Why Transform? Project to Product: #ProgressOverPerfection

Join us for an engaging Virtual IT Roundtable where we delve into Thrivent’s transformative journey from Project to Product. This session offers a unique, multi-faceted perspective from key individuals across the organization, providing a holistic view of their evolution. Discover the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they implemented to overcome them. Gain valuable insights into the tangible benefits they are experiencing today and gather actionable recommendations on how you can embark on a similar path. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this roundtable is an invaluable opportunity to learn from Thrivent’s success story and apply their best practices to your own organization.

August 27, 2024

12 - 1 p.m.

Virtual, Zoom

Once you have RSVP'd to the event, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the virtual Zoom link to the roundtable.

Thrivent's Roundtable Presenters

Dakota Wi tte

Sr. Product

Transformation Coach

Thrivent

Transforming organizations from project-oriented to product-driven is one of Dakota’s greatest passions. With over 15 years of diverse experience, he has consistently found himself at the heart of initiatives that enhance how teams and entire companies deliver value to their customers. He thrives on sharing insights about the crucial distinction between “doing” agile and “being” agile, guiding teams through transformations, and learning from every failure along the way. He currently serves as a product and agile coach, working closely with specific departments to drive meaningful change.

Ben Spain

Software Engineering Manager

Thrivent

Ben is a 25-year veteran of the software industry. Having worked at Microsoft, Target, and now at Thrivent, he has always been passionate about building software that improves the lives of people. He has had a variety of titles, from Software Tester, Engineering Manager, and VP of Technology. Learning new skills has always been a key factor in advancing his career, and as an engineering leader, he is honored to mentor and coach others on their own career advancement.

Tammy Talo

SR Product Manager - Advice and Planning Product

Thrivent

As a Senior Product Manager at Thrivent, Tammy leads product teams that enhance the digital advisor experience and deliver value to our clients. She has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry leading large efforts as a servant, trusted business, and technology leader. She is passionate about leading and developing high performing teams focused on user-centric experiences that leverage capabilities, data and design to help advisors serve their clients and achieve their business goals.

Ellen Kromholz

Director of Engineering -

Practice Management

Thrivent

Ellen is an accomplished Software Engineering Director with over 20 years of experience in the financial tech industry. She is a driver in the adoption of the product model, a strategic shift that emphasizes customer-centric development and cross-functional collaboration. She believes that building relationships and mentoring are core strengths that she utilizes to build a stronger professional community.

Dena Sands

Product & Portfolio Enablement Leader

Thrivent

Dena has extensive experience in large-scale organizational transformations and is passionate about leveraging a growth mindset. At Thrivent, she focuses on helping teams evolve and mature within the product operating model. She works across the organization to define the necessary forums and cadences to create consistency in delivering outcomes and driving decision-making. Dena partnered with the executive team to align and drive top-down planning, identifying enterprise strategic priorities. She has helped to implement portfolio reviews and cross-portfolio quarterly alignment sessions, resulting in priority alignment within and across portfolios and enabling teams to plan work for the next quarter.

This roundtable is free to attend. Feel free to invite others who would benefit from this discussion, including marketing departments, management, sales teams, etc. This is open to NEW Digital Alliance investors and those interested in learning more about the NEW Digital Alliance.