I'm Amanda Krauss, and I solve things that look like tech problems but usually aren't. Sometimes code helps. Sometimes it doesn't.
I'm digital media leader who is happiest at the intersection of technology, user needs, and business goals. I care deeply about processes that make people happy and productive, and when it comes to digital organization, Marie Kondo's got nothing on me. I've heard what I do called product management, UX design, or content strategy; I don't really care what we call it, as long as we're making strategically smart decisions. If you'd like to see a a full résumé, please visit my LinkedIn profile.
As Christina Wodtke noted, "Being a good manager is 90% having a series of difficult conversations". I'm good at those, and also good at inspiring folks to do their best work towards a common goal. It doesn't hurt that I used to be a professor; I'm research-driven, a good public speaker, and I love the challenge of bringing different stakeholders to consensus.
Before you worry about technology stacks, you need to be clear about your project goals and your definition of success. We'll focus on the problems you're trying to solve, rather than choosing technical solutions first. And when it comes time to choose the solution, we won't jump for the shiniest new product on the block.
To achieve your digital goals, you need to allow your design to be data-driven, and your development to be user-centered. Sometimes it's hard to hear honest feedback from the people you think you're serving -- but it's essential! While you're at it, you'll want to make sure readers are clicking that beautifully designed button, and can read that awesome font on mobile.
In 2004 I received my Ph.D. in Classics. Along the way, I'd designed a website or two, translated a play, been on a couple of archaeological digs in Rome, and taught a lot of Latin courses.
From 2005-2010 I was an Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University. But I decided that I needed a change of career, so in 2008 I started retraining in technology and learning to code on Lynda.com
My first goal was to move back to Austin; my second was to start working in my chosen field. I worked mostly in Wordpress and front-end development.
The Trib is a non-partisan, non-profit, digital news source that educates and engages Texans. I started as an Interactive Designer and over the years moved up to Tech Director.