John Akalaonu

John Akalaonu Email and Phone Number

Vice President, Field and Professional Services @ Skydio
Chicago, IL, US
John Akalaonu's Location
Greater Chicago Area, United States, United States
John Akalaonu's Contact Details
About John Akalaonu

I am an accomplished and transformative senior operations executive, highly regarded for 15+ years of success leading organizations by delivering expert business transformation strategies and exemplary P&L results for multiple corporations. I excel at streamlining and enhancing organizational production by creating a high-energy winning culture, developing standard work policies and procedures, streamlining operations, and driving organizational clarity by creating transparent performance measurement systems, straightforward definitions of success, and loudly celebrating team wins. I am known for being an out-of-the-box, visionary thinker committed to turning under-producing businesses into companies that work efficiently and compete in the broader market. I am skilled at engaging people at all levels of the organization, from the boiler room to the board room, and building high-performing work teams that persistently overcome challenges to deliver best in class results for our customers and shareholders.My career has been built on seeking out the most challenging roles, from leading Marines in combat as a young Lieutenant to leading operations in multiple industries in which I had no previous experience. As a result, I have been promoted to positions of increasing authority and responsibility due to my strong leadership skills, multi-faceted insights/strategies and overall performance.• Profit & Loss Responsibility ($2 Billion+ Revenue)• Global Business Development • New Customer Software Implementation• Fast-to-Market Product Development • Strategic Planning and Analysis• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) • Value Stream Management• LEAN/Six Sigma Process Improvement • Change Management

