Founder of Windward Consulting Group. In addition to Windward, Sean was the Founder and CEO of RealOps, Inc., the pioneer in enterprise management Run Book Automation solutions which was acquired by BMC. Before starting Windward, Sean held senior positions with Predictive Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton.
Our Leadership
Meet our Calmbitious crew.
Leaders who balance an exceptional commitment to achieving success with a balanced state of tranquility and ease.
A get-it-done culture. We don’t speak it, we live it.
We look beyond mere certifications to simply focus on the right people for the job. Who are they? For starters, camaraderie is critical—because we understand that partnership without politics goes further. We hold ourselves to incredibly high standards—and prove our credibility time after time.
We call this exacting, no-drama attitude “calmbitious.” Get to know the team that leads and embodies our culture.
Mafa Amr
General Manager
Mafa is responsible for revenue generation and sales opportunities, as well as overall P&L for all business units. Prior to rejoining Windward, Mafa held a Management position at Nexius Solutions, Booz Allen Hamilton and Predictive Systems and previously spent a decade with Windward where he led the Commercial Sales Team.
Charles Semones
VP of Revenue Growth
Charles is responsible for managing all staff and resources within the Enterprise Services vertical, as well as program and project delivery, and business development. Prior to joining Windward, Charles spent 26 years at Xerox, responsible for the development of network and monitoring technologies and product development.
Bill Driscoll
VP of Customer Success
Bill is responsible for business development, project delivery, partner management and team leadership for his clients in Windward’s Commercial Services business unit. Bill rejoined the Windward team with 20-years’ experience leading professional services teams, notably with SevOne, Capgemini, US Air Force and Windward, focused on intelligent and automated IT service and operations management.
Cody Jelinek
Managing Director - Operations
Cody is responsible for all talent acquisition and resource management. Prior to joining Windward, Cody held various senior positions in executive search firms where he oversaw and led successful recruiting departments. Cody brings extensive experience and expertise in Technical Recruiting, Customer Relationship Management, and IT Service Management.
Pete Tony
Chief Financial Officer
Pete is responsible for maximizing the return on financial assets by establishing financial controls, policies, procedures, and reporting systems. In addition, Pete monitors and confirms financial condition through both internal and external audits and achieves budget objectives by scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions. Prior to moving to the role as controller, Pete spent 15 years as the general accounting supervisor at Windward.
Michele Darwin
Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
Michele is responsible for Windward’s overall CSR strategy to identify, ideate and execute philanthropic, charitable and cause-related initiatives including the Windward Foundation. She maintains all donor and partner relations, fundraising and communications for the Windward Foundation and organizes the District Music Benefit, the foundation’s annual fundraiser. Previously, Michele spend 7 years leading marketing efforts for Windward Consulting Group.
Windward Achieves ServiceNow App Engine Product Line Achievement (PLA)
Windward Achieves ServiceNow App Engine Product Line Achievement (PLA)
Windward advances in the ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation Partner Program to help provide a robust platform for creating custom applications tailored to their specific needs.
Herndon, Virginia — April 16, 2024 — Windward today announced it has advanced in the ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation Partner Program to an App Engine PLA to help organizations establish a flexible, scalable, and efficient platform for building custom applications that drive digital transformation, improve operational agility, and enhance business outcomes. The partnership enables Windward to utilize its industry expertise and deep implementation knowledge to help customers accelerate digital transformation through the Now Platform.
The revamped ServiceNow Partner Program recognizes and rewards partners for their varied expertise and experience in driving opportunities, reaching new markets, and helping joint customers in their digital transformation efforts.
Windward is committed to helping IT departments evolve from cost centers into value drivers. ServiceNow App Engine enables organizations to develop high-impact applications that deliver improved operational efficiency and increased employee productivity while empowering development teams to adapt to evolving business needs easily.
“Unlocking the true potential of digital transformation with App Engine and AMS PLA within the Now Platform seamlessly bridges the gap between innovation and Service Reliability. The ServiceNow platform accelerates the journey towards unparalleled efficiency, agility, and customer satisfaction” – Charles Semones, VP of Solutions.
