In this month’s #TeamDeltek spotlight, we chatted virtually with three long-time Deltek employees, including Martin Griffith, a DevOps Engineer in Randolph, Massachusetts; Edith Winbush, a Senior Finance Specialist in Herndon, Virginia and Coleman Young, a Senior Costpoint Consultant in Arlington, Virginia.
Collectively these three employees have spent more than 45 years growing their careers at Deltek! During our conversation, we learned about their individual stories, why it’s important to celebrate Black History Month and what keeps them at Deltek year after year.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and perspectives with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got your start at Deltek?
Martin: It's hard to believe I’ve been with Deltek for 25 years! I still remember interviewing for a Support Representative position at Harper and Shuman, before the company was acquired by Deltek in 1998. I distinctly recall asking my then-girlfriend, Linda, if I should take the position, and we both agreed – it was a great fit. A few years later, I found that I had a talent for resolving technical issues and wanted to pursue that line of work. Deltek supported my interest and sent me to SQL Server training that helped enhance my technical capabilities. Eventually, a technical group was created and I began doing technical consulting work.
After I married Linda and we had our first child, my management team asked me if I wanted to stop traveling to stay close to home and they offered me a position to do technical QE testing. I am so glad I took the chance. Now I work in the DevOps automation group, where our team is responsible for automating the deployment environments for implementing customer environments into the Deltek Cloud. I have been with both Linda and Deltek ever since!
Edith: I was in search of role that provided stability and career growth, and in 2005 I found that when I joined #TeamDeltek. I was hired as a Finance Specialist and have learned so much throughout my time here – experiencing all aspects of the business. There is something to be said about having history with a company – and knowing that you have been part of it! I am proud to be part of a company that believes in workplace wellness and enjoy knowing that my contributions truly make a difference. Prior to the pandemic I worked out of our headquarters office, however, for the last two years I’ve been working remotely from my home in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Coleman: I came to Deltek in 2016 after hearing about the company from a former coworker. He spoke very highly of the workplace culture and the opportunities for internal career advancement and offered to refer me. After doing some research I learned that Deltek was consistently ranked as one of the best companies to work for in the DC Metro area, so I decided to apply for an open sales role. I started as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) and after two years I moved to Deltek Global Consulting (DGC) where I now work as a Senior Costpoint Consultant, working remotely out of Arlington, Virginia.
You have each been with Deltek for a good portion of your career – Congratulations, what an accomplishment! What keeps you motivated year after year?
Martin: I love learning new technologies and collaborating with my teammates as we figure things out. The part that really motivates me is solving problems; whether it is solving an issue impacting a Deltek customer or our Quality Engineering and Development environments – there is always a challenge! I am very proud to work with such brilliant people who have industry expertise and are friendly, patient and supportive of one another.
Edith: One of the reasons I have been at Deltek for as long as I have is because I love what I do – and who I work with! My colleagues are my work family, they are people who I’ve come to care for and rely on. I could not be happier with the team that I get to work with each and every day.
Coleman: The best part about being part of Deltek’s Global Consulting team is that there’s never a dull moment. Each day brings a different challenge and an opportunity to learn something new. All of our clients are unique and every implementation involves creativity and out of the box thinking. The process of delivering the best implementation possible to our customers is ultimately what motivates me the most. We are always adjusting our approach and developing new methodologies to meet Deltek Project Nation’s needs and requirements which makes being a consultant interesting and fun.
Whether it's working together to create new solutions, deliver amazing products or provide exceptional support to our customers, Deltek truly cares about diversity of thought, our people and their ideas.
Being part of #TeamDeltek is definitely something special. What is it about Deltek’s unique workplace culture that you appreciate most?
Martin: I love our culture of learning! Deltek provides training on what our functional groups are working on so we can be better equipped to perform our role. My favorite part is when we have group sessions, where we come together to learn something new and then we work together to implement what we have learned. In addition, one of things I appreciate most is how Deltek provides us with the tools to make our company and ourselves better – such as encouraging us to take time off and to have a life outside of work.
