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Sasha (Alex) Korniak 07885 761 857

Check out my work

About Me

  Certified Scrum Master 

Agile Coach

Agile Delivery Manager 

Agile DSDM Project Management /  Prince 2

Togaf Certified Enterprise Architect 

Available for a new contracts

 

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals 

Jira & Confluence Badges | Azure ADO Boards / DevOps

Methodology & Technology Agnostic 

Agile Leadership | Business Agility | Business Process Engineering 

SDLC | DevOps 

AWS | Azure | Vmware | ETL | BI | ERP | CRM 

ITIL| Service Management – SNOW – ITSM

Agile SCRUM Technical Ninja

Over 27 years of hands-on experience and skills by taking responsibility & leading a complex portfolio of Agile and Waterfall Projects & programmes for application development by Lean-Agile Leadership, as certified SCRUM Master Certified, TOGAF Enterprise Architecture, Agile DSDM Certified, Scale Agile SAFe5.1 (SDLC), PRINCE 2, Business Agility, ITIL to deliver more effective & efficient business operations and delivery. Leading diverse teams through a period of change if needed whilst working collaboratively within the organisation at all levels, both UK & Internationally across Government, NGOs, Charities, Memberships Org, Start-ups, Healthcare, Property & Housing, Sales, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Manufacturing & HR.

My Career
2024
Gambling Commission

Gambling Commission

Dec 2023 - March 2024 - UK Government– Senior Product Manager

  • As a  Senior Product Manager at the UK Gambling Commission, I demonstrated expertise in product management by creating and delivering data-driven product roadmaps, defining MVPs, and ensuring continuous iteration.
  • Leading as PO multidisciplinary teams of up to 40 members, providing strategic oversight and fostering a culture of Agile, Scrum, Azure DevOps, and user-centred practices. Engaging effectively with stakeholders, they set and communicated product visions and standards, proactively managed risks and dependencies, and solved problems within a strategic context, particularly in data management and architecture.
  • I applied business analysis, user research, content, and UX design principles, ensuring compliance with WCAG. Large digital projects, such as Agile 101 and Azure DevOps 101, delivered websites and web applications for licensing and fee collection and managed data engineering and data-science initiatives.
  • These efforts resulted in teams embracing Agile/Scrum methodologies, achieving faster deployments, reducing inefficiencies and defects, and establishing user journeys and service standards. They utilised technologies including Azure Cloud, Power BI, and Contentful CMS, effectively managing and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to drive product and customer value.

 

Crisis

Crisis

Aug 2023 - Nov 2023 Homeless Charity / NfP - Delivery Manager (Data)

  • As a Delivery Manager (Data) at a homeless charity, key skills utilised included Agile coaching and workshop facilitation, cloud adoption guidance for Azure, and comprehensive data management practices.
  • Key projects involved transitioning from Razor’s Edge CRM to Microsoft Dynamics and developing a new Azure Modern Data Platform.
  • Outcomes included successful planning for the CRM transition, leading to better operational efficiency, implementation of an Empowerment Transformation approach, seamless data integration using Dataverse, and enhanced data governance with Microsoft Purview and MDM practices.
  • Technologies used included Microsoft Dynamics, Azure, and Purview, with teams consisting of 10 core developers and a 20-member programme team.
2023
UKHSA

UKHSA

Oct 2021 - May 2023 - UK GOVERNMENT Scrum Master / Agile Delivery Manager

In this role, key contributions included adaptive planning, prioritisation, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution in a complex environment. A culture of open communication and collaboration was fostered, enhancing team dynamics and success. Active coaching and mentoring within the digital project management community supported professional development.

  • Utilised skills encompassed Agile methodologies, GDS Agile Delivery, DDaT standards, Scrum, Kanban, IT Service Management, DevOps, Cyber Security, and more.
  • Projects spanned data and platform engineering for Covid epidemiology, Covid-19 DataStore management, and rapid response to the Omicron variant, among others.
  • Notable outcomes included 36 sprints, 20 production releases, resolving 3352 blockers and 2236 impediments, and extensive sprint planning and design sessions. Specific technologies included AWS, Azure, Jira, Confluence, and various project management tools.
  • Teams ranged from 6 to 28 members, with collaboration involving suppliers like Deloitte, BAE Systems, and Accenture.
2021
SightSavers

