We put Senior Director of Healthcare IT and Cybersecurity Sales, Michael O’Brien in the hot seat to ask him our burning questions. Scroll to learn more about Michael inside and outside of ALKU!
What is your favorite podcast?
My favorite podcast must be Radio Rental. I am a huge fan of The Office, and Rainn Wilson, who plays my favorite character in the show, Dwight. Rainn is the narrator, and this one will keep you on your toes. It is true stories about WILD stuff that has happened in people’s lives, and if I have a long drive, that is undoubtedly my go-to! So give it a shot if you can handle some spookiness!!
Who would you want to have coffee with?
This is a tough one. I have always wanted to sit down with Colin Kaepernick and ask him so many questions. In my lifetime, I consider him one of the most significant civil rights activists. I feel like there is so much more to his story than what has been shared in the media. I’d love some one-on-one time with Colin.
What ERGs are you a part of?
I’ve sat proudly on ALKU’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council since its inception. I am a member of the subcommittee that we call the Attraction and Recruitment Committee, whose focus is to help create a more diverse workplace at ALKU. I am also a member of the Parents ERG, which allows parents, expecting parents, and anyone who may have any thoughts or questions about parenthood to be a member. Shout out to the cutest little baby ever, my son Julien O’Brien!
What ALKU Gives Back events or programs have you participated in?
I have worked at ALKU for over 11 years, so I have had the opportunity to work with the Mass Mentoring Partnership since I started. Participating in the Rodman Ride for Kids has been an incredible experience for me and hundreds of the ALKrew over the years. We have raised a ton of money for a great organization. (Still trying to beat Mark in the 25-mile race). I have also volunteered with multiple colleagues with the Special Olympics via ALKU, which was an extremely rewarding experience. When I moved down to North Carolina, we also started to form partnerships with similar organizations in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Are you involved in giving back to your local community?
ALKU has done a great job at helping us identify areas and organizations where we can help the local community. I have volunteered at Lazarus House, a soup kitchen in Lawrence that is near our office, and things like that. In addition, some events could use assistance from a monetary perspective that people share within the company. Some examples are mental illness, Black Lives Matter, Planned Parenthood, and veteran charities. All of which I am always happy to be a part of donating to.
What’s your career theme song?
“Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar ft. Lucenzo! I came out to this song in the first inning every time I pitched in college baseball, and it has just stuck. You can’t not dance to this one. Also, I was a DJ in my younger days, and this song rips!
What app can’t you live without?
ESPN… have to check the scores!
What is your favorite office lunch spot?
Andover – D’Agostino’s, my go-to is the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub.
Franklin – Bishops, my go-to is the Country Fried Chicken, but if you get the hot version, you’re sweating the rest of the day; go mild, trust me.
Charlotte – TIE between ACP @ Azteca & Firebirds Spicy Chicken Pasta.
What is your go-to pick from the snack closet?
Skittles or peanuts depending on mood.
How do you Have Fun Working Hard™?
Celebrate the small victories! This job can be demanding and challenging at times. However, I was able to get through the more challenging times when people would show excitement towards me for not only the vast successes that I had accomplished but also the little things, so I try to pay that forward!
What is your biggest career advice?
Have trust in your mentors, managers, and leaders. We are all trying to become the world’s biggest and best staffing company!
Michael’s Bio:
Michael came to ALKU in 2011 as an Account Manager within the ALKU Technologies division. Having previously worked as a sales representative, Michael could leverage his natural ability and drive to succeed to excel in this role quickly. In addition, his dedication, attitude, and passion led him to the SAP and Oracle Sales Manager position.
As Senior Director of Healthcare IT and Cybersecurity Sales, Michael will lead the entire Salesforce within the Healthcare IT, Cybersecurity, and Data Science brand.