In our interview series, we present exciting cloud jobs and the people behind them. Today we are talking to Patrick Thomas, an experienced Google Workspace Project & Service Manager at Public Cloud Group (PCG).
1. Brief introduction: Who are you and what do you do at PCG?
Hello, I am Patrick Thomas and I have been with PCG since 2020, so about 5 years, working as a Senior Google Workspace Project & Service Manager. My job is to lead a team as a squad lead that helps customers transition to Google Workspace. I coordinate projects as a project manager, often across teams, and take care of the detailed planning. In addition to direct customer work, personnel management and team development are also important parts of my responsibilities. Together with my sales colleagues, I also support our customers in preliminary discussions – both on the project side and on the technical side.
2. Tell us about your career: How did you get your current job?
My professional career began with an apprenticeship as an IT specialist for system integration. That was the only logical decision for me, as I had always been tinkering with computers, and took my first steps with Windows 95.
After several years of professional experience as the person responsible for networking and cybersecurity at an automotive company, I wanted to take the next step. I began studying part-time while working. My goal: to move away from the admin console and toward managing projects and teams.
Around the same time I finished my studies, my company at the time decided to introduce Google Workspace. I was given the trust and became project manager for the global rollout. We successfully mastered this together with PCG.
Now that I was infected with “Google fever,” I switched to PCG's Google BU. For the first few years, I was responsible for the introduction of Google Workspace as a project manager. Today, I am responsible for my own team.
3. What do you do in your job, and what does your everyday work look like?
My everyday work is quite dynamic. I always start by checking the current projects and reacting if there are any deviations from the plan. Then I coordinate with my sales colleagues for pre-sales calls with potential new customers. The rest of the day is a mix of intensive project work, personnel issues, and direct customer meetings.
4. What is your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in my job is keeping up with new technologies. The changes in our field, especially around AI, have gained incredible speed in recent years. New features or tools are coming onto the market almost daily. The initial evaluation of these innovations and the decision as to whether more in-depth training is necessary is probably the most difficult task.
5. What was your most exciting project?
I always distinguish between internal and external projects, as there are many exciting ones on both sides.
On the customer side, it's really hard to identify one project because the different circumstances of each customer always present different exciting challenges. But if I had to choose one, it would be the migration of a well-known software manufacturer from the Microsoft environment to Google Workspace. I was involved from the very beginning, from the first customer meeting, together with Sales and my colleagues at Google. The project was full of highlights and joyful moments, from the customer's signature to the complete switch to Google Workspace. When you work with customers for over two years, you build a foundation of trust that is really important to me. I see my role as a service provider as providing the customer with the best tool for their needs, one that also fits perfectly into their environment. That's exactly what we achieved with this customer.
When it comes to internal projects, my clear favorite is building our team with the structures, workspaces, and tools. We have been driving this project forward for three years and have made enormous progress. When I think back to when I started, it's hardly recognizable.
6. What do you particularly enjoy about your job?
I particularly like the variety of exciting tasks, whether internal or directly with the customer. I would say that our customer base spans all areas of the economy, which gives you a lot of insight into a wide variety of topics.
Another point that I would attribute to the origins of my professional life is the opportunity to work with the latest technologies. In the Google cosmos, things are constantly changing and exciting tools that are among the best on the market are being released. Last year in particular, in combination with artificial intelligence, changed my entire working day and offers so many possibilities.
As far as PCG is concerned, it is the openness that I enjoy about the work. You have many opportunities to realize your potential, get involved, and actively help shape things.
7. What qualities should someone have for this job?
First and foremost, you need to enjoy learning and new technologies. You also need to be communicative and able to respond flexibly to customer inquiries. It is also essential to be able to think outside the box and empathize with customers and their challenges. In terms of education, technical training or a degree with a technical or IT focus is definitely an advantage.
8. Why do you work at PCG?
I work at PCG because there is a wide range of exciting topics and customers here. It's exciting for me to witness the development of a small company (then still known as Cloudwürdig) with 30 employees to today's 500. Following this development and being part of it has given me a whole new perspective on the different areas. Another point for me personally is the option to work from home. This flexibility is particularly valuable, especially in my position as a father. Whether the daycare center closes early or a child is sick, I can react flexibly. Theoretically, we also have numerous offices in the DACH region from which you could work.
9. What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I run a blog and a YouTube channel called DigitalDad on the topic of smart homes and balcony power plants. So technology and smart solutions are also part of my life outside of work!
Become part of PCG!
Are you fascinated by the world of cloud technologies and the opportunity to support companies in their digital transformation? Are you passionate about working with the latest technologies and constantly developing your skills? Then a job as a Google Workspace Project & Service Manager or Google Workspace Consultant at PCG could be just right for you!
Find out more about exciting opportunities and open positions in the world of cloud technologies on our careers page
. We look forward to getting to know you!