“As a Consulting and Implementation Partner, Windward’s expertise in consulting and implementation focused on Service Reliability is essential to scaling and extending ServiceNow solutions to new markets,” said Michael Khoury, senior director of partner programs at ServiceNow. “We are thrilled to partner with Windward to deliver a seamless experience to solve some of our customers’ biggest digital transformation challenges.”
Consulting and implementation partners leverage industry or domain expertise to guide customers in introducing and utilizing ServiceNow solutions to help their businesses grow and succeed. Partners use ServiceNow resources to influence deals, track technology deployments, and drive the adoption of new solutions.
About Windward
Founded in 1997, Windward Consulting Group has worked with more than 500+ global enterprises, telecommunication providers, and the Federal Government. Our focus on IT service management, service deployment, and operations management makes us a unique partner for enabling IT Operations transformation across Commercial and Government clients.
ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, Now Platform, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Contact Information
Anne Standfest
anne.standfest@windward.com
Windward Achieves ServiceNow App Engine Product Line Achievement (PLA)
Balancing Corporate Efficiency and Security with Privacy in an AI and Security Environment with Scott Sereboff of Deeping Source
Balancing Corporate Efficiency and Security with Privacy in an AI and Security Environment with Scott Sereboff of Deeping Source
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Scott Sereboff is a veteran in the tech industry, with over 35 years of experience in building backend telecom networks, hyper-converged infrastructure, and the security industry. He is currently the General Manager of Deeping Source, a video surveillance and data anonymization company that utilizes AI. Scott is an advocate for AI and privacy, having developed a strong set of beliefs about the potential benefits and risks of AI. He is also the host of his own podcast, “The Privacy of Me,” where he discusses topics related to privacy and technology. Scott holds a degree from the University of Texas and is based in Austin.
In this episode of the Find Flow podcast, host Sean McDermott talks with Scott Sereboff about the applications of AI in the IT world and the potential unintended consequences that come with it. They discuss the use of AI in service reliability, including AIOps and SecOps, and how it can supplement human work. They also touch on the topic of AI replacing jobs and the potential for AI to replicate art. Finally, they delve into the issue of privacy in the age of AI, using the example of the White Castle lawsuit to highlight the need for caution.
In Today’s Episode:
- AI is a tool that can reflect the intentions behind its creation. When built to do good things, AI can help supplement human work and provide valuable insights for predictive analytics.
- The promise of AI in the IT world is its ability to handle the things we are inherently bad at, such as monitoring large networks and spotting patterns in data.
- While some jobs may be replaced or changed by AI, there is still a need for human emotion in fields such as art and music.
- The unintended consequences of AI can be seen in the White Castle lawsuit, where the collection of employee fingerprints has led to a privacy lawsuit.
- As AI continues to be integrated into various fields, it is important to consider its potential impact on privacy and take caution in its use.
Connect with Scott:
LinkedIn
Deeping Source
The Privacy of Me on YouTube
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
Balancing Corporate Efficiency and Security with Privacy in an AI and Security Environment with Scott Sereboff of Deeping Source
Gaining the Upper Hand in Business Through Strong GRC Frameworks
Gaining the Upper Hand in Business Through Strong GRC Frameworks
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If your organization is navigating the complexities of GRC, or you need deeper insights into effective GRC strategies, do not miss this enlightening discussion with Tim Gavino. Join us as we explore how aligning GRC frameworks with business operations can serve not only to comply with necessary regulations but also to secure a competitive advantage in your industry.
Today on Find Flow, we focus on the complex and ever-evolving landscape of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC). Joined by Tim Gavino, a seasoned expert in GRC from Windward Consulting, we dive deep into the current state of GRC, the challenges organizations face, and strategies for optimal GRC implementation. Whether dealing with multinational regulatory issues or aiming to leverage GRC as a competitive advantage, this discussion sheds light on practical approaches and the necessary adaptations in today’s fast-paced environments.
