Paxton Means
Knowledge Management | Program Management Professional
Deep expertise in Knowledge and Program Management has empowered the design of groundbreaking frameworks that drastically reshaped operations for over 10,000 professionals. From pioneering strategies that centralized key data repositories to masterminding workflows that transitioned from fragmented to unified systems, the influence has spanned renowned tech giants like Meta and Amazon. A legacy marked with innovations like a 15% reduction in information search time, boosting platform availability from 98% to 99.99%, and achieving 100% compliance in onboarding within 30 days.
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Through a collaborative approach and inspirational leadership, achievements include elevating CSAT scores to 80%+ and unveiling a 25% surge in monthly user engagement. The vision for a streamlined future led to savings of up to $10MM annually by refining systems, enhancing data accessibility, and eliminating redundant expenses. In addition, expanding the global educational horizon with a significant 32% increase in student enrollment underscored the commitment to excellence and innovation.
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Embodying a multifaceted technical acumen, from mastering Content Services Platforms and Learning Management Systems to leveraging languages like SQL and Python, the drive is to always be at the forefront of technology. Well-versed in methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and SCRUM, the goal remains: to integrate deep industry knowledge with innovative strategies, ensuring optimal results and setting new benchmarks in Knowledge and Program Management.
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Currently located in Seattle, WA. Open to travel, On-site, hybrid, and remote.
Experience
Jun 2022 - Jun 2023
Program Manager L6, Knowledge Management
Directed Knowledge Management strategy for the Infrastructure Datacenter (IDC) teams, impacting over 10k individuals across 5 organizations. Standardized processes, centralized information repositories, and streamlined vendor contracts. Started processes to pivot from 100+ systems to a unified document management platform, aiming to enhance governance and efficiency for 20+ global data centers. Managed a team a 5 with a budget of $2MM.
Apr 2021 - Jun 2022
Director, Knowledge Management and Onboarding (Sr Program Manager)
Revamped an inconsistent onboarding process, using a keen understanding of onboarding and tool integration, to centralize and optimize new hire introductions. Spearheaded a collaborative effort with engineering leaders and executive management to develop modular training materials and consolidate essential tools. Instituted company-wide content production standards, transitioning to micro-learning modules. Managed a team of 6, ensuring seamless project execution with a budget of $500K.
Dec 2019 - Apr 2021
Senior Program Manager
Orchestrated the transformation of an internal Content Services Platform (CSP/CMS), managing artifacts across AWS business units. Launched an enterprise-wide system overhaul, infusing enhanced API connectivity and introducing machine learning for refined content optimization. Directed an engineering team, mapped out product relaunch strategies, and managed a budget of $250K. Formulated a visionary 3-year KM strategy, procuring funding for advanced content management tools.
Apr 2017 - Dec 2019
Program Manager, Edu. Tech – Machine Learning University
Pioneered the digital transformation of Machine Learning University (MLU), transitioning from an in-person to a sophisticated remote learning model. Explored diverse teaching methodologies, masterminded an intricate AV setup, and executed expansions across the globe. Innovated Salesforce solutions and introduced a captivating video miniseries, catering to over 60K employees globally.
Aug 2016 - Apr 2017
Project Manager, Technical Operations
Championed the development of comprehensive taxonomies, organizational structures, and training materials for a vast 200+ TB storage server. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to craft retention policies, permissions structures, and efficient workflows. Led training sessions, ensuring optimal data access, storage, archiving, and renaming protocols.
Dec 2013 - Aug 2016
Senior Digital Asset Librarian
Launched two bespoke digital asset management systems tailored for Microsoft retail, managing 80k+ assets. Collaborated with Microsoft PMs and other clients to introduce communication plans, processes, and automations. Enhanced design workflows, strengthening asset management, and fostering a three-year collaboration with Microsoft.
Results
Revamped engineering onboarding, achieving 100% compliance in 30 days and elevating CSAT to 80%+.
Constructed Knowledge Management Frameworks and established governance models from the ground up.
Elevated platform availability from 98% to 99.99%, boosting monthly user engagement by 25%.
Expertise
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Team Building
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Strategic Initiatives
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Analytic Problem Solving
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Problem Solving
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Leadership
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Decisive
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Strategic
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Product Management
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Program Management
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Enterprise Software Systems
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Coaching
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Mentoring
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Problem Recognition
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Root Cause Analysis
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Tactical Execution
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Vision
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Communication
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Content Management
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Knowledge Management
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Digital Asset Management
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Data Integration
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Workflow Creation
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Technical Solutions Integration
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API Connectivity
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Machine Learning Implementation
Meet Paxton
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Visual Arts
Master of Science (Partial)
Courses completed in Computer Science equivalent to BS
Q & A
Which recent projects are you proud of?
A recent project that stands out is the relaunch of the internal Content Services Platform for AWS. This project challenged me with technical complexities, differing stakeholder priorities, and the need to garner senior leadership buy in. It pushed me to further develop my relationships with leadership, as well as my own leadership, product management, program management, and communication skills. This project really highlighted the value of data driven decisions and advocating on behalf of the greater community and ended with increased tool utilization and streamlined team level functions.
Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?
For Knowledge Management, I strive to enable users to find the right information, at the right time, in the right context. It’s all about how we enable better informed decision making from the ground up and more quickly.
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​From a leadership perspective I’m a big proponent for unlocking individual potential through coaching and mentorship mixed with a healthy dose of pacesetting. You can learn a lot engaging with those around you and being curious and I like to balance these discoveries against delivering results.
What are you passionate about?
I love to learn and master new things. This has led me to a diverse set of hobbies, subjects of interest, and ultimately a deep curiosity for how people find and consume information. This translates well into trying to understand problems from different angles and working with and soliciting opinions from SME’s to come up with long term solutions.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?
My curiosity and commitment to sharing that knowledge has been pivotal to my success. I have a natural desire to delve deep into how things function, whether it's understanding individual motivations for success, dissecting organizational dynamics, or pinpointing process bottlenecks. When facing challenges or engaging with new individuals, my focus is on comprehending before resolving, cultivating empathy and adaptability.
What life circumstance has most shaped your world view?
I started my career in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis without any prior corporate experience. This time taught me the importance of being prepared, adaptable, and open-minded to opportunities as they present themselves. Entry-level positions were scarce, typically going to candidates with connections, degrees from prestigious schools, or years of experience, none of which I had.
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​I took on various temporary contracts in different industries, including refurbishment, warehousing, manufacturing, design studios, and assembly plants. I volunteered, expanding my network and learning more about my community. I opened my own photography and design studio, securing corporate event contracts and working on lighting and set designs for local theaters. These experiences shaped my curiosity for how industries approach problems differently, the challenges of navigating corporate systems, the impact of information flow, and how even with all of the automation, people are still the most important part. I truly believe the knowledge and perspective I gained during this time have played a crucial role in my success. One conversation I had with the owner of a design studio I worked for summed this up well for me. He stressed that setbacks don’t define you. The knowledge and skills you have don’t go away. You can lose your job, your company can fail, but the skills and knowledge remain. You can build a new company or find a new job, the key is to be curious, remain adaptable, embrace opportunities, and be prepared for when they come your way.
If you were an action figure, what accessories would you be sold with?
Most likely a stack of books, a camera, and some form of internet connection.
Interests & Hobbies