SightSavers

Mar 2021 - June 2021 - Enterprise Data Architect - NpF / Charity

  • As an Enterprise Data Architect at SightSavers, key skills utilised included setting up enterprise and data architecture, developing a new reporting architecture, and managing data capture, ETL processes, and OLAP.
  • Projects involved establishing a robust enterprise architecture framework, designing comprehensive data architecture, creating an advanced reporting system, developing a scalable data platform, and implementing a common data model.
  • Outcomes included enhanced data management and reporting, improved decision-making through better insights, streamlined data processes, successful application migrations, and a stronger alignment between IT and business objectives.
  • Technologies used included ETL tools like Pentaho and AWS Glue, OLAP tools, and cloud-based data platforms like AWS and Azure.
  • The team consisted of 5 members.
Information System Architect

Information System Architect

2019 - 2020

Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation

Reporting to the CEO. Responsible for Leading, designing, implementing & documenting new information & data architecture including end-to-end design, configuration & deployment of solutions & software to enable the Foundation to fully utilise the potential of Office 365 & other related business software. Strong user design focus on the project, ensuring that stakeholders are actively engaged in the project development, design & implementation.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Leveraging charitable status for discounting or free services & applications
  • Delivery of Project Management & Operations process task workflow Method Solution
  • Data architecture for Heritage Foundation’s 26000 Property Assets, (Housing & Commercial) Property Management Data for process and income.
  • Lead for transformation programme for Property & Landlord Consent from paper & excel records to a digital platform Salesforce with future Business intelligence and Data Analytics capabilities.
  • Both Delivery & technical hands-on roles for Office 365 – SharePoint, Onedrive and Power Platform, Configuration & Adoption
  • Solution Delivery of Service Portal for residential & commercial tenants

I worked as an Information System Architect, Product Owner, and Scrum Master at Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. I led the design and implementation of the organisation’s information and data strategy, focusing on Office 365, SharePoint, and OneDrive deployment. My responsibilities included stakeholder engagement, project management, and transformation programme management. Key projects involved creating a new information and data architecture, deploying the Office 365 suite, digitising property and landlord consent records with Salesforce, and developing a service portal for tenants. Achievements included enhancing Office 365 utilisation, engaging stakeholders effectively, managing data for 26,000 property assets, transitioning from paper to digital records, and improving service delivery via a new service portal. I supported varied team sizes, sometimes over 200 users, and reported directly to the CEO.

DHSC Department of Health and Social Care

DHSC Department of Health and Social Care

June 2021 - Oct 2021 - UK Government - Tools and Technology Officer

  • I served as a Tools and Technology Officer at the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – Before the change in Oct 2021 to UKHSA 
  • Utilising Agile methodologies such as DSDM, Scrum, and Prince 2, I managed and supported various projects, including the implementation of Salesforce for university services, administration of Egress Document Management, and setup of Halo tools like Jira, Confluence, and SharePoint.
  • My role involved extensive stakeholder communication, digital and data change management, and epidemiological data visualisation and analysis.
  • Key achievements included enhancing digital capabilities through Salesforce implementation, improving document management processes, streamlining digital operations with Halo tools, and ensuring a smooth transition of tools and technology for the UKHSA. My work improved the responsiveness and adaptability of digital services, supporting a core team of 5 and a programme team of 25 members.
2018
Head of Data and Business Technology 

Head of Data and Business Technology 

2018 - 2019

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Set Business Vision, 5 year strategy and yearly business plans
  • Defined Enterprise Architecture – Open Source Software Pentaho PDI, Data Model, Atlassian Suite
  • Accomplishment team Agile mindset and working toward Business Agility for the rest of the organisation. 
  • Completed MVP (Platform X) within 7 months on time, on budget and with required quality. 
  • Implemented DevOps – CD/CI/CR 
  • Delivered Test-driven development (TDD) with automated testing.
  • Recruited and built teams of people. 
  • Achieved Cyber Essentials Certification for the organisation.
  • Achieved NHS Digital Data Security and Protection Toolkit standard for IG Governance and Compliance.
  • Maintained and renewed the approval of Section 251 of  Health and Social care Act for the organisations National Clinical Audit. 
  • Driving the release of ICNARC Case Mix Programme Dataset Version 4.0
2017
INTERIM HEAD OF ERP

INTERIM HEAD OF ERP

2017 – 2017

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Provided consultancy for vendor selection, SAP Business One, MS Dynamics and Sage – Review, Advice and Guidances – Selected SAP Business One – Enterprise and Solution Architecture Set
  • Recruited to head hunt the permanent “Head of EPR”.
2016
Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

