After a great 6-month sprint at Henry Schein One (my final day is November 28, 2025), I'm excited to announce my transition to OptConnect as Chief Technology Officer, starting December 1, 2025, where I'll be reuniting with former colleagues from SirsiDynix. This move represents a strategic career decision that perfectly illustrates the GEM (Growth Earns Mastery) pillar of the ZAG Matrix framework.
The GEM Framework in Action
In the ZAG Matrix, GEM represents the phase where you apply your accumulated zeal and energy toward strategic decisions that create compounding returns. This transition isn't just about changing companies—it's about positioning myself for exponential growth through strategic relationships, proven collaboration, and aligned vision.
Why This Transition Makes Sense
1. The Power of Reuniting with Former Colleagues
One of the most valuable assets in any career is the network of relationships you've built over time. When you've worked successfully with people before, you already understand:
- How they think and communicate
- Their working styles and preferences
- Their strengths and how to complement them
- The trust that comes from shared history
Reuniting with former colleagues from SirsiDynix means I'm not starting from scratch. I'm building on a foundation of proven collaboration and mutual respect.
2. The Strategic Value of a Great 6-Month Sprint
My time at Henry Schein One was valuable and productive. In those 6 months, I:
- Gained new industry insights
- Expanded my leadership experience
- Built new relationships
- Contributed to meaningful projects
But sometimes, the best career moves aren't about staying longer—they're about recognizing when an even better opportunity aligns with your long-term goals. The GEM framework teaches us that strategic moves should compound over time, and this transition does exactly that.
3. Alignment with Long-Term Vision
OptConnect represents an opportunity that aligns with:
- My experience and expertise
- My professional network and relationships
- My long-term career trajectory
- My values and working style
This isn't a reactive move—it's a proactive decision based on strategic positioning.
What I Learned from Henry Schein One
My 6-month experience at HS1 reinforced several important lessons:
The Value of Diverse Experience
Working in different company cultures and industries expands your perspective. Each role teaches you something new about leadership, product development, and team dynamics.
The Importance of Cultural Fit
While technical skills matter, cultural alignment and shared values are equally important for long-term success and fulfillment.
The Power of Short, Focused Engagements
Sometimes a 6-month sprint can be more valuable than a multi-year commitment if it teaches you what you need to learn and positions you for the next strategic move.
The GEM Framework Checklist
Before making this transition, I evaluated it against the GEM framework:
G - Growth Potential
- ✅ Opportunity for expanded responsibility
- ✅ Alignment with long-term career goals
- ✅ Potential for skill development and learning
E - Experience and Expertise Building
- ✅ Leverages existing relationships and trust
- ✅ Builds on proven collaboration patterns
- ✅ Expands industry and functional expertise
M - Market Positioning and Momentum
- ✅ Positions me for future opportunities
- ✅ Strengthens professional network
- ✅ Creates momentum through strategic relationships
What This Means for My Personal Brand
This transition reinforces a key principle I teach through the ZAG Matrix: strategic career moves should compound over time. Each decision should:
- Build on previous experience
- Leverage existing relationships
- Position you for future opportunities
- Align with your long-term vision
For "Alex, the Awakened Technologist"
If you're considering a career transition, ask yourself:
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Does this move leverage existing relationships? - The strongest career moves often involve people you've worked with before.
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Does it align with your long-term vision? - Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, even if it seems good on paper.
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Does it create compounding returns? - Will this move make future moves easier and more impactful?
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Does it align with your values? - Technical fit matters, but cultural and values alignment matter just as much.
Looking Forward
I'm excited about this next chapter at OptConnect. The opportunity to reunite with former colleagues, build on proven relationships, and contribute to a company's growth aligns perfectly with the GEM framework principles I teach.
This transition isn't just about changing companies—it's about making strategic decisions that compound over time, leveraging relationships that have stood the test of time, and positioning myself for the next phase of growth.
The Takeaway
The best career moves aren't always the obvious ones. Sometimes, the most strategic decision is to:
- Recognize when a short engagement has served its purpose
- Leverage existing relationships and proven collaboration
- Make a move that positions you for exponential growth
- Trust your framework and strategic thinking
In the GEM phase of your career, every decision should be evaluated not just for its immediate impact, but for how it positions you for future opportunities. This transition does exactly that.
Ready to make strategic career moves that compound your success? Join our community of awakened technologists and get insights on positioning yourself for exponential growth through the ZAG Matrix framework.
