We’re celebrating team member Michael LaBorde’s six-year work anniversary at 8020 Consulting! To get his perspective on his experience over the last six years, we asked him six questions:
1. What do you enjoy most about your work these days? How do you think that’s changed over time?
I like the variety of industries I’m working in. The obvious answer to the change is working from home. While I desperately miss the face-to-face interaction, the time savings for travel is phenomenal.
2. What are some of your favorite projects since you started working at 8020 and why?
Hands down, the Interim CFO & Controller role I filled at a global marketing, advertising and design company was the best. It was my favorite, and it was also the most challenging. Marketing is a very interesting industry that I didn’t know anything about. I also really enjoyed the people I worked with, who were fun but also worked so hard. Another good assignment was with a video game development company. It was good because what I did there had a huge impact on their business, and again, I enjoyed the people that I worked with.
3. What has been the most unexpectedly rewarding part of your career path?
I’ve done a lot of implementations in my career, but I’ve specifically learned so much about Oracle Fusion while at 8020. Specifically, just when I think I’ve learned it all, I go to another company that implements a different module than the last. So I start the learning process again, but I’m also able to apply what my past experience has provided.
4. What advice would you give a new hire at 8020 Consulting?
Being a consultant is different, so be prepared for the small but unfamiliar things like keeping track of hours or jumping from project to project. Those things may seem weird at first, but you get used to it. In some cases, as in jumping from project to project, you may even prefer it.
5. Is there anyone you’d like to thank or acknowledge?
David Lewis and Kelly Patchett. When I needed a fellow consultant with particular experience – or in one case, I needed help bringing in junior staff from a temp service – Kelly has always been super helpful. Additionally, David has been very accommodating and has always treated me with respect and has heard me out. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.
6. What are you most excited about currently?
I got the COVID vaccine last week!
Careers at 8020 Consulting
We take pride in nurturing long-term relationships with our team members and our clients. If you’re interested in working on our accounting and finance consulting services team, visit our careers section of the website to learn more about life at 8020. You can also put in an application for consideration by following the instructions at the bottom of the page:
About Michael
Michael has more than 20 years of diverse financial and operational leadership experience, including positions as CFO and VP of Operations of multiple technology and eCommerce companies spanning several ownership structures including VC, international parent companies and angel investors. While at 8020 Consulting, either as an interim CFO, project manager for multiple system implementations or due diligence support for acquisitions, Michael has helped companies in a variety of industries including Advertising, Technology (sales automation), Restaurant Franchising, Distribution and Payment Processing. Michael is a CPA, holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Indiana University Northwest and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