2016 – 2017

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Set strategy for resource management to respond to the charity’s business priorities in a cost-effective manner. Provided in-depth knowledge of the charity’s business and Information strategies, and what objectives and business benefit must be fulfilled.
  • Set strategy for monitoring and managing the performance of Information-related systems and services, in respect of their contribution to the charity’s performance
  • Development a project and application for ensuring members schools are fully briefed on the security and safety situation, are provided with up-to date country information, training with the FCO and UN.
  • Implemented ECISConnect.org (Linked-in for International school) with a pipeline of 100,000 users by the end of 2017.
  • Lead the re-design of the corporate website to be launched in the winter of 2017.
  • Recommended and implemented Office 365 – Most Products, Exchange, Skype for Business, SharePoint, and BI.
2014
Technology Leadership CTO

Technology Leadership CTO

Sept 2014 – Aug 2016

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Provided recommendations which will impact the technology landscape of Cuba for the next decade and its social and economic development by providing of PSTN new public telephone system, increased internet bandwidth from locations (MPLS) where Internet access (WIFI) is used on a collective basis, such as in work places, parks, schools, University and Businesses.

2011
Head of IT

Head of IT

Sept 2011 - Sept 2014

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • The first dedicated IT leader, directly managing 3 that grown to 7 over 3 years and over 20 outsourcing partners covering 2 sites with multiple IT functions.
  • Created and implemented of strategies and policies (ITIL) for the next 5 years, lined to an £38m company to £80m.
  • Replaced the legacy infrastructure with the first 4 months in order to support the new ERP (Storage, Sage Line 300 & 500, Netnapp, Vmware, Cisco, VOIP, mobile, cloud & exchange – server migrations (P2V and V2V) and applications virtualisation).
  • Lead and implemented a new ERP as the pervious implementation of the legacy ERP failed within the first 6 months
  • Designed and implemented BRAD using Pentaho – PDI – Business Intelligence & Data Engineering  
  • Designed and implement RIO H&S System.
  • Maintained ISO 9001
Technology  Consultant

Technology Consultant

Feb 2011 - Aug 2011

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Provided independent consultancy on Electronic Patient Records Systems (SME subject matter expert) to 5 MPs for a Commons Public Accounts Committee Meeting and the published report.
  • Provided evidence and advice from the Department of Health and its contractors BT and Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), it was examined for the delivery of care records systems under the National Programme for IT in the NHS. 
2008

Ansel Group & Independent Living Group – Technology Consultant

Feb 2009 - Mar 2011

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Delivered Strategy & Design  
  • Selected and Delivered EPR – Electronic Patient Record System
  • Delivery of training of System 
  • Implement of one the UK’s first 100 Hosted Virtual Desktops projects.
2005
HEAD OF IT

HEAD OF IT

June 2005 - Dec 2008

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • SAP (ERP) implementations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
  • Setting Architecture processes
  • Defining strategic and tactical IT planning
  • Building Teams
1998
Computacenter   

Computacenter   

June 1998 - June 2005

Responsible Systems Engineer/Team Leader /Project Manager, Intermigration Projects Leader, Hardware Installation, Software installation, Scripts Author and Technical Adviser. 

Bindley Business Systems

Jan 1998 - June 1998

Working with Computacenter as Contractor for Severn Trent Water 

Migrating Seven Trent E-mail’s from CC.Mail to Lotus Notes. Throughout the six-month contact I worked under an intermigration consultant. 

1997
British Telecom

British Telecom

July 1997 - Dec 1997

I joined BT as a Technical Adviser for the Group Motor Transport Department, specialising in the deployment of Microsoft Windows NT 4. I advised on different ways of deploying not only Windows NT but also any operating system and software. During my time at BT I used a lot of Microsoft BackOffice Family products. I was only 18 year old and already using GHOST imaging tools and developing an understand for the future, on what would become VMware Virtualization.

I also started to use Paypal in 1997! 

1996
Vector Networks

Vector Networks

Jan 1997 - June 1979

Starting my Career

Technical Services Trainee

I joined Vector in January 1997, as a Technical Services Trainee. Vector Networks is a software company, which specialises in network management control software; my role was to give technical support to customers and distributors. 

The product was very similar to Microsoft SMS – System Management Server and PC Anywhere. 