Tim Gavino is a Senior Architect at Windward Consulting who brings a decade of dedicated experience in GRC across various platforms and industries, including energy, financial services, and technology. His extensive work with Fortune 500 companies in highly complex environments has equipped him with a unique perspective on navigating and optimizing GRC frameworks to meet rigorous compliance requirements. Tim’s expertise is especially valuable in strategizing business continuity, policy compliance, and risk management to align with evolving regulatory landscapes.
“Companies are recognizing that strong GRC is not just a cost center but an accelerator for business.” – Tim Gavino
Today on Find Flow:
- The rising importance of adapting GRC frameworks to handle increased and changing regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.
- Overcoming challenges in GRC by implementing a centralized platform to manage risks and ensure compliance across different geographies.
- The significance of strategic investments in technologies and training to enhance organizational GRC capabilities.
- The role of AI and data analytics in advancing GRC practices by offering more streamlined and informed decision-making processes.
- The necessity of continuous monitoring and assessment to maintain an up-to-date and effective cybersecurity posture.
- Developing an integrated GRC platform that connects risks, controls, and assets improves visibility and control.
- Importance of employee training and awareness in minimizing risks like phishing attacks.
- Aligning GRC strategies with business objectives to transform GRC from a cost burden to a competitive differentiator.
Resources Mentioned:
– GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA Regulations Overview
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Please share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders like you.
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
Gaining the Upper Hand in Business Through Strong GRC Frameworks
Isaac Sacolick on Mastering IT Operations and Digital Innovation
Isaac Sacolick on Mastering IT Operations and Digital Innovation
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Isaac Sacolick, president of StarCIO, joins me in exploring the profound impact of digital transformation on IT operations. In our industry, the rapid evolution of technology, including cloud services and SaaS, has revolutionized how businesses operate, demanding a new level of agility and innovation in IT operations. From automation to AIops, the complexities of managing sophisticated technology systems are shaping a new era for IT leaders.
Isaac Sacolick, my guest this week, is the president of StarCIO and an influential voice in the IT and technology community. An accomplished author with notable works like “Driving Digital” and the upcoming “Digital Trailblazer,” Isaac offers a treasure trove of insights drawn from his extensive experience in overseeing digital transformations. His expertise is especially significant for CIOs and IT leaders aiming to navigate the intricate landscape of modern IT operations effectively.
“As leaders, we must embrace complexity with a strategic lens—
prioritizing what truly impacts our customer experience.”
– Isaac Sacolick
This week on Find Flow:
- The transformative role of cloud services and SaaS in IT operations.
- Challenges CIOs face in securing budgets for innovative technologies.
- The essential role of automation and DevOps tools in managing IT environments.
- The strategic implementation and benefits of AI Ops.
- How digital transformation reshapes industries like renewable energy, construction, and retail.
- The importance of aligning technology investments with customer impact and business strategy.
- Effective management and strategic planning reduce the complexity and stress in IT operations.
- The significance of Isaac Sacolick’s book “Digital Trailblazer” for transformation leaders.
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: “Driving Digital” by Isaac Sacolick
- Book: “Digital Trailblazer” by Isaac Sacolick
Connect with Isaac Sacolick:
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
Isaac Sacolick on Mastering IT Operations and Digital Innovation
An Examination: Integrating AI into Processes and Systems with “The Hawk Enigma” Author JL Hancock
An Examination: Integrating AI into Processes and Systems with “The Hawk Enigma” Author JL Hancock
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Jim “JL” Hancock spent 20 years in the military, where he worked as a cryptologist and the senior enlisted advisor over future concepts and innovation for the Navy special operations community. During his service, Jim has learned two languages – Korean and Japanese – conducted hundreds of combat operations with special operations forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, and became a well-known subject matter expert in unmanned systems, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on his education in national security studies and his experience in the military, Jim is now an author of fiction books that reflect the complexities of the modern world. His latest book, The Hawk Enigma, tells the story of a gifted military technician struggling with the harrowing memories of war and the emptiness of loss who buries himself in his work with a secretive military research operation, later finding himself on the front lines of an AI arms race with the future of freedom at stake. When he’s not writing or promoting his book, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters at their home in California.
