Industry and Insight Alumni Matt Shepard

Summary

In this engaging interview, Alex Bartell Walsh speaks with alumni Matt Sheeper, the business leader of Soundcom Systems, a division of Amatech. Matt shares his journey from accounting to running a nurse call business, emphasizing the importance of life safety equipment in hospitals and schools. He discusses the value of continuous learning, the power of expert council, and the influence of a positive attitude in his professional growth. Matt also highlights the benefits of Walsh College's MBA program in preparing him for his career and the significance of the alumni Mastermind program in fostering collaboration and problem-solving among professionals.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Matt Shepard is the business leader of Soundcom Systems, a division of Amatech, focusing on life safety equipment for hospitals and education systems.
• 🏢 Soundcom Systems integrates nurse call systems into hospitals and installs safety communication equipment in K-12 schools.
• 💡 Matt emphasizes the importance of what Soundcom does, as it directly impacts student and patient safety.
• 🌟 Matt's leadership style is influenced by books like 'Extreme Ownership' and 'The Dichotomy of Leadership', highlighting the balance of owning responsibility and developing a strong team.
• 📈 Matt's career trajectory began in accounting, moved to consulting, and then into his current role, reflecting a shift from traditional accounting to business operations.
• 🎓 Walsh College's MBA program was chosen by Matt for its flexibility and professional focus, catering to the demands of working adults in accounting and other fields.
• 🚀 Matt values the expert council and mentorship opportunities provided by Walsh College's alumni Mastermind program, which brings professionals together to solve problems and share insights.
• 🌐 Diversity in professional backgrounds is seen as a strength in the alumni Mastermind group, offering a range of perspectives and knowledge.
• 💼 Matt's advice for younger professionals involves finding and maintaining connections with talented individuals who inspire and guide them.
• 🅾️ Matt's positivity and drive stem from personal experiences and the belief in self, learned from overcoming failures and setbacks in his earlier life.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Matt's family, particularly his wife and four children, are key motivators in his personal and professional life.

Q & A

What is Matt Shepard's current role and what does his company do?

Matt Shepard runs a nurse call business called Soundcom Systems, which is a division of Amatech, a $5 billion publicly-traded holding company. Soundcom Systems integrates nurse call systems into hospitals and also provides life safety communication equipment for K-12 school systems.

How does Matt describe the leadership at Amatech?

Matt describes the leadership at Amatech as being 'top down' with managers who are 'the best of the best'. He mentions that they are excellent examples of leadership and management, making it a great environment to be a part of.

What is Matt's educational background and how has it influenced his career?

Matt started with an accounting background and later pursued an MBA from Walsh College. His educational background has been instrumental in his career, providing him with the credentials needed to move into the world of consulting and eventually into his current leadership role at Amatech.

How does Matt approach his role as a business leader?

Matt approaches his role with a philosophy of 'extreme ownership' and 'the dichotomy of leadership'. He believes in being a decision-maker and taking full responsibility for his organization, while also developing his team to operate with autonomy and make decisions in line with his own intuition.

What is the significance of the products that Matt's company provides?

The products provided by Matt's company are life safety equipment for hospital networks and K-12 school systems. Matt emphasizes that what they do matters because it directly impacts student and patient safety.

How has Matt's personal life influenced his professional perspective?

Matt's personal experiences, such as his wife giving birth with Soundcom's equipment in use, and his children attending school, have made the importance of his company's products more tangible and meaningful to him. These experiences have reinforced his passion for his work.

What advice does Matt have for young professionals looking to follow a similar career path?

Matt advises young professionals to be persistent, always be learning, and to seek expert counsel. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals who can provide guidance and help one grow professionally.

How does Matt maintain a positive attitude in his professional life?

Matt maintains a positive attitude by believing in himself and his capabilities. He learned from his experiences in baseball that when he was confident and self-assured, he performed better. He also credits his family, particularly his wife, as a significant source of motivation and drive.

What does Matt value about the Walsh College alumni Mastermind program?

Matt values the diversity of thought and the opportunity for problem-solving and idea-sharing that the Mastermind program provides. He believes that being part of such a group with alumni from various industries and professions offers a unique perspective and expertise that can be beneficial for everyone involved.

What suggestions does Matt have for enhancing alumni engagement with Walsh College?

Matt suggests more opportunities for engagement like the Walsh College alumni Mastermind program. He believes that such platforms not only provide value to the alumni but also help in reconnecting them with the college, creating a sense of community and shared learning.

How does Matt describe the culture at Amatech?

Matt describes the culture at Amatech as one that rewards hard work and success-driven individuals. He mentions that Amatech values 'workhorses' over 'show ponies', indicating a preference for those who are willing to put in the effort and demonstrate their commitment to the organization's goals.