Alaa Kalakech, Kearns Technology’s newly promoted Operations Manager, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for technology to his role. With over 12 years of hands-on experience in deploying, managing, and configuring Microsoft products, Alaa has established himself as a senior cloud migration specialist and cloud solutions architect.
Alaa’s journey in tech began in 2011 as a Support Field Technician in Lebanon, and his career has since taken him through various roles and countries, including Kuwait and Canada. His expertise in Microsoft implementations, cloud solutions, and complex problem-solving has been instrumental in his rapid advancement at Kearns Technology.
In this insightful Q&A, Alaa shares his professional background, what inspires him in the tech industry, and some personal anecdotes that provide a glimpse into his work ethic and personality. From implementing Kuwait’s first Microsoft Azure Stack Hub to creating a YouTube channel to help fellow IT professionals, Alaa’s dedication to his craft and desire to contribute to the tech community are evident.
Could you give us a bit of background on your career, where and how you got started as well as your journey with Kearns Technology to this point of being promoted to Delivery Manager?
I began my career in 2011 as a Support Field Technician with CCI in Lebanon, assisting the American University of Beirut. After two years, I advanced to a Support Engineer role at CCI. My path then led me to Baayno Bookbindery as an IT Administrator in 2014.
In 2019, I returned to CCI as a Microsoft Implementation Specialist, where my accomplishments opened doors to a Senior Implementation Specialist role in Kuwait. In this position, I acted as both a techno-commercial specialist and a technical account manager.
I was later presented with the chance to move to Canada as a permanent resident with my family in 2023 and joined Kearns Technology as a Cloud Solutions Architect. At Kearns Technology, I have consistently demonstrated a proactive and strategic approach to tackling complex challenges and delivering effective solutions. My consistent follow-up and strong task performance have played a key role in project success. This dedication was recognized by the management team, which led to my promotion.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?
What inspired me to pursue a career in tech
Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by computers and technology. This passion led me to study a technical discipline in university, where I developed a deeper appreciation for technical details. Exploring new technologies and developing IT solutions inspired me to pursue a career in tech.
What I enjoy most about it
I find great satisfaction in solving complex problems and developing solutions that drive success for organizations. This passion led me to create a YouTube channel to help IT professionals with issues that aren’t widely covered online. All of that keeps me engaged with new technologies and motivated by the ongoing challenges and advancements in the field.
What’s a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of, and what made it special for you?
One project I’m particularly proud of is the implementation of Kuwait’s first Microsoft Azure Stack Hub. This initiative was notable for its complex design and the migration challenges associated with critical workloads. I enjoyed the detailed problem-solving and the opportunity to explore various scenarios to address the needs of the governmental entity involved. Although there was initial skepticism about our success, the trust the client placed in my expertise made the experience especially rewarding.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your professional journey?
The best advice I’ve received is to “approach your work with genuine conviction and integrity, and have confidence in your abilities.” Embracing each project with commitment and ethical principles fosters trust and respect from colleagues and clients, and ensures I take pride in the work I deliver. This guidance has been crucial in shaping my professional journey and upholding a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.
If you had to choose a theme song for your work style, what would it be and why?
If I had to choose a theme song for my work style, it would be Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” The song’s upbeat and positive energy reflects my approach to work—embracing collaboration and seizing opportunities with optimism. Its smooth rhythm and focus on success align with my goal of creating impactful solutions and maintaining a dynamic, forward-thinking mindset.
What’s one tech gadget or app you can’t live without, and how does it help you in your role?
One tech gadget I can’t live without is definitely my smartphone. It helps me stay organized, communicate effectively, and manage tasks quickly, which is essential for my work.
Additionally, Slack, both on desktop and mobile, is indispensable. Its simplicity and effectiveness in communication make it a crucial tool for collaboration and project management.
As Kearns Technology continues to grow and expand its services in managed IT and hardware supply, Alaa Kalakech’s promotion to Operations Manager marks an exciting chapter for both him and the company. His diverse experience, technical expertise, and positive attitude position him well to lead and inspire his team in delivering innovative solutions to clients across North America and beyond.
