes and create automation rule structures into correct responses for operations teams.

Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Microsoft (Chameleon)

Program Manager

- Program Manager / Scrum Master for SDLC and UAT environments for the Global Networking Services Tools Team.
- Designed and developed custom reporting and analytics tools to handle automated reporting to management on Projects across the GNS Tools teams.

Nov 2008 - Apr 2010
AT&T (Insight Global)

Product Manager

- Product Manager handling support, testing, and technical Design for AT&T Wireless Premier eCommerce Integration working with Vendors and Business Customers to connect with AT&T systems through 3rd Party eCommerce Processing.
- Author/Creator: Premier Integration Test Tool (PITT)

Oct 2007 - Oct 2008
Microsoft (Volt)

Program Manager with Design and Development teams (internal and vendors) for Hardware, HID drivers, Audio, Display, Keyboard, Power, and BIOS of the OLPC XO-1 running Windows XP Professional OS and applications specific to the (One Laptop Per Child) OLPC XO-1 laptop.

Apr 2006 - Sep 2007
Microsoft (Microsoft FTE)

Program Manager

Program Manager for the Windows International Localization Tools Team
- PM for recycling strategies and tools for the LocTools platform.
- PM for UI on LCXAdmin, LocStudio, and LocProject 6.0 and 6.1 releases.

May 2005 - Oct 2005
Sun Microsystems

SME Microsoft Platform Technology

SME for Project Dream

Provided design consulting to allow existing SUN applications to operate on Microsoft OS and Linux environments and provide parity in Solaris Operating Systems with Windows OS and Linux systems.

1997 - 2005
IBM

Sr. IT Specialist / Architect / Program Manager

- Lead Tool Application Developer for VSA Tools (RT Audit, WinAudit, and WinCWA).

- Sr. IT Specialist for multiple IBM External Clients. - Provided Application, Architectural, and Development Specialist Consulting for American Express, Avaya, Bank One, Johnson & Johnson, Lucent Technologies, Rational Software, State of California, NBA, and Sony for eCommerce and Critical situation issues.

SEPT. 11, 2001 – IBM Emergency Response SWAT TEAM
Selected to work onsite and provide 'boots on the ground' IT technical skills and Onsite Emergency Response for IBM Customers and businesses directly affected or destroyed in the 9/11 World Trade Center collapse.
Consulted and worked onsite with affected businesses and customers, alongside Federal, State, and IBM Internal IT teams, to restore applications and systems critical for Wall Street financial services and online systems after the attack and restore financial operations to Wall Street within a 14-day window.

1997-2001
Designed and developed multiple help desk tools, processes, and back-end systems for the desktop and web applications known as "Webmonitor" and "I-MAC."
- Special Consultant on High-Priority Crisis Issues for C Class scale Web Transitions, Performance, and Database Issues for high-profile customers on demand.

- Author of "IBM Windows IIS Server Performance Hacks and Tweaks", a 2001 White Paper.

Weird Stuff Not On my Regular Resume...

2006

Created Localization Software for Blood Transfusion Machines

Gambro via LionBridge

Contracted by Gambro through LionBridge to complete software developed by a vendor that - did not complete the job, allowing Blood Transfusion machines to boot up in whatever native language / Interface, reducing the time needed to get them to where they were needed.  I was able to reverse engineer the existing code and then complete the project to get their software completed. 

2004

Penetration Tester with Covert Entry Expertise

I no longer use my knowledge or take work as a "physical entry penetration tester with nondestructive covert entry" skills. It's a lot of work to do it properly; professionally, it requires liability insurance and bonds and expensive certifications that should be updated annually. 

2003

Created WinAudit 2.0 - Passive Scanning Security Auditing System for IBM

IBM Global Services

The original WinAudit tool was designed for individual Windows NT Units. I was asked to code a version that passively (without System Administrators' knowledge) scans all Windows machines, servers, desktops, etc., on a network, tests, detects, and quietly records all vulnerabilities, and issues a report either to System Ops or Admins.  

1997

I have an IMDB Listing and Screen Credit for work in Horror MoviesI

Lexyn / Empire Entertainment

I worked for Lexyn/Empire Entertainment and was the Assistant Property Master for the Movie "Prison" starring Viggo Mortenson and Kane Hodder (Jason - Friday the 13th / Michael Myers - Halloween).  

(My actual degree work was in Film and Television.)

1980s

Radio DJ for AM and FM Radio Stations

KRKK / KQSW

I earned money for College by working as a weekend Newscaster and late night Disc Jockey for 1360 KRKK -AM and 96.5 KQSW - FM radio.

Program Mgmt

Program / Project / Product Managment

90%

OKRs and RoadMaps

75%

Planning & Execution

88%

Processess: Agile / Safe / Scrum / Kan Ban / Lean

88%

Team Tools: Azure DevOps / JIRA

90%

Communications Planning, Execution, Reporting

100%

UX/UI Design

85%

Tools: Excel, Power BI, Power Point

75%

Alt. Processes: Hybrid / Waterfall / Six Sigma / Extreme / Critical Path

75%

Development / Coding Skills

C# / .NET

80%

MS SQL

72%

MYSQL

65%

JavaScript

85%

HTML / CSS

95%

VB / VBA / Power Shell

77%

DAX

65%

XML

77%

KUSTO

45%

PHP

70%

Python

60%

Perl

50%

eCommerce: EDI / cXML / Punchout

85%

Design Skills

UX/UI Design

80%

Print Design

45%

Logo / Brand Design

80%

Graphic Design

90%

Product Design

55%

Adobe Photoshop

95%

Adobe Premier

60%

Adobe After Effects

85%

Adobe Illustrator

65%

Portfolio

My Works
Media Project 2

Media Project 2

Media
Mockup Design 1

Mockup Design 1

Mockups
YouTube Video 1

YouTube Video 1

YouTube Videos
Media Project 1

Media Project 1

Media

Contact

Get in Touch

425-760-3549

Tulalip, WA

raj@rjakobson.com

Freelance Available

How Can I Help You?