I Talk With People

I like to be held accountable. You should too. 

That means we’re going to chat. Regularly.

About targets, and how we get there, and what needs to change, and how we get better. And if the day ever comes when everything is in sync, the question becomes "can we duplicate this?" 

I get things done, the important things, and along the way I help make our Team (Caps) inclusive and strong and ready for the next challenge – to meet it and beat it.

If history predicts the future, look at my accomplishments. 

In most cases my numbers are above average. In others, my accomplishments are outstanding and top tier. But what they all have in common is…

I had zero experience when I began each tenure and still produced, sometimes exceptionally well. 

I am able to quickly grasp new concepts and technology, then I transfer that enthusiasm and knowledge to other people in a way that makes them act.

Other words used to describe me include, smart, funny, well rounded, professional, and more.

Once in a while humble and modest, but this isn’t that time; I mean c'mon, it’s LinkedIn.

Most business is about relationships and I attribute all my success, like below, on a simple formula… 

Act in ways that build trust, be genuine and be genuinely interested in people and do good things. If you do that, business will follow.

That's what happens to me, every time.

I wish I had some wild and crazy sales strategy, but I don’t, “be interested instead of interesting” opens a lot of doors.

I have led training seminars and done presentations 1 on 1 and to large groups, connecting the dots on technical and product details in a way that people ‘get it’ and act. 

As a hunter I am relentless; as a farmer I am attentive and thorough.

In summary I find, develop, maintain and grow the business. 

I create enduring revenue streams.

Derrick Swain

Amazon.com

The Best of Amazon is the best seller of the biggest online selling platform of the world, Amazon.com.  They will post products, details, and order link to give their customers an easy way to get the best of Amazon.com.

• Pack Team (team size 25+) Recognized for being in the top 9% in productivity performance in fulfilling customer orders(February 2024 - ).

• 80+ hours cross-training on Pick Team labor share(April 2024 - ). 

• Inventory Out of Location (IOL)/React Chaser Team (team size 3-4 ppl). Monitor dashboard of inbound work progress and redistribute work across stow stations as needed to meet priority and regular work deadlines (November 2023 - January 2024). 

• Problem Solve Team (team size 15+ people). As a problem solver, process 20+ totes per hour for product issue resolution in inbound operations to make products "sellable" to the customer(Feb 2023 - January 2024).

• Inbound Stow Team (team size 25+ people). Promote excellent customer service, achieving 250+ scans per hour, stowing 6 - 8K products weekly (2019 - present).

• Outbound Ship Dock Team (team size 12 people). As part of Team Strikeforce with 80+ hours of training, assisted during Peak 2021 in outbound ship dock, resulting in 120+ boxes per hour scanned and sorted to meet truck schedule (November - January 2021).

• Safety Committee Team (team size 15 - 18 people). As a member of the Safety Committee Team, implemented 150+ operational changes to enhance workplace safety and minimize hazards. Developed skills in flexibility and adaptability to changes in business operations (2020 - 2021).

• Pod Transfer Team (team size 14 people). Collaborated on a special projects team as a Wrapper for 2 months on the inbound dock, preparing pods for Grand Rapids fulfillment center inbound operations, meeting delivery deadlines (Mar-Apr 2020).

Skills: Communication * Collaboration * Teamwork * Problem Solving * Customer Service  * Operations * Flexibility * Handling Deadlines * Adaptability * Onsite Work

Fulfillment Associate | Pack | Stow  | Business Operations | Stakeholder Communication 

Packt

Packt's mission is to help the world put software to work through the delivery of effective learning and information services. As part of that mission, Packt has published more than 7000 videos, books, and courses on a spectrum of technologies, including Big Data, Cyber-security, AI and Machine Learning, and Cloud.


• Verified 1-3 data analytics projects and interpreted results for code and content pertaining to data engineering and data analytics projects.

• Trained 25 data professions per month via instructional videos on data engineering and data science.

• Designed and developed instructional technical videos, using OBS software and tested all code in the code bundle.

• Communicated via Skype at the start of project with the Acquisition Editor and then regularly with the Content Development Editor (CDE). 

• Collaborated with the Project Coordinator(PC) to provide feedback on an author’s draft text and code material for accuracy, relevance, and clarity. 

• Provided constructive, practical solutions when reviewing book chapters, offering 2-3 comments per page.

• Shared test results with screenshots of final code outputs & signed off on all content, ensuring the technical accuracy of the final products met industry standards and best practices.

Skills:  Programming  *  Code Testing  *  OBS Video Software  *  Skype  *  Communication  *  Collaboration *  Content Curation  *  Project Management  *  Time Management  *  Documentation *  Remote Work

Technical Code Reviewer | Instructor | Testing | Requirements |  Cross Functional Collaboration

Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites.


• Provided excellent customer service by offering courtesy, active listening of customer needs, and providing product knowledge.

• Informed customers of special promotions and sales. Enrolled customers in store card program.
Used handheld iOS mobile device for point of sale (POS) and to lookup of styles, colors, and sizes, to make online orders, and to place reserves at other store locations.

• Used barcode scanner to ascertain inventory sold for replenishment purposes.