In the Beginning

Experience & Skills

FACILITATION MAKING IT EASY

In this insightful presentation hosted by Sasha (Alex) Korniak for the Agile Community, we delve into the essence and art of facilitation. Drawing inspiration from philosophical teachings and expert practices, this video explores how effective facilitation can enhance group dynamics, decision-making, and problem-solving.
View more  

Cloud Adoption Framework Presentation

Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure: Microsoft’s comprehensive set of tools, best practices, guidelines, and documentation aimed at facilitating cloud adoption. View more  

 

Beyond Reporting, Analytics & Dashboards

We need more than Insights, Reporting,  Analytics & Dashboards – GO BEYOND Bywaters, a recycling and waste management company, has improved productivity using Pentaho data integration and BI software.View more


Take a look at some of my skills


Agile Ways of Working; DSDM, Scrum Master, Kaban, Lean, CoachingExpert
GDS & DDaT Standards Pro
Data Management Pro
Data EngineeringAdvanced

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data FundamentalsPro
Microsoft Certified: Azure FundamentalsPro
AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerPro
Jira & Confluence Fundamentals BadgesExpert


Need some advice?


Feel free to contact me

Portfolio

  • Sasha Korniak Scrum Expertise: Mastering Coaching, Strategy, and Team Empowerment

    Agile, SCRUM

  • DACI Decision Making Framework

    Agile

  • FACILITATION MAKING IT EASY

    Agile, Business Agility

  • Azure Cloud Adoption Framework Presentation

    Azure

  • BRAD – Beyond Reporting and Analytics Dashboards

    BRAD

  • Hosted Virtual Desktops

    Hosting

  • Operational Process Improvement

    Agile, Business Agility

  • Platform X – National Clinical Audits

    Agile, Platform X

    At the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC), the focus is on ensuring optimal care for those critically ill, primarily within the NHS. They strive to improve critical care's structure, processes, outcomes, and experiences for patients and caregivers. This article details the responsibilities and innovations led by a senior manager in the organisation. They spearheaded the vision and strategic leadership for the teams managing SDLC, development, maintenance, and support of National Clinical Audits and CTU Clinical Trials Units Research, as well as communications and digital infrastructure systems. One notable achievement was the development and implementation of a new tool, Platform X, which modernised and replaced a 20-year-old legacy system using open-source ETL tools and modern data approaches. This transformation was architected by Dan Keeley from Code BI Ltd. Readers can watch a presentation from BIG DATA LDN to gain insights into pandemic predictions and understand how a metadata-driven approach can enhance business agility. The presentation emphasises applying metadata-driven technology across the full stack to revolutionise data platforms within a scientific charity. Notes Include a link to the BIG DATA LDN presentation. Highlight the innovative use of Pentaho and metadata-driven approaches in the transformation project. Emphasise the strategic leadership and vision brought by the senior manager in driving the cultural shift and architectural transformation.

Blog

2024
19 Jul

As requested………………………… Addressing the CrowdStrike update issue on remote devices, especially those without keyboards like POS systems, presents significant challenges. These devices often operate in restricted environments where accessing Safe Mode or running recovery scripts is complex. The lack…

5 Jul

The DACI Decision Framework is designed to accelerate group decisions and increase their effectiveness by assigning specific roles to team members. Use this framework (which stands for “Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed”) to make effective and efficient group decisions.  Click…

17 Jun

With over 27 years of extensive hands-on experience – Data Engineering and Agile values and principles are my vocation in life, not just a career choice; I have honed a versatile skill set encompassing both soft and technical proficiencies…

25 Mar

Further in-depth details of my role at the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission in the UK oversees the licensing and regulation of gambling businesses. They provide various types of licences and charge fees based on the scale and type…

2023
23 Nov

As a Delivery Manager (Data), I led and coordinated the migration to Microsoft Dynamics and the implementation of a new Microsoft Azure Modern Data Platform. My primary responsibility was to ensure effective project delivery through defining requirements, procuring necessary…

30 Aug

I have led the Squads in different roles over the last two years as Scrum Master, Service Lead / Owner / Delivery Lead (Digital Project Manager for the business) for several products ensuring they are delivered consistently and at…

12 Aug

DACI Decision Making Framework

2021
17 Aug

My role would be described as Technology, Data, and Digital Journey Business Partnering, with a strong focus on rapid problem-solving based on the needs and activities of various service use cases and stakeholders. I have demonstrated a deep understanding…

2020
20 Mar

Download and Installation    To download and install Teams – on Desktops, Laptops, Windows 10, Mac, and your mobiles Apple iOS and Android! https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads Windows 10 – Ensure it the 64-bit version https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads/desktopurl?env=production&plat=windows&arch=x64&download=true Mac Desktop or Laptop https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads/desktopurl?env=production&plat=osx&arch=&download=true For…

2019
2 Sep

Pip talks to Sasha Korniak, Agile SCRUM technical ninja and all round awesome person. He’s had a wide career and discussions include how technology has helped him and his top five future technology trends and more!   My interview…

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