Edith: As someone who has been with Deltek for more than 15 years, it’s hard to pick just one thing that I appreciate the most about our culture. There are so many wonderful things that our leadership team has put in place – from continuous education and career development to work-life balance. The tools and resources that #TeamDeltek has available to learn and grow shows the commitment the company has to its employees no matter what is going on in the world around us.
Coleman: Oftentimes in the corporate world your career path is determined by your current role. But at Deltek I’ve always been encouraged to look around internally and pursue something new if it interested me. Two years after being hired as a SDR I decided I wanted to move on to DGC, thankfully I was given the opportunity and the tools to do so. Deltek encourages employees play an active and defining role by owning their career development – which is one of the reasons why this is such a great place to work!
Our values-based culture unites #TeamDeltek and provides the foundation to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into everything we do. What are some of the different ways that you see DEI reflected at Deltek?
Martin: Working for a company that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion shows me that Deltek supports all of us. We don’t have to guess or worry if we matter. Throughout the organization, whether we are at our global all-hands meetings, our local all-hands meetings or our group meetings – the messages employees receive from our leaders are always consistent and transparency is always there.
Edith: Deltek is truly a global company, rich with diversity of people and thought. We set the bar high of what it means to be part of an organization that values its employees and their varied backgrounds. A great example of this is our annual Employee Appreciation Day that was held at headquarters prior to the pandemic. This event brought together many different cultures and was an awesome way to learn and try different foods from other countries.
Coleman: Many companies list diversity, equity, and inclusion among their corporate values but oftentimes the reality for employees can be very different. Words are important but they must be followed by action if they are to be impactful. Deltek has taken some great steps thus far by creating employee resource groups as well as platforms for people to have difficult conversations and share different perspectives. I’m appreciative of the effort Deltek puts forth in this regard and look forward to seeing what DEI efforts are in store for the future.
Celebrating #TeamDeltek’s racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can be effective in creating a work environment that is safe and inclusive.
At Deltek we pride ourselves in creating a safe environment that encourages understanding and celebrates individuality. Knowing this, why do you think it is important that we celebrate Black History Month?
Martin: I think it is important that Deltek celebrates Black History Month because it shows me that Deltek recognizes that there is racial injustice in the world. But not only that, but that Deltek is aware and wants to be part of the solution. From the time I was hired in 1997 to now, I have always been viewed as equal and respected, and for that Deltek has my appreciation.
Edith: Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our values-based culture, which is why it is imperative that Deltek recognize Black History Month. Equality is only possible with the acknowledgment and full understanding of a race’s history. Celebrating #TeamDeltek’s racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can be effective in creating a work environment that is safe and inclusive.
Coleman: The recognition of Black History Month is important for #TeamDeltek, as we continue to navigate and address racial inequalities in all aspects of our society. Through this celebration we have the opportunity to further our education and appreciation of the contributions Black people have made to American history, culture, and society while reminding us of the work that still needs to be done. Creating an environment where minority employees feel that people of their background and culture are celebrated can help make Deltek a more inclusive and welcoming place to work.
What person either modern day or historical, has had the biggest impact on your life and why?
Martin: The individuals who have had the biggest impact on my life and career would have to be my Mom and Dad. Both were immigrants to the US Virgin Islands, who had limited education but wanted to make sure that their kids would have a successful life. They worked primarily as janitors to support our family, my mom called it “housekeeping” and my dad called it “maintenance”.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a deep loyalty to Coca-Cola. Not only do I love the taste, but I'm appreciative of the opportunities the company provided my Mom when she worked there back when I was in elementary school. My dad worked at Martin Marietta Alumina, the aluminum factory and pre-cursor to Lockheed Martin, who is one of Deltek’s clients. He worked a late shift, and I remember one night, when my Mom took him some food, she brought me along because he wanted to show me something. My dad always said that I talked about being a business person, so he wanted to give me a tour of the office to see what it was like.
