Distributing Financial Expertise Throughout EdgeConneX's Operations
Revamped Version
In the pulsating world of data center construction and management, EdgeConneX and its dynamic team have been the driving force behind its substantial growth.
With Joe Harar leading the finance operations at the helm for over a decade, Jenny Zhan, the former chief accounting officer - who's worked alongside Harar throughout her entire tenure with the company - has swaped herfinance-centric role for a new position as the chief transformation officer. This real-life example offers an insight into how sharing financial expertise across different sectors can fuel growth, an approach many companies are embracing.
Taking the Helm
Zhan's new position is crucial given the paramount importance of data for both internal and external purposes within the organization. Ever since change and growth have been the constant norm in her industry, Zhan believes her longstanding finance and accounting background would offer a solid foundation for providing a comprehensive analysis perspective.
"The rainbow unicorns ruling our industry yesterday aren't guaranteed to dance the conga around the firepit tomorrow," Zhan said bluntly. "When it comes to staying ahead of the pack, we need to size up the moving pieces of the puzzle faster and adapt quicker than the competition."
Reflecting on her new role, Zhan, while taking a similar skillset stride, is looking to make a more visible impact across the board. "Transformation ain't merely about looking at the nitty-gritty numbers; it's also about inspiring positive change, negotiating deals with key players, and bridging gaps between different departments to drive the endgame," she explained. "My aim is to make sure we always have the sharpest business intel on deck."
Making a Mark
Zhan's current focus is on putting in the sweat equity in R&D, paying heed to customer demands, and aligning the necessary teams to helm successful projects at a mammoth scale. In comparison to accounting, her new role is more communication-centric.
"Right now, we are dotting the i's, crossing the t's, understanding the everyday ropes, and piecing it all together in one cohesive framework - with the goal of developing a backup support system to keep it all running smoothly," she said. "My job is to lead the research while also keeping in touch with the engineers, the market enablement team, and our customers as we iron out the legacy headaches plaguing our clients."
Zhan credits EdgeConneX's youthful energy and innovative spirit for its willingness to embrace change. "Being relatively young in the game has its perks; we're eager to flex our tech muscles and see our growth soar beyond the 28 nations we're currently gearing up to conquer," she said.
From Yesterday to Tomorrow
Despite the challenges and pressure that come with taking on a new role in uncharted waters, Zhan finds it invigorating rather than daunting. "I thrive on variety and constantly thrown into new puddles to splash around; it keeps the job intriguing," she said. "In the past, I've juggled working in different parts of the world, experimenting with various accounting and FP&A tasks, and even donning the chief accounting officer's hat for a while. Then I danced with financial madness in hospitality. Now I'm back with real estate but with a twist of technology, and I'm stoked to see where this adventure leads."
This interview took place on Feb. 6, 2025, at SuiteConnect in New York City.
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"I live for challenges that keep me guessing," Zhan said. "Whenever I sense cabin fever setting in, I give myself a good shake, find a new challenge, and dive right in!"
- In her new role as the chief transformation officer, Jenny Zhan aims to provide a comprehensive analysis perspective, leveraging her finance and accounting background.
- As the paramount importance of data looms large, Zhan's new position is crucial for EdgeConneX, offering a solid foundation for internal and external purposes.
- Zhan's focus is on aligning teams, understanding customer demands, and bridging gaps between different departments to drive growth in the company's suite of services.
- Jenny Zhan believes her longstanding finance and accounting expertise, coupled with her ability to inspire positive change, negotiate deals, and communicate effectively, will contribute to EdgeConneX's growth and transformation.
- Zhan is committed to developing a backup support system to keep the company running smoothly, working closely with engineers, the market enablement team, and customers to tackle legacy issues.
- EdgeConneX's youthful energy and innovative spirit, fostered by a willingness to embrace change, has allowed the company to thrive and expand beyond its current 28 nations.
- Despite the challenges and pressure that come with her new role, Jenny Zhan finds it invigorating, thriving on variety and constant challenges in her finance and business career.
