Going Above & Beyond: Michelle Rutzer, Senior Program Manager
Entering her sixth year with Prime 8, Michelle Rutzer is a Senior Program Manager with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Master’s in Global Management, and over 15 years of experience in sales, partner and marketing programs, campaigns and content development and optimization with a strong background working with Microsoft and Intel. She has been applauded over the years for going above and beyond in her role while making a positive and critical business impact. Michelle is passionate about data analytics, process development and continuous improvement.
Michelle’s motto is “Be bold, or italic, never regular!” We chatted with Michelle about what makes Prime 8 unique, her two-year trip backpacking around the world with her husband, and what keeps her motivated.
Talk us through your current role.
I am a Senior Program Manager which means I help manage and develop programs, pipeline management and support Azure VMWare Solution Sales Programs. I support my client worldwide by managing pipeline, customer tracking and sales programs. I work primarily with the corporate sales team, engineering and global blackbelt teams. I am entering into my second year with my current client and I have enjoyed the continuity as well as the relationships and programs that I have had the opportunity to establish over time.
Why did you decide to come to work for Prime 8?
I had worked for Microsoft in marketing for five years was with Intel prior to that. I decided it was time for a break during which time, I backpacked around the world for two years with my husband. We had no technology engagement and coming back into the United States was a bit of culture shock after being off the grid for so long. My background and work experience was primarily in technology and that’s when I started to consider consulting. I had heard about the amazing flexibility that comes along with consulting and while I also looked around at other consulting firms, I had heard wonderful things about Prime 8. I liked the interaction I had with Prime 8 and the structure of the company. I could see how much room there was for me to grow with Prime 8 and as they say, the rest is history.
What’s your favorite aspect about working at Prime 8?
I love the autonomy that I have in my role. I am a total self-starter, so this is very important to me. For example, I just taught myself Power BI to better support my client. I like to dive into my work but when I do need support or help, Prime 8 people are readily available. Prime has an amazing supportive team; everyone all the way up to the management is there for you. I also love the flexibility to take on new things and the high-quality roles that are available. I have been able to voice what I want out of my career and provide input; Prime 8 supports my path in a great way.
What makes Prime 8 unique and valuable to a consultant that might be considering applying?
Prime 8 is set apart by the quality of people that work here. There is a high level of expertise, from consultants to the leadership team. The family of Prime 8 wants to work together and help each other out which makes for an incredible experience. As a consultant, you can be as autonomous as you want or as connected as you want.
What makes Prime 8 unique and valuable to organizations that might be considering hiring a consulting company?
The breadth and depth of the consultants that we have is what makes Prime 8 unique. I can confidently say that Prime 8 can truly meet any need that a company might have.
How do you define success?
Success to me is meeting and exceeding expectations as well as commitments.
What keeps you motivated?
Change and challenge keep me going. If it’s not presented to me, I will find It myself. I love finding ways to automate. Every week, I want to make processes better for my client and the community at large.
What skills are important for your role?
Responsiveness - The client and team appreciate that I respond the same day.
Be Accountable - If I’ve taken something on, then I have will take accountability to follow through on that project.
Responsible - People know that they can count on me. Even if I don’t know the answer, I will make sure to connect them to someone who does.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Trekking! My husband and I trekked for 12 days, 19,500 feet altitude, for 6-7 hours per day, in the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp. There were tea houses along the way that we would stay in. The trek was so beautiful, the mountains were amazing, and we adored the people.
What was your biggest lesson from backpacking?
Backpacking helped me see that my life was not about my career, job title, salary or possessions. My quality of life became defined by how I was taking care of myself, taking care of my family and relationships, and putting myself in an overall positive space. I really saw how much your thoughts can reflect how you view life and yourself.
What is your all-time favorite movie and book?
My favorite movie would be Apollo 13; I just love any movie about space. My favorite book is anything by Janet Evanovich; she creates fast-paced and fun stories.
Learn more about why our consultants love being a part of the Prime 8 family. Want to join the us? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us about yourself here.
