When ZAG set its core values based on the feedback of employees, there was a reason that one of the five was client-centered. The services that ZAG provides are central to how the organization views being a service organization.
“We have always been very client-focused and willing to do whatever it takes to make the client successful,” said Greg Gatzke, President of ZAG, in our Vision, Mission, and Values statement. As part of this client-centric vision, ZAG’s Service Delivery departments encompass client interactions with multiple teams focused on incoming client support requests, project management, engineering, business applications, Help Desk and managed services, and much more.
And leading this part of the business? Meet Christie Fisher, Vice President of Service Delivery.
Education/Training/Certificates:
Previously held: Certified Netware Engineer (CNE), Certified Banyan Engineer (CBE), and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Current: Project Management Professional (PMP) and ITIL Foundations
When did you get started in the technology industry?
I got my first technology role in 1990 when I moved from San Diego to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a detective. I landed a temp job to pay the bills and got assigned to a one-day gig as a receptionist in the MIS department for an insurance company. The MIS manager took a chance on me and offered me a role as a PC Support specialist. I caught the IT bug and never looked back (although I have read a lot of fictional stories about detectives over the years).
Why did you decide to join ZAG?
A colleague and friend reached out to me about the opportunity. His recommendation, along with the leadership, culture, mission, and values, all played a part in my decision to join ZAG.
What are some of your accomplishments?
My hope is that I have championed a “Continuous Improvement” outlook – both professionally and personally.
Share a piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stands out.
Something I have figured out along the way is that no one is too old or too smart to learn something new. You should take every opportunity to expand your knowledge. Your brain needs exercise just as much as your body.
And for a couple of personal questions:
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I love learning and experiencing new things. That has led to a lot of “hobbies” including travel, adventure, concert-going, golfing, photography (outdoors, wildlife), sports, scuba diving (which explains the photo at the top of this post!), jewelry design, fishing, and cooking (+ eating!).
Where is the first place you want to travel once it’s safe to do so again?
Some friends and I are hoping to plan a trip to Portugal next year. Indonesia, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Tonga are also on the shortlist.
What is the last good book you read or movie you watched?
Personal: Salmon Croquettes by Glodean Champion
Professional: The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Be comfortable with who you are. I think that is one of those life lessons that take a while to learn. It would also be hard to avoid providing her with some future investing advice.