JL Hancock joins me today to examine the integration of artificial intelligence into systems and processes within organizations. We discuss the challenges of applying AI to the DedSec Ops space and the cultural shifts that are currently taking place regarding the use of artificial intelligence. We discuss why many organizations, including the military, are hesitant about integrating artificial intelligence into their operations and the negative impact this resistance can have on their organization. We also discuss the role that artificial intelligence can play in the cybersecurity space and the benefits and vulnerabilities of combining humans with artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
This week on Find Flow:
- The challenges of applying AI in DedSec
- The cultural shifts currently occurring regarding the use of artificial intelligence
- The pitfalls of change resistance
- Why are many organizations resistant to integrating artificial intelligence?
- The role of AI in cybersecurity
- How A.I. and machine learning can help organizations scale things they’re already doing while continuing to learn from it
- The benefits and drawbacks of combining artificial intelligence and the human role of cybersecurity
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: Innovate or Die: Innovation and Technology for Special Operations by Dr. Robert Spulak
Connect with Jim “JL” Hancock:
- Jim “JL” Hancock’s Website
- Book: The Hawk Enigma
- Jim “JL” Hancock on Instagram
- Jim “JL” Hancock on Facebook
- Jim “JL” Hancock on Twitter
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
An Examination: Integrating AI into Processes and Systems with “The Hawk Enigma” Author JL Hancock
Governance in the ServiceNow World with Jonathan Alboum
Governance in the ServiceNow World with Jonathan Alboum
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Jonathan Alboum is an experienced IT leader with a wealth of knowledge in governance strategy. As a former CIO and current ServiceNow executive, Jonathan understands the importance of effective governance in maximizing the value of technology investments. With a focus on communication, collaboration, and aligning IT with business objectives, he shares valuable insights and practical advice for organizations striving to enhance their governance practices.
In this episode, Sean and Jonathan delve into the critical role of governance in IT and explore its impact on technology implementations. They emphasize the need for clear communication and understanding between technical and non-technical stakeholders to bridge the gap and ensure successful outcomes. Jonathan highlights the importance of distinguishing between platform managers and product managers in ServiceNow, shedding light on the significance of proper role allocation and demand management. Additionally, they discuss metrics for measuring the effectiveness of governance programs and the value they bring to organizations.
“I can tell you that one of the most important traits of a CIO or an IT leader is the ability to speak in common
language and be able to explain things in a non-technical way.”
~Jonathon Alboum
Today on Find Flow:
- The role of product management and its impact on prioritizing features and functionality.
- Challenges in communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- The need for liberal arts skills in organizations for effective communication.
- Differentiating between platform managers and product managers in ServiceNow.
- The importance of demand management and having a process for handling requirements.
- Metrics to measure the effectiveness of governance programs.
- The significance of adoption, training, and support tickets in evaluating success.
- Balancing the speed of implementation with thorough training and preparation.
Resources Mentioned:
- LinkedIn: Jonathan Alboum – Connect with Jonathan and explore his work at ServiceNow.
- ServiceNow – Visit the official ServiceNow website to learn more about their platform and solutions.
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders like you.
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Governance in the ServiceNow World with Jonathan Alboum
Observability and AI Ops with Travis Greene
Observability and AI Ops with Travis Greene
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“Observability is the destination, and AI Ops is the journey.”
– Travis Greene
Today, we dive deep into the intricacies of IT Operations Management (ITOM) with my guest, Travis Greene, from OpenText. Travis brings a wealth of experience and insights into how automation, AI Ops, and cloud management reshape the IT operations landscape. As organizations grapple with the rapid technological transformation, Travis’s expertise illuminates a path forward that integrates these new tools effectively, ensuring operational efficiency and preparing businesses for future technological demands.