That visit stirred a sense of hope that motivated me to take business classes when I got into high school and subsequently major in Business Administration when I went to college. To this day, I still think about how much that meant to me. I don’t even think he knew of the impact that he had on my development and self-worth as a kid in middle school.
Edith: A person who has influenced my life significantly would have to be former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. She is a strong leader and a role model for all women and I appreciate everything she stands for; supporting others through her work as a lawyer, writer and public servant. A few years back I was selected to attend an inspirational event promoting her memoir Becoming, thanks to Deltek. After reading Obama’s book based on her personal experiences, the quote that really resonated with me was, “I am coming down from the mountaintop to tell every young person that is poor and working class, and has been told regardless of the color of your skin that you don't belong, don't listen to them.”
Coleman: The leader who has had the biggest impact on my life would have to be my grandfather, Brigadier General Elmer Brooks. He lost both parents by the age of 14 and joined the Air Force shortly after it had integrated. He faced a lot of racism and discrimination in society and in the military where opportunities for African Americans were effectively non-existent. He had to break through a lot of barriers- but eventually he was given an opportunity and he never looked back. He went on to command a missile wing during the Cuban Missile Crisis, work as a Flight Control Technologist for the Gemini and Apollo Space Missions, and play a direct role in negotiating two nuclear non-proliferation treaties with the Soviet Union as a representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. My grandfather passed away a little over a year ago, but I’ll never forget the lessons he taught me on perseverance, overcoming adversity, and finding and making the most of your opportunities.
A workplace culture which values the richness of diversity found in America and allows every employee to bring their authentic selves to work is very important to me, especially as a minority.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Martin: Over the years I’ve received several pieces of advice that I’ve held onto dearly. The first is that if you have a goal, you can accomplish that goal. The second piece of advice is that if you encounter any obstacles or problems, don’t be overwhelmed. You may feel discouraged for a little while but once you get over the surprise, know then, that you can solve it. From that advice, I developed a saying that I repeat to myself and apply to everything in my life, “Don’t be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Break it down into smaller pieces and complete it one piece at a time.”
Edith: That’s simple. The best advice I’ve ever received is to: Listen to understand, to learn and to empathize. If you can do those things, then the rest is easy.
Coleman: The best advice anyone ever gave me was, Be prepared for opportunity when it comes your way. Opportunity rarely waits around for people, and when it comes you need to be ready to take full advantage of it. Otherwise you risk letting the opportunity slip through your fingers. Even if an opportunity seems out of reach, make sure that you take the steps necessary every day to be ready if it comes knocking.
What great words of wisdom! To wrap things up, we like to ask all our #TeamDeltek interviewees this: Of Deltek’s ten company values, which one resonates most with you and why?
Martin: Throughout the years, I’ve found that the most important value that integrates all of Deltek’s core values, is Collaboration. Whether it’s working together to create new solutions, deliver amazing products or provide exceptional support to our customers, Deltek truly cares about diversity of thought, our people and their ideas.
Edith: The value that resonates most with me is Collaboration. Our team environment is where we grow and get to know about each other ─ and is what makes Deltek a great place to work. A good example of collaboration can be found happening almost every Friday, during our finance team meetings. As part of the agenda, someone is selected to pick a topic of discussion, for example: “What bad habit did you inherited since the onset of the pandemic?” And while this is a simple exercise, we learn so much about our colleagues.
Coleman: Of all the Deltek values, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion resonates with me the most. Growing up in a diverse area I appreciated being surrounded by people from so many different backgrounds and walks of life. Not only did it enrich my knowledge of other cultures but it surrounded me with so many different perspectives. A workplace culture which values the richness of diversity found in America and allows every employee to bring their authentic selves to work is very important to me, especially as a minority. I’m proud to be part of an organization where everyone can feel like they belong and that are a valued member of #TeamDeltek regardless of their identity.
To learn more about Deltek’s winning workplace culture and how we are creating a balanced, values-driven workplace powered by collaboration, innovation and authenticity, subscribe to our Inside Deltek Project Nation newsletter and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