Skills: Customer Service  *  Attention to Details  *  Sales  *  Teamwork  *  Adaptability  *  Conflict Management  *  Communication

Retail Sales Associate | Inventory Managment | Point of Sale (POS) Software

RTI International

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on RTI International to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach -- one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development.


• Engaged people from diverse backgrounds in various communities to obtain cooperation of household members by effectively answering questions and addressing concerns about screening and study enrollment.

• Made in-person contact with selected households to successfully screen and conduct field interviews. Maintained confidentiality of respondent data.

• Accurately completed all project documents and reports including interviewer observation, surveys, and interview-related paperwork while following project deadlines.

• Collaborated with supervisor, completed assignments on schedule, and kept supervisor informed of problem areas that might affect progress.

• Assumed full and legal responsibility for use and care of all cash incentives, tablet computers, laptops, and other items.

• Maintained accurate, up-to-date records of progress in the field and transmitted data to RTI each day. 

Skills: Customer Relationship Management  *  Stakeholder Communication  *   Organization  *  Active Listening  *  Scheduling & Planning  *  Google Calendar

Field Interviewer | Data Collector |  Research | Documentation & Reports 

Battelle

Battelle champions the vision of founder Gordon Battelle to translate scientific discovery and technology advances into societal benefits. We deliver when others can't by remaining dedicated to developing and deploying world-changing solutions.


• Read and extracted key pieces of information from scientific and industry research articles based on keyword descriptor. 

• Performed abstractions for purpose of literature review. Article searches using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar. Applied critical thinking skills of determining relevant information.

• Conducted 15-minute phone screener interviews with research participants as part of a Lead Exposed Worker Study. Successfully met goal of enrolling 70+ men into a research study.

• Set appointments for clinic visit at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Prepared clinic packets of research study material and mass mailers to possible participants. 

• Performed tracing task for past participants of NIH Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. 

• Data entry and updated databases with lead blood test results, new addresses and contact information. 


Skills: Phone Interviewing  *  Researching  *  Critical Analysis  *  Attention to Details  * Communication  *  Data Entry

Researcher |  Phone Interviewer  |  Project Management | Data Collection

Serco

Serco Inc. is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc, one of the world’s leading service companies. Serco serves Federal, state and local governments, along with the Canadian government and commercial customers. We help our customers deliver vital services more efficiently, while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers.


• Helped to implement health care law under the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA). Performed casework research to problem solve household data matching issues and/or expired status applications based on inconsistencies identified from the government hub databases (The Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, and The Internal Revenue Service). 

• Made customer outbound phone calls and/or sent out notices to consumers requesting supporting documents (citizenship—US passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Driver’s License, Certificate of Report of Birth, immigration—permanent residency card, employment authorization card, Notice of Action, asylum or refugee documents, annual income—W2, 1040 tax returns, pay stub, disability, social security/pension income, unemployment benefit, self-employment profit and loss statements). 

• Performed complex issue resolution, using the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE database (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) to verify lawful presence. Problem solved customer issues by informing them on the next steps to take for eligibility requirements. Used a 3-way phone line with Interpreters Unlimited to communicate with customers of different languages.

• Approved or denied exemption requests for required federal health insurance, using documents for religious sects, Indian status, incarceration, healthcare sharing ministry, and economic hardships such as bankruptcy, catastrophes such as fire and floods, homelessness, utilities shut-off notice, and domestic abuse.

Skills: Communication  *  Problem Solving  *  Customer Service  *  Outbound Call Center

Verification Specialist (General Clerk III) | Customer Service | Problem Solver | Call Center

🐬 Looking for my first entry level Software Engineer role, where I’ll leverage my passion for technology.

🐬 My journey into computer science began in my sister's basement where I learned programming on my own as a non-traditional learner.   My training has come from online courses as well as bootcamps and specialized programs such as Java Full Stack Development with LaunchCode, Amazon Technical Academy, freecodeCamp, Data Engineering ZoomCamp, Encode Club, Alchemy University, and most recently The Frankfurt School Blockchain Center (FSBC). 

I'm continually learning and honing my skills while taking these courses currently:
     The Complete Java Development Bootcamp, Udemy.
     Data Structures & Algorithms I: ArrayLists, LinkedLists, Stacks and Queues, edX.

🐬 My value proposition includes:

     * Foundational skills in Java Full Stack development, Python and Java languages, version control GIT, 
       databases, data structures, unit testing and algorithms
    * Experience in Java Full Stack Development
    * Continual learning through bootcamps/specialized courses/online courses
    * Relevant leadership skills attained through teaching and mentorship from community involvement
    * Skills in data engineering and analytics through 6 projects in technical publishing
    * Cloud experience with AWS and GCP


🐬 In my current employment as an Amazon warehouse worker, I have developed:

     * Solid work performance — top 10% for productivity and quality for last Peak season
     * Problem-solving skills in troubleshooting product issues in a role as a Problem Solver
     * Excellent customer service and an understanding of business operations to meet deliverables
     * Teamwork and collaboration skills gained from working on 5+ teams
     * Experience in handling deadline-driven tasks in a fast-paced environment
     * Continual learning on the job through cross-training in different areas
     

🐬 LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenjyang

🐬 Repository:  https://github.com/kjy

taplio

The Battle

Derrick Swain

Karen Yang

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