Deloitte

Michael Hicks

Guy Fruda

Northeast Regional Technology Leader, Deloitte Services LP and National IT program leader for Deloitte University

Guy Fruda started working at Deloitte on a recommendation from a college friend. He wanted to work in a place where he could put his tech skills to use, be on the cutting edge of technology innovation, and collaborate with coworkers. Ten years later, he’s now the IT Leader for all Deloitte offices in the Northeast, spanning more than 12,000 people, and the IT program leader for Deloitte University (DU).

How did you first become interested in IT?
I have always had a fascination with technology, ever since I was a kid. I remember getting a ‘build your own’ personal computer at 12 years old, and I spent four weeks reading the schematics and soldering in all of the components. I still remember the day I turned it on and everything worked. From that day forward I was hooked—and so started my journey.

Why do you think you have excelled at Deloitte?
I have a pretty extensive technology background, from hard core programming skills, to large-scale technology project management, similar to my work with Deloitte University. When I interviewed ten years ago with a partner from Deloitte Consulting LLP, we spent almost three hours discussing everything from the progression of technology in the workplace to my personal preferences for home computer use. I think he realized that I was not only passionate about technology, but equally as passionate about building and fostering relationships.

What is Deloitte University?
It’s our learning and leadership development environment of the future that is expected to open in 2011 in a state-of-the-art facility in Westlake, Texas (outside of Dallas). It’s going to become our home for learning, development, and leadership training and will help us achieve our vision of growing the world’s best leaders. It’s more than 700,000 square feet with a hotel with 800 guest rooms, a conference center, restaurants, recreation and other amenities. We like to say it’s by Deloitte and for Deloitte.

How are you involved with it?
My job responsibilities at DU are focused on the overall technology vision for the campus, along with technical oversight of the installation, configuration, and testing of all the technology. We’ve taken a much more proactive approach in enabling our classrooms with the technology needed to really help facilitate learning. For instance, we have three projectors in the rooms so students can share their work with other students. We also have recording capabilities and four “teleclassrooms” which utilize video conferencing so you can connect with 18 other teleclassrooms across the country.

What inspired DU?
We wanted to differentiate ourselves from our competition, grow our culture, and offer a unique and innovative learning experience. We do a fair amount of training in hotels and conference centers across the U.S, but we wanted one location that is ours and that brings our people together for a shared experience. In a few years, we see the world having a war for talent and we think having DU will make us more attractive to potential recruits. We expect it to become the heart of our organization.