WNiCF - Interview with TJ and Deana Solis - The social aspects of FinOps
Jun 30, 2024
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TJ Solis, an expert in FinOps, and Deana Solis, a seasoned professional, dive into the pivotal social dynamics within FinOps. They discuss how trust and communication enhance efficiency in financial operations. The duo emphasizes the need for finance professionals to grasp cloud technology's essence while fostering strong relationships. Anecdotes highlight how adaptable communication elevates analysts to leaders. They also address the balance of compliance and collaboration, along with the importance of personal well-being for success in the FinOps landscape.
Building social connections within FinOps roles enhances collaboration and fosters trust among team members from diverse backgrounds.
Effective communication and tailored engagement with various stakeholders are essential for successful collaboration in FinOps initiatives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Social Connections in FinOps
Building social connections within FinOps roles is essential for fostering trust and collaboration among team members. Many professionals in this space come from either finance or tech, which are fields often seen as lacking in social skills. Creating relationships enhances the ability to influence others and motivates them to embrace necessary changes and initiatives. Developing these social skills can lead to more effective communication and ultimately drive successful outcomes in projects.
Understanding Business Dynamics
Recognizing how different parts of the business interact is critical for FinOps professionals. They need to move beyond their technical knowledge to understand the business's financial aspects, including budgeting and forecasting. A successful FinOps lead must comprehend how their forecasts will affect broader business objectives and communicate these insights across various departments. Engaging with leadership and sales teams ensures that growth metrics align and prevents potential miscommunication in revenue expectations.
Proactive Forecasting and Managing Change
Proactive forecasting, particularly through unit-based forecasting, enables organizations to anticipate financial trends and plan accordingly. This includes accounting for organic growth, new workloads, and potential unforeseen expenditures linked to emerging technologies. Adopting a dynamic approach, similar to GPS recalibration, allows teams to adjust forecasts based on real-time data and events to remain accurate. Continuous monitoring and re-evaluating forecasts help maintain alignment with changing business priorities and drive better financial decisions.
Building Bridges Across Teams
Effective communication and relationship-building are vital for securing collaboration across different teams within an organization. Individuals in FinOps must tailor their communication styles to various stakeholders, such as engineers, finance personnel, and upper management, to ensure understanding and buy-in. Approaching relationships with curiosity and a personal touch can significantly enhance collaboration and minimize friction. Engaging with colleagues on a personal level can break down barriers and foster a more connected and productive work environment.
In this live episode, recorded at FinOps X 2024, we speak with TJ and Deana Solis about the social aspects of FinOps.
It is a real live episode with microphones not working, music being turned on, bar opening and more. I also had to use a 'beep' sound for the first time.
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