Consultant Spotlight: Michael – Piecing the Puzzle Together Through Industries

Astawa Alam
.
January 14, 2025
Consultant Spotlight: Michael – Piecing the Puzzle Together Through Industries

In the world of technology and marketing, some careers follow a straight line. Others, like Michael's, are more like an intricate puzzle—each piece representing a different industry, challenge, or innovation that comes together to form something remarkable. From growing up overseas to pioneering data solutions in American finance, Michael's story is one of transformation, adaptability, and the art of finding the right fit.

Global Roots, American Dreams

While his classmates chose private institutions, Michael charted a different course. Growing up overseas gave him a unique perspective on the American experience—one he was determined to embrace fully at Florida State University. It wasn't just about getting an education; it was about immersing himself in the full tapestry of American college life.

The First Piece: Ad Tech Foundations

In the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., Michael found his first professional home in financial publishing. Here, he wasn't just learning the ropes—he was helping reshape them. Diving deep into email marketing and audience analytics, he discovered his knack for modernizing digital platforms. Even as he balanced full-time work with graduate studies, Michael was laying the groundwork for a career that would span industries and innovations.

The Discover Chapter: Where Innovation Meets Strategy

Today, Michael stands at the crossroads of technology and strategy at Discover, a position that began through Blend's consulting opportunities. As part of a specialized ad tech team, he's not just implementing solutions—he's pioneering them. From building customer data platforms to establishing clean rooms for data analysis, Michael is helping write the future of financial industry technology.

"I enjoy being at the intersection of technology and strategy," Michael shares, his eyes lighting up. "Every day brings a new challenge, and it keeps the work exciting."

The collaborative spirit at Discover has become the melody to Michael's innovation symphony. As internal consultants, his team doesn't just navigate new technological landscapes—they map them. What started as a consulting role through Blend evolved into a full-time position with Discover, a testament to both his capabilities and Blend’s commitment to creating lasting opportunities.

Finding Balance in the Sunshine State

When COVID-19 rewrote the rules of workplace dynamics, Michael saw an opportunity. Relocating to Florida wasn't just about chasing sunshine—it was about building stronger family bonds. Remote work became the bridge between professional excellence and personal presence, allowing his children to grow up with their grandparents nearby.

"Working remotely has given me the chance to be more present with my family," Michael reflects. "It's a balance I didn't realize I needed until now."

The Consultant's Toolkit

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Michael's advice is refreshingly practical. Success in consulting isn't about having all the answers—it's about knowing how to find them. Whether it's leveraging Google, exploring YouTube, or simply asking the right questions, adaptability and resourcefulness are the true north of consulting success.

A Career in Five Industries

Like pieces of a complex puzzle, each industry in Michael's career—financial publishing, automotive, retail, healthcare, and financial services—has contributed to a larger picture. Each role has added new colors to his professional palette, new tools to his problem-solving arsenal.

The beauty of Michael's journey lies not just in its diversity but in its continuous evolution. From modernizing email platforms in D.C. to pioneering data solutions at Discover, from international upbringing to American education, from consultant to full-time innovator—each transition has been a piece fitting perfectly into the puzzle of his career.  

As he looks ahead, Michael's story reminds us that the most interesting careers aren't always linear—they're a thoughtful collection of experiences, each one enriching the next. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, he stands ready for whatever piece comes next, knowing that adaptability and curiosity will always light the way forward.

In the world of technology and marketing, some careers follow a straight line. Others, like Michael's, are more like an intricate puzzle—each piece representing a different industry, challenge, or innovation that comes together to form something remarkable. From growing up overseas to pioneering data solutions in American finance, Michael's story is one of transformation, adaptability, and the art of finding the right fit.

Global Roots, American Dreams

While his classmates chose private institutions, Michael charted a different course. Growing up overseas gave him a unique perspective on the American experience—one he was determined to embrace fully at Florida State University. It wasn't just about getting an education; it was about immersing himself in the full tapestry of American college life.

The First Piece: Ad Tech Foundations

In the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., Michael found his first professional home in financial publishing. Here, he wasn't just learning the ropes—he was helping reshape them. Diving deep into email marketing and audience analytics, he discovered his knack for modernizing digital platforms. Even as he balanced full-time work with graduate studies, Michael was laying the groundwork for a career that would span industries and innovations.

The Discover Chapter: Where Innovation Meets Strategy

Today, Michael stands at the crossroads of technology and strategy at Discover, a position that began through Blend's consulting opportunities. As part of a specialized ad tech team, he's not just implementing solutions—he's pioneering them. From building customer data platforms to establishing clean rooms for data analysis, Michael is helping write the future of financial industry technology.

"I enjoy being at the intersection of technology and strategy," Michael shares, his eyes lighting up. "Every day brings a new challenge, and it keeps the work exciting."

The collaborative spirit at Discover has become the melody to Michael's innovation symphony. As internal consultants, his team doesn't just navigate new technological landscapes—they map them. What started as a consulting role through Blend evolved into a full-time position with Discover, a testament to both his capabilities and Blend’s commitment to creating lasting opportunities.

Finding Balance in the Sunshine State

When COVID-19 rewrote the rules of workplace dynamics, Michael saw an opportunity. Relocating to Florida wasn't just about chasing sunshine—it was about building stronger family bonds. Remote work became the bridge between professional excellence and personal presence, allowing his children to grow up with their grandparents nearby.

"Working remotely has given me the chance to be more present with my family," Michael reflects. "It's a balance I didn't realize I needed until now."

The Consultant's Toolkit

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Michael's advice is refreshingly practical. Success in consulting isn't about having all the answers—it's about knowing how to find them. Whether it's leveraging Google, exploring YouTube, or simply asking the right questions, adaptability and resourcefulness are the true north of consulting success.

A Career in Five Industries

Like pieces of a complex puzzle, each industry in Michael's career—financial publishing, automotive, retail, healthcare, and financial services—has contributed to a larger picture. Each role has added new colors to his professional palette, new tools to his problem-solving arsenal.

The beauty of Michael's journey lies not just in its diversity but in its continuous evolution. From modernizing email platforms in D.C. to pioneering data solutions at Discover, from international upbringing to American education, from consultant to full-time innovator—each transition has been a piece fitting perfectly into the puzzle of his career.  

As he looks ahead, Michael's story reminds us that the most interesting careers aren't always linear—they're a thoughtful collection of experiences, each one enriching the next. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, he stands ready for whatever piece comes next, knowing that adaptability and curiosity will always light the way forward.

Download your e-book today!