Ben Takizawa-Soper Email and Phone Number

As the head of PMO for ADP's Global Enterprise Technology and Solutions (GETS) organization, I am responsible for leading a strategic approach to planning, tracking and delivering all of major cross-functional initiatives.

As a senior member of a small group in the heart of ADP’s 300+ person Product practice, I am responsible for transforming the organization into a high-performing team. I have driven the adoption of OKRs to measure results, couched in competitive analysis, and a cadence of quarterly reports to executive leadership. Separately, I chair of the Next Generation Program, aligning the roadmaps and objectives of ADP's new strategic products; working with Strategy, Product, Development, Sales and Implementation teams to identify international market opportunities and design go-to-market strategies. Additionally, I have led corporate initiatives such as an in-depth, multi-product, qualitative/quantitative User Experience competitive analysis study for ADP's Board of Directors in late 2019, which subsequently established benchmarks for several strategic product redesign initiatives.

Hired into ADP to create the UX COE, I staffed and led a team of UX Designers, UX Researchers, Front End Developers, and Instructional Designers in the creation, maintenance and evangelism of an enterprise design system based on UX principles, pattern libraries, assets and code kits. Tapping into talent from across the company via inner-sourcing and iterative user testing, we socialized UX best practices and awareness through training, marketing and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, we managed a cadence of meet-ups and an ideas exchange dedicated to keeping the company abreast of usability trends and developments.

At Razorfish, a global digital agency, I led a multi-phase, multi-threaded program for the international roll-out of a new eCommerce retail experience; I was responsible for the deliverables of 50+ cross-disciplinary roles across four major work streams. Together, we launched innovative technology solutions wedded to an influencer-driven marketing campaign across social, mobile and web channels to support the client’s ambition to become a lifestyle brand. In a dynamic, fast-paced environment I was ultimately accountable for all account-level business development efforts, project governance, external vendor relations, resourcing/staffing and recruiting, account strategy and financial management.

Founded the Portfolio Management practice within Prudential's corporate Digital Center of Excellence; implemented process improvements to triple productivity and integrated Agile methodologies, including Lean UX user-centered design. Developed NYC and near-shore locations to provide global business units with staffing expertise in all digital practice areas.

Following the dot.com crash I organized a network of freelance interactive services professionals and matched them with placements at major firms in the Northeast region.

In charge of setting standards and processes, training and managing iXL's global team of front-end development consultants. Worked with other company disciplines to create a company wide methodology, created consistent standards for workers at multiple company locations. Advocated for good usability and design in the strategic phase of project planning.

Responsible for all day-to-day operations at a distinguished community-run station: transmitter maintenance at Empire State Building facility, studio and satellite uplink equipment, recording and broadcast facilities. Scheduled nearly 100 volunteer producers and hosts and national programming feeds. Also responsible for major station upgrade program, involving the relocation of studios and offices across Manhattan while maintaining uninterrupted air product.

New York's 50kw AAA-formatted NPR and PRI affiliate with a signal reach into three states in the country's #1 media market. Responsible for all station operations: transmitter maintenance, studio and equipment upkeep, staff training, affiliate relations with national networks. Designed and developed and hosted the evening City Folk program, an eclectic and upscale mix of adult rock, country, blues, folk and world music, along with interviews with singers, songwriters and authors. Fundraised twice yearly. Produced special features for on-air broadcast. Acted as station spokesperson at industry events and public appearances including Central Park SummerStage and the Newport Folk Festival.