Andre Stevens
Manager
Daugherty Business Solutions
Born: St. Louis, MO
High School:
Parkway West High School
College & Degree(s):
Univ. Missouri-St. Louis, BS, Business Administration
Webster University, MBA
United Way Young Professionals
St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellow (Cohort 10)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Board Member of:
- Father Support Center
- St. Louis Area Foodbank Young Professionals
The person who nominated you considers you a “thought leader.” Why do you think he stated that?
First of all, I’m humbled that I’m considered as a “thought leader”. When I am assigned to a client, it is typically to help solve a complex problem. When you’re solving complex problems, you’re forced to think outside the box to provide solutions to clients. The only thing that is truly constant in the IT industry is change. Not only do you have to be ready to adopt new trends and deliver solutions, but you have to fully understand the solutions being delivered.
In just three years, you moved up from Consultant, to Senior Consultant, to Manager. To what do you attribute your quick rise at Daugherty Business Solutions?
Hard work! Climbing the corporate ladder, as they say, can be tricky because it’s sometimes all about who you know, not what you know. I decided early on in my career that I would work harder than the next person and trust in God to let the chips fall into place. I moved up from Consultant, to Senior Consultant, to Manager, not just because I know the right people, but because I worked harder than the next person. I planned out my first five years at Daugherty Business Solutions, and one of my goals was to become a Manager. Ironically, one of my other goals was to be recognized as a St. Louis American Young Leader, and now this goal has also been accomplished. In my opinion, it’s important to write down your goals and review them regularly. Similar to the speed limit signs on the highway, you may not see them every second, however you review them frequently enough that you remember the speed limit. My move from a Consultant to a Manager wasn’t by accident and it wasn’t easy. I reviewed my goals regularly, worked hard, created opportunities, and put myself into a position to capitalize.
How are you able to keep up with the latest and seemingly continuous changes and innovations in technology?
It’s challenging, however I have several ways to keep up with the various innovations, best practice, and new trends in technology. I have a network of IT and non-IT professionals and we share new innovations and different trends with each other regularly (this is my accountability team). I also lead up the Soft Skills and Professional Development capabilities within Daugherty Business Solutions, which also helps me stay connected to latest innovations and technologies.
Why are you a member of the United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society and what advice would you give to a young professional who is not a member?
First, I would strongly encourage all young professionals to give financially or volunteer to the United Way. I realize everyone’s finances may not allow for a Leadership Level donation. However, it’s important to start somewhere. I’m a member of the United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society because it is the #1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the St. Louis region. It is a great honor to be a part of this society. Membership allows me and other likeminded individuals a means by which we can connect for a worthy cause.