Travis Greene is a seasoned IT management professional, currently serving as a Senior Product Manager at Micro Focus. Now Sr. Director of Product Marketing for OpenText IT Operations Management solutions, with a career spanning over 19 years through various acquisitions, including NetIQ, Attachmate, Novell, and HP Software, Travis has a profound understanding of IT service management, AI Ops, cloud management, and governance tools. His role ensures that firms survive and thrive amid the technological shifts that define modern IT operations. Travis has been pivotal in communicating and implementing ITOM solutions that address critical market demands throughout his journey.
“Observability is the destination, and AI Ops is the journey.”
– Travis Greene
This week on Find Flow:
- The significance of unified platforms in managing IT operations transformation
- How automation through operations orchestration is revolutionizing IT services
- The strategic role of optic platforms in integrating operations, intelligence, and cloud services
- The necessity of building trust in AI to enhance operational reliability
- The evolving implications of cloud technology on operational roles
This week on Find Flow:
- The significance of unified platforms in managing IT operations transformation
- How automation through operations orchestration is revolutionizing IT services
- The strategic role of optic platforms in integrating operations, intelligence, and cloud services.
- The necessity of building trust in AI to enhance operational reliability
- The evolving implications of cloud technology on operational roles
Resources Mentioned:
Optic Data Lake
Tableau
Microsoft BI Tools
Connect with Travis:
OpenText
Travis Greene on LinkedIn
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders like you.
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
Observability and AI Ops with Travis Greene
Unpacking AIOPs: The Future of IT Operations with Isaac Sacolick
Unpacking AIOPs: The Future of IT Operations with Isaac Sacolick
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“A leader’s vision in digital transformation can either propel a company forward or leave it behind.” – Isaac Sacolick
Today, my guest, Isaac Sacolick, and I delve into the increasingly sophisticated world of AI Ops and the transformative role of leadership in IT. We discuss the strategic integration of AI Ops into business operations and the evolution of IT leadership roles in response to dynamic technological landscapes. Our conversation covers the intertwining of machine learning with IT operations to enhance performance and reliability, highlighting the critical importance of visionary leadership in fostering innovative technological environments.
Isaac Sacolick is the president of Star CIO and a recognized thought leader in transforming IT operations and implementing digital strategies. He has led numerous successful digital transformations, advocates for agile, lean, and data-driven cultures, and is a prolific blogger and keynote speaker. He is also the author of “Driving Digital” and the upcoming book “Digital Trailblazer,” which aims to guide IT leaders to become transformational figures in their organizations.
“A leader’s vision in digital transformation can either propel a company forward or leave it behind.” – Isaac Sacolick
This week on Find Flow:
- The role of AIops in simplifying IT operations.
- Strategic leadership in digital transformation.
- The impact of technological evolution on traditional business models.
- Importance of a unified vision for IT operational management.
- The role of machine learning and automation in operational efficiency.
- Challenges in integrating new technologies with legacy systems.
- How to effectively manage and leverage digital transformation.
- Key strategies for CIOs in leading transformative IT initiatives.
Resources Mentioned:
“Digital Trailblazer” by Isaac Sacolick Book:
“Driving Digital” by Isaac Sacolick
Connect with Isaac Sacolick:
Star CIO
Isaac Sacolick on X
“Digital Trailblazer”
Explore Leadership and Innovation in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Find Flow. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you like to listen.
Join us again as we continue to provide insights that help IT leaders and professionals streamline operations and amplify their leadership impact. Stay connected and be inspired to find your flow in IT operations and beyond.
Please share this episode with your network and keep the conversation about transformational IT leadership alive on your social platforms.
Find Your Flow in IT Operations
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.
Unpacking AIOPs: The Future of IT Operations with Isaac Sacolick
Sean McDermott
President & CEO 
Mafa Amr
General Manager 
Nichole
Kelly
Vice President of Marketing 
Charles Semones
Vice President of Sales 
Cody Jelinek
Managing Director - Operations 
Michele Darwin
Director of Social Responsibility 
Pete Tony
Controller 
Bill Driscoll
VP of Customer Success 
