About Erik T. Kaiser

Leader, innovator, analyst, designer, problem solver, enabler, communicator.

Summary

I am a transplant from New York City living in Philadelphia, and just completed a degree in Business Information Systems at Lehigh University, a ‘top 25’ research institution located in Bethlehem, PA. For more information on my coursework, check this out.

I have recently accepted an offer as an Analyst at a Fortune 500 global consulting company and I will be working in systems integration and technology.

I finished school in December 2009, and I now have the ability to use my track record of problem solving, innovation, enterprise systems, and e-business savvy to help advance the bottom line of companies in cross-functional technological areas. I have a unique background in creative technology and people leadership–which brings my communication ability and technical expertise together to form a skill-set that uniquely adds value to innovative forward thinking companies.

The Past

I started my career in 2003, when I moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn to follow my dream of becoming a photographer. I quickly realized I had an eye for interesting and “moment in time” composition, and entered the photo-industry trying to make my mark.

I moved to Manhattan and had photography agreements with Corbis and the Patrick McMullan Company. With their sales of my work, I have been published in international periodicals including: Vogue, W, Elle Decor, New York Magazine, and the New York Times, to name a few.

While the photo industry was a fast and fun lifestyle, I quickly realized that I primarily loved the technical aspect of being a photographer. Through this medium, I uncovered a thirst for three things: standards, design and functionality.

Enter: Technology

Photography allowed me to explore my creative side, but I was always wanting more–whether it was learning the inner workings of how the camera operated or the technical details behind submitting my photos to agencies or optimizing my work flows for the editorial teams – I was always in search of something else to keep my mind occupied.

During early 2006, while still photographing I joined am innovative fortune 100 firm, Apple, and found my calling in leadership and technology. I rose through the ranks, and used my tenure at the company to develop my leadership and team building skill-set as a Lead Specialist and Manager with a focus in People Leadership.

With this world class firm, I have developed strong capabilities in management, a diverse knowledge around technology and customer focus, skills in change management processes and a love of learning. I needed to constantly innovate in order to fulfill my duties in a constantly changing and challenging environment. My experiences at Apple have been invaluable.

Lehigh University

In September 2007, I realized that my thirst for “more” was really my need to return to Lehigh University and build my expertise around information systems, an area that I was well suited for. I asked my General Manager for a transfer, and began the steps to further my career aspirations.

With a letter to the Dean of Students and a thirst for knowledge, I was determined to go further with my education and make my mark in an industry where my talents would be optimized by my personality and people skills. With that understanding clearly defined, I embarked on an ambitious plan to marry my right and left brain, and left Manhattan for Pennsylvania in order to use my time at Lehigh as a jumping block for an inevitable career in business systems consulting. My university experience created a strong foundation in hard skills: information management and systems technology.

I was selected by Lehigh as a Dean’s Scholar for academic excellence and demonstrated  leadership.  I was also highly active on campus, with memberships on various councils including holding the position of President of the University Residence Hall Association; Adjudicating Member of the University Committee on Discipline; Parliamentarian of the Lehigh University Student Senate; Senator on the Lehigh University Student Senate; and a Diversity Advocate for the Dean of Multicultural Affairs & Dean of Students Office. I was also a Student Consultant for the Lehigh University Management Assistance Council through the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.

In March of 2010, the business information systems faculty awarded me the “Society of Information Management Future Leader’s Award.”

Career

Moving from New York City to Bethlehem, PA in January 2008, I had the opportunity to study what I love – technology – while working full time for Apple. My management experience allowed me to manage a $MM+ business while focusing on my soft skills and developing core competencies in people leadership and driving results with an eclectic high performing, client focused team.

And Now…

As a natural problem solver, I realized I am adept at uncovering opportunities that may exist in complex systems, and can effectively communicate the need for change along with possible solutions. This ability has served me well personally and professionally, and I thirsted for the opportunity to use these skills to help companies optimize their business practices and technology on a larger scale.

I now have the opportunity to use this skill in a consulting capacity while working with diverse teams on systems based projects. I recently accepted a position as Analyst at a Fortune 500 global management consulting, and technology consulting company, and will be based out of Philadelphia, PA. My focus will be in Systems Integration and Technology.

What Drives Me

I am driven by my passion for technology and innovation. I thrive in problem solving environments, and I pride myself on my ability to work hard and produce a quality product while under pressure. My professional interests include innovation, cloud computing, and enterprise systems with a focus on developing sustainable solutions for today’s most complex problems.

You can read more about my views on social media, technology, and enterprise @bravo on Twitter or on Tumblr.

Personal Likes

I feel my design and inspiration have been influenced by the great minds of a few visionaries. They include artists: Jack Pierson, Matthew Barney, John Currin, Jeff Koons, & Sean Mellyn; Fashion Icons: Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe, Stefano Pilati, & Tom Ford; Photographers: Cindy Sherman, Larry Clark, Bernd & Hilla Becher; and Industrial Designers: Dieter Rams, and Jonathan Ive.

About the Site

I feel my design and inspiration have been influenced by the great minds of a few visionaries. They include artists: Jack Pierson, Matthew Barney, John Currin, Jeff Koons, & Sean Mellyn; Fashion Icons: Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe, Stefano Pilati, & Tom Ford; Photographers: Cindy Sherman, Larry Clark, Bernd & Hilla Becher; and Industrial Designers: Dieter Rams, and Jonathan Ive.

Legal Boiler Plate

Notice: The views, content, and writing herein are my own, and do not necessarily represent the official position or views of my current, past, or future employers. While I make an effort to present useful information and analysis, I make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the site’s content. If you notice an error on the site, bring it to my attention and I will endeavor to fix it as soon as I can, however I accept no responsibility or liability for any damages incurred by following my advice, links, or my stance on any subject, technology or otherwise.