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.