John Akalaonu's Current Company Details
Skydio

Skydio

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Vice President, Field and Professional Services
Chicago, IL, US
Website:
skydio.com
Employees:
823
John Akalaonu Work Experience Details
  • Skydio
    Vice President, Field And Professional Services
    Skydio
    Chicago, Il, Us
  • Toast
    Vice President, Customer Onboarding
    Toast Jan 2022 - Present
    Boston, Ma, Us
  • Applied Companies
    Non-Executive Director, Board Of Directors
    Applied Companies Apr 2021 - Present
    Valencia, Ca, Us
    Provide independent oversight and input into corporate strategy and performance.
  • Roosevelt University
    Adjunct Professor
    Roosevelt University Oct 2010 - Present
    Chicago, Il, Us
    Adjunct Professor in Organizational Leadership Department• Design and implement creative curriculum for teaching various undergraduate courses such as Organizational Behavior, Intro to Project Management, Strategic Planning and Organizational Communications with up to 17 students for the Organizational Leadership degree program.• Teach classes in alignment with learning objectives as outlined by the department.• Create and actively participate in online discussions, connecting classroom and online learning.• Ensure the highest possible levels of achievement while teaching students to their strongest potential. • Promote student success by showing flexibility in teaching style and exhibiting a passion for teaching and engaging students in the learning process.
  • Cdk Global
    Senior Vice President, Customer Delivery / Implementation
    Cdk Global Aug 2020 - Jan 2022
    Austin, Texas, Us
    Promoted to Senior Vice President level and added to the CEO’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) while continuing to lead the Customer Delivery / Implementation team for North America.
  • Cdk Global
    Vice President, Customer Delivery/Implementation North America
    Cdk Global Jun 2019 - Aug 2020
    Austin, Texas, Us
    • Spearhead a major business unit of 1,000+ North American and India-based implementation professionals responsible for all software, hardware and networking installations in North America and the Caribbean.• Drive an effortless and high quality customer experience through the rapid, efficient and economical delivery of products. • Lead and motivate key management teams to peak levels of performance, consistently developing their coaching and leadership skills to increase their overall productivity level.
  • Cdk Global
    Vice President, Implementation Operations
    Cdk Global Mar 2017 - Jun 2019
    Austin, Texas, Us
    • Led a business unit of 200+ software implementation professionals tasked with planning, managing and executing all new product installations (4K+ annually) for automotive dealership clients in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. • Designed and implemented an innovative new customer experience program utilizing Net Promotor Score as a new measure for customer satisfaction while driving both strategic and tactical process improvement initiatives based on customer feedback.• Revamped management personnel acquiring a new team of results-focused managers with proven records of delivering sustained growth while challenging staff to exceed corporate expectations. • Consulted with the executive committees and senior management teams to review, evaluate and plan corporate-wide strategies and organizational initiatives to continually grow the business.
  • Adp
    Vice President, Implementation Sbs Midwest
    Adp Mar 2016 - Mar 2017
    Roseland, New Jersey, Us
    • Led a department of 100+ payroll services professionals located in both U.S.-based and international call centers integrating key payroll products for over 100,000 small business clients located across 18 states.• Developed and executed creative strategies to improve the collaboration between the sales and implementation teams in order to create better alignment on sales strategy (product offerings, discounts, promos, etc.), reduce cycle time for new client starts by 17% and drive a positive client experience.• Selected by the organization for participation in the executive leadership development program.
  • Navistar Inc
    Director, Maxxpro Vehicle Programs - Navistar Defense
    Navistar Inc Apr 2013 - Mar 2016
    Lisle, Il, Us
    • Assumed profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for $2B+ in revenue with an average profit margin of 20%.• Established and drove appropriate goals and strategic direction of a large, cross-functional program team of 300+ logistics, manufacturing, contracting, finance, engineering and quality assurance professionals.• Prepared and executed multiple “fast to market” federal contracts to deliver critical products for aggressive customer schedule requirements.• Managed and improved key customer relationships resulting in continued new sales within a constricted defense spending environment.• Developed and strengthened professional relationships with multiple government agencies to drive a number of critical new business opportunities.• Delivered all contractual requirements ahead of schedule and continually exceeded all organizational profit goals by 10%.
  • Navistar Inc
    Senior Program Manager, Maxxpro Dash And Foreign Military Sales - Navistar Defense
    Navistar Inc May 2011 - Apr 2013
    Lisle, Il, Us
    • Managed P&L with $500M+ in revenue while designing and integrating new, effective metrics for tracking labor and material costs.• Negotiated new contract terms and deliverables with representatives of foreign governments to resolve a contracting stalemate resulting in the receipt of backlogged payments and the addition of $5.2M in new services/goods to the total contract.• Selected by the organization for participation in the senior leadership development program.
  • Aramark Healthcare
    Director Of Organizational Effectiveness
    Aramark Healthcare Jun 2009 - May 2011
    Philadelphia, Pa, Us
    • Spearheaded strategic project management and change management plans for the start-up of multiple new business accounts including the transfer of inventory, implementation of new IT platforms and labor migration of 800+ employees to new payroll, generating $124M in new revenue. • Redesigned the organizational effectiveness division’s operational model resulting in a 65% increase in the internal utilization of organizational effectiveness support within 6 months.• Devised essential organizational assessments and action plans for multiple “Top 50” accounts from front-line manager to senior vice president/C-suite level resulting in significantly improved client account performance with average contract retention rates of 96% over 2 years.• Designed, facilitated and executed crucial processes and strategies for effective change and transformation management, team/people development and continuous performance improvement driving individual and organizational growth, improved performance and tangible business outcomes.
  • Aramark Healthcare
    Organizational Efffectiveness Manager
    Aramark Healthcare Feb 2008 - Jun 2009
    Philadelphia, Pa, Us
    Lead the organizational change and transformation processes within a start-up contract account by implementing initiatives to increase the effectiveness of people and the organization through effective communication, change/transition management, people/leadership development, and process improvement in order to increase operational quality and realize bottom-line cost savings.• Designed and implemented a customer engagement program to reduce cross-departmental barriers, increase customer satisfaction, and identify areas for improvement in service quality• Designed and implemented a detailed project planning and management process, based on the Project Management Institute (PMI) 5 phases of project management, resulting in reduced operational errors while implementing new processes and procedures• Developed a 12-course Leadership Education program for cross-functional leaders from senior to middle/lower management levels focusing on subjects such as conflict resolution, change management, and project management• Facilitated collaboration exercises between client and corporate senior executive teams resulting in improved partnership and renewed commitment to our existing contract prior to a planned acquisition of the client by another organization.
  • The Lincoln Foundation For Performance Excellence
    Board Of Examiners
    The Lincoln Foundation For Performance Excellence Apr 2009 - Oct 2009
    Served on the Board of Examiners for the Illinois Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence. Responsible for assessing applicant organizations internal processes, culture and outcomes based on the NIST Malcolm Baldrige quality criteria and determining winners. Organization examined was awarded the Silver Award.
  • Motorola
    Senior Consultant
    Motorola Dec 2006 - Feb 2008
    Chicago, Illinois, Us
    Consultant for a major international telecommunications company. Responsible for managing telecommunications projects in the western United States.•Designate priorities and ensure appropriate resources are allocated to each project in order to meet stated timelines. Coordinate with geographically separated teams of engineers and project managers to complete complex projects.•Conducted in-depth reviews with management teams to identify areas for improvement in current operational processes and procedures.•Facilitated training in operational processes and procedures for contractors and project managers.
  • United States Marine Corps
    Director, Communications Division
    United States Marine Corps Jan 2006 - Dec 2006
    Washington, Dc, Us
    Managed a division of 40 military and civilian personnel providing wireless communications services to over 15,000 customers. Lead Project Manager for multiple projects worth over $1 million.•Developed leadership training and development courses for military and civilian supervisors. •Instituted a “Train the Trainer” program to provide trained consultants for cross training in other divisions/departments. •Prepared and reviewed Customer Requirement Statements (CRS), Statements of Work (SOW), and Requests for Proposal (RFP) for multiple complex projects. •Coordinated with executive-level management to conduct needs analysis to determine developmental needs and provide recommendations for future courses of action.•Conducted performance reviews/ personal improvement plans for front-line employees and supervisors.
  • Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
    Senior Division Manager
    Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Jul 2005 - Dec 2005
    Managed a 24 hour data communications operations center, with 30 shift employees, responsible for messaging services for all Marine Corps bases on the West Coast. •Led a 10 person team to establish a rapid response communications system in New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Coordinated with senior state and federal officials to develop a Hurricane Katrina crisis management and emergency communications plan.•Developed an off-site “Team Building Workshop” program to strengthen inter- and intra-departmental work teams
  • 3Rd Battalion, 5Th Marine Regiment
    Communications Officer
    3Rd Battalion, 5Th Marine Regiment Jun 2004 - Jul 2005
    Assigned to a combat unit in Iraq, leading a section of 70 Marines providing tactical voice and data communications. Led small tactical communications unit during the Battle of Fallujah in 2004.•Awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat V) for outstanding leadership, performance and valor in combat.
  • 5Th Marine Regiment
    Assistant Communications Officer
    5Th Marine Regiment Jan 2004 - Jun 2004
    -Responsible for managing a telephone network serving over 2,000 users.-Designed, installed, operated and maintained a field expedient complex radio, telephone and data network for 2 and a half month major exercise.-Developed a plan to reconfigure a complicated integrated data, voice, and radio network from one managing entity to another.-Managed maintenance for radio, data, and telephone equipment; diesel engine tactical vehicles and generators.-Managed day to day functions, training, and performance of a section of over 70 personnel.
  • Lockheed Martin
    Consultant
    Lockheed Martin Sep 2002 - Dec 2002
    Bethesda, Md, Us
    Developed and refined tactics, techniques, and procedures for the U.S. Army’s proposed Future Combat System.•Participated in project analysis teams to define conceptual shortfalls and provide recommendations for formal training packages.•Provided input to senior Army and Department of Defense officials on adjusting and creating new procedures for managing and deploying a conceptual combat unit

