Background: K-12 Enterprise Forms and Workflow

When I joined Clevr as the interim CTO/CIO, the primary objective was clear: stabilize and enhance the performance of the K-12 Enterprise Forms and Workflow platform. The project spanned two years, during which I focused on reining in product stability and performance, implementing product governance, and addressing the root causes of technical issues.

The initial phase involved diagnosing significant performance issues, particularly related to database and report processing. Through a combination of load testing, performance tuning, and the implementation of caching systems, along with an improved architecture for report processing, we achieved substantial improvements in server performance. Instrumentation of the platform provided critical data, enabling us to uncover and address various issues that had plagued the application.

A major milestone was the development and rollout of a new report processing architecture, which contributed to a more stable and scalable system. Additionally, we developed and released an automated smoke testing system and a suite of performance tests, significantly enhancing our quality control measures. Conducting data performance analysis allowed us to detect performance bottlenecks and measure improvements effectively.

Strategically, I played a key role in developing and sharing an achievable product roadmap, which was well-received by clients at several provincial user groups. This roadmap guided our efforts and aligned with the needs of our customers and product. Additionally, I developed and executed multiple new revenue projects, including a third-party integration designed to improve customer satisfaction and a new upsell product opportunity.

To ensure we had the right talent in place, I successfully recruited and onboarded key team members, including a Product Owner and a backend developer. The addition of the Product Owner from within the organization allowed for the rapid implementation of improved Agile processes and product governance. We also recruited overseas expertise to accelerate key initiatives as part of our strategic planning, to which I was a key contributor.

Our efforts were not without challenges. Managing technical debt, aligning team roles, and integrating new processes required continuous adaptation and strategic planning. However, by fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, we were able to navigate these challenges effectively.

The outcomes of the project were significant. We achieved up to a 10X performance gain through system tuning, established strategic alignment across departments, and implemented strategic management practices. I was a key contributor in establishing the company's strategic management processes including the implementation of OKRs, identifying key objectives necessary for technological and product improvements, which Clevr has continued to implement and improve upon. These efforts positioned Clevr to improve customer retention, satisfaction and SaaS margins

Through this project, I demonstrated my ability to manage complex technical challenges, lead strategic initiatives, and drive operational excellence. The K-12 Enterprise Forms and Workflow project is a testament to my skills in diagnosing and solving deep-rooted technical issues, implementing robust governance, and enhancing product quality and performance.