In our latest episode of Workday Gold, I reconnected with Joe Jackson, a 16-year Workday veteran who’s been a client, consultant, and manager. Joe was the implementation partner project manager for my very first Workday implementation at Wycliffe – we went live on July 4th, 2015, coming up on our 10-year anniversary!

What makes Joe’s perspective so valuable is his unique journey through every side of the Workday ecosystem. If you’re wondering about making a career move, his insights are gold.

The Management Reality Check

We discussed the transition to management – something many aspire to without understanding what it entails. Joe’s perspective was helpful: “Managing people is a skill set. Sometimes people don’t want to tell someone what to do, but that’s part of the job.”

His least favorite part? Performance reviews. “I believe in instantaneous feedback. I’m going to tell you directly if I hear areas of constructive criticism.”

Be open to change. What I appreciated about Joe’s perspective is recognizing that stepping back from management isn’t stepping down – it’s choosing what energizes you.

The Power of Networking

Perhaps the most practical advice Joe shared was about networking. When his position was eliminated last year, he posted on LinkedIn that he was looking for work. The response was immediate – people reaching out with opportunities and connections.

“Companies aren’t loyal to you,” Joe noted. “I’m a number on a spreadsheet, but I’m loyal to people.” His approach? Be willing to help others out. “What you give out in the world will come back to you.” The result of helping many people over the years in the Workday ecosystem was that, when he lost his job last year, many people wanted to help him out. 

Building Your Contingency Plan

Joe’s career security philosophy resonated with me. He’s always had a contingency plan, such as early in his career, keeping his chauffeur’s license in New York just in case. His advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t be a one-trick pony.”

The most valuable professionals have cross-experience. Having been both customer and consultant, Joe can tell end users, “I was in your chair no more than six months ago.” That helped build credibility, which is huge when understanding pain points and designing solutions.

Whether you’re considering a move from customer to consultant, thinking about management, or future-proofing your career, Joe’s journey offers valuable lessons. The key is staying connected to people, being open to different experiences, and always having a plan B.

Thanks to Joe for sharing his insights and helping shape my own Workday path. You can connect with him on LinkedIn. He’s always happy to share guidance.