John Akalaonu Skills

Program Management Leadership Process Improvement Cross Functional Team Leadership Team Building Management Strategic Planning Strategy Project Management Change Management Business Process Improvement Operations Management Project Planning Business Strategy Leadership Development Executive Management Dod Six Sigma Business Development Performance Improvement Proposal Writing Start Ups Consulting Mergers And Acquisitions Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Organizational Effectiveness Organizational Leadership Defense Logistics Customer Satisfaction Team Leadership Conflict Resolution Coaching Pmp Government Contracting Contract Negotiation Defense Contracting Business Transformation Product Development Software Installation Value Stream Mapping P&l Management Salesforce.com Public Speaking C Level C Level Leadership Business To Business Customer Relationship Management Employee Engagement Management Consulting Military Government Security Clearance Itar Budgets Training Organizational Development Human Resources Policy Analysis Command

John Akalaonu Education Details

  • Indiana Wesleyan University
    Indiana Wesleyan University
    Business Management - Strategic Management
  • Purdue University
    Purdue University
    History
  • Villanova University
    Villanova University
    Master Certification In Organizational Leadership
  • Toward
    Toward
    Transformational Leadership Program
  • Culver Academies
    Culver Academies
    High School

Frequently Asked Questions about John Akalaonu

What company does John Akalaonu work for?

John Akalaonu works for Skydio

What is John Akalaonu's role at the current company?

John Akalaonu's current role is Vice President, Field and Professional Services.

What is John Akalaonu's email address?

John Akalaonu's email address is ja****@****aol.com

What schools did John Akalaonu attend?

John Akalaonu attended Indiana Wesleyan University, Purdue University, Villanova University, Toward, Culver Academies.

What are some of John Akalaonu's interests?

John Akalaonu has interest in Football, Children, Business Management, Operations Management, Business Development, Politics, Program Management, Education, Reading, Product Management.

What skills is John Akalaonu known for?

John Akalaonu has skills like Program Management, Leadership, Process Improvement, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Team Building, Management, Strategic Planning, Strategy, Project Management, Change Management, Business Process Improvement, Operations Management.

Who are John Akalaonu's colleagues?

John Akalaonu's colleagues are Cindy Li, Thepsenm Julien, Kimi Shinohara, Bradley Solliday, Peter Julian, Tung Dang, Kiersten Bagley.

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