A thought on change, on people, on friends.

Some people have noted that we’ve had some changes around Dell EMC. And, yes, some people have chosen to do different things, while some new people have stepped in.   It’s frankly an internal topic, but we live in a world where the line between internal and external is blurry.  

I tend to bias to openness and transparency (wherever I can - obviously confidential info is confidential).

During times of great change – there will always be people who choose that their personal journey takes them in a different direction. They do it for different reasons – each deeply personal, and as unique as each human.

Here’s what I think, here’s what I feel:

1. There’s a part of change that makes one feel sad. I’m sad to see my friends and colleagues leave. I’ve worked with some colleagues for years.   When they choose to leave, I sincerely thank them for all they have done, I sincerely will miss them, and I sincerely wish them the best in their new adventures. Life is too short to not be all in, every day.
2. There’s a part of change that makes one feel awesome and excited! A dynamic landscape is the crucible for opportunity.  I’m so excited for the opportunity that these changes opens up for others – when organizations get too static (at every level), opportunities for people to grow, to develop start to close (bad) versus opening up (good!).   Through these changes many, many others have gotten new or expanded roles are also good people and great friends – and this change represents a huge opportunity for them. 
3. I think we have an incredible bench. There are so many talented people that when a change like this occurs – we can quickly bring incredible new talent (including ~20 year veterans) to bear. They can have the same impact that I’ve seen this year by cross-pollinating great leaders into all parts of the business I’m fortunate enough to lead in the Converged Platform and Solutions Team.

Some have asked me how I feel – as in me personally.   I’ll tell you :-)

I’m in. I’m all in. I’m in it to win it. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll need to be dragged off the field!

There are times in your life where you have a shot, and I believe this is one of those times:

• I believe the opportunity that is ahead of us as Dell Technologies is virtually boundless.   
• I believe the learning I’m already experiencing (and I think we all are experiencing) will make me (and us) smarter.
• I believe the challenges I’m already experiencing (and I think we’re all experiencing) will make me (and us) stronger.
• I believe that we can do something as Dell Technologies that will be really cool – and will go down in the ages as one of those turning points in the story arc of IT history. I think people will do Harvard Business Review case studies about what we do or don’t do over the next few years.

I’m a fierce optimist – but I’m not delusional.  

This is going to be hard.

We are 120 days into a landmark merger – two industry mega players coming together and making “#1 in all things in 1 place”. It’s an awesome opportunity, and an awesome task.

Doing awesome things is NOT easy.

I accept that, I embrace that, I relish that. I want a challenge! I want to have a shot… a shot to do something really big, really cool. I want to be able to be a part of something where we can take that opportunity, that shot – and make of it what we will. That’s a test of character, a test of strength – for me, for you dear reader, for all of us. 

There will be others that choose another path – and that’s A-OK. I respect them a great deal. There is wisdom and strength to vote yourself off the island when it’s time to go. Life is short and glorious, and everyone needs a passion for what they do. If we don’t have a passion for the challenge, for the mission, then it’s time for change.

Personally, I think that Dell Technologies has a chance to do something really cool. I think that as part of Dell Technologies, Dell EMC also has that chance. I think that our team – the Converged Platform and Solutions team – I think we have a critical part to play as part of that Dell EMC team – no more than all our brothers and sisters in other parts of the Dell EMC team… but no less either.

The end of the year is a time for closing the quarter, winning with our customers and partners to be sure.

More importantly for the long game – the end of the year is also a time for reflection, family, and recharging. Recharge, and ask yourself: “Am I in?”. Ask yourself: “Am I all in – and in it to win it, through challenge and adversity?”  

There’s something really cool, really interesting being built right in front of us, by us, with our own hands – and if you like that – think about joining us :-)