Meet the director whose taking ALKU to the Moon, James Cassin-Reed
What is your favorite podcast?
Oh, this is hard, most people know I am a podcast fanatic. I will filter it down to two, “Reply All” which is a podcast about the internet and technology but told through incredible stories. It has been one that I have been putting people onto for years, just really well done. The second is “Crime Show”, stories of crime told by the people who lived them, and the storytelling are very engaging.
Who would you want to have coffee with?
Denzel Washington. I have been the biggest fan of Denzel since I was a kid, and I think I would fanboy for the first 5-10 minutes but then have a really great conversation.
What ERGs are you a part of?
I am currently in Unity, State of Mind, and I am a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council Member!
What ALKU Gives Back events or programs have you participated in?
Right now, I am taking part in ALKU’s Pay it Forward program. Recently, I have done a VTO at the Boston Food Bank, and I am the Rodman Ride 3x Top Fundraiser *very happy and humblebrag*. I’ve always been such an advocate for giving back, and it’s so great working for a company that believes in it as well.
Are you involved in giving back in your local community?
Yes! I grew up in Nashua, NH and I try to find time to go back to work at the Nashua Soup kitchen or volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club. The last 7 years I lived in East Boston and spent time with a local neighborhood group picking up trash in our neighborhood and discussing community events. There is nothing better than networking and meeting new connections through service.
What’s your career theme song?
J. Cole – Grown Simba
My favorite part of the song…..
“Can’t tell you where I’m going, just know I won’t stop
Goodbye to the bottom, hello to the top”
What app can’t you live without?
Instagram. The internet remains undefeated, and whenever something happens in the world or pop culture, and I see a funny meme about it almost immediately after it happens, I get such a kick out of it. I think those who know me well know that I don’t take life too seriously!
What is your favorite office lunch spot?
Casablanca, its so slept on. I’m actually mad I am giving away my spot publicly.
What is your go-to pick from the snack closet?
Fruit Loops. It was my favorite cereal as a kid and the moment I saw it in the snack closet I almost passed out.
How do you Have Fun Working Hard™?
Screaming the lyrics to deal songs. Sometimes I put too much time and effort into thinking about what song will get the people going the most. Is it too early for this beat? Will this drop hit during our high fives? I’ve been known to dance on a desk or two (sorry Erin!)
What is your biggest career advice?
Once you learn something new, go apply it immediately! There have been so many meetings and conferences over the years that I have attended and taken notes on a particular topic I found relevant or helpful. My favorite thing was putting what I learned into practice when I could.
I have always told new hires to ALKU to make sure they aren’t afraid to try the things they learn in trainings, morning workouts, or development meetings the moment they get back to their desks. That’s how you grow and get better. Get comfortable with getting uncomfortable.
James’ Bio
James started with ALKU as an intern in 2012. He became a full-time employee in 2013 and proceeded to grow into one of the company’s top account managers before becoming a Sales Manager and then Senior Sales Manager. James started Workday as a true stand-alone division at the beginning of 2016. James’ ability to help develop and train individuals on both the sales and the recruiting sides of the desk, has been a major factor for the success he has had with the ERP brand. His positive outlook, approach, and enthusiasm are contagious, not only within the groups he works closest with, but the entire company. In James’ role as Director of ERP Sales, he is responsible for the growth and development of our ERP divisions leadership teams and account managers.