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Why Soft Skills Are Becoming More Important for Tech Roles

Kadadi Umesh — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 06:48:40 +0000

As AI and automation accelerate, the human side of tech—communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, stakeholder management, adaptability, and ethics—has become a decisive differentiator for careers and companies. Major studies (World Economic Forum, Microsoft & LinkedIn’s Work Trend Index, Gartner, Harvard) all converge on the same message: “durable” human skills are rising fastest in importance and underpin how quickly people learn new tools, adapt to change, and deliver business outcomes.

The shift: From “can you code it?” to “can you ship it with people?”

A decade ago, many tech roles were evaluated primarily on hard skills: programming languages, frameworks, systems design, and certifications. Those still matter. But the half‑life of technical skills keeps shrinking, while projects increasingly span cross‑functional teams (engineering, product, design, data, security, operations, legal). In that environment, the people who consistently ship outcomes aren’t just great coders—they’re great communicators, collaborators, and problem solvers.

Three macro forces are driving this:

AI is changing the task mix, not the need for human judgment. As generative AI scales in the workplace, leaders see opportunity but also a gap: organizations need people who can frame problems, ask better questions, check outputs, and align stakeholders. In 2024, Microsoft & LinkedIn found 75% of knowledge workers already use AI at work, yet the bottleneck is applying AI to business impact—where communication, context‑setting, and collaboration become critical.
Skills churn is real—and human skills travel. The World Economic Forum projects that 44% of workers’ core skills will change by 2027; analytical and creative thinking top the most in‑demand list, alongside resilience, leadership, and social influence—skills that help teams navigate disruption.
Leaders expect a surge in upskilling, with human skills center stage. A 2024 Gartner survey reports 85% of business leaders expect skills development needs to surge due to AI and digital trends—pressing L&D to build more agile, outcome‑driven learning that blends technical and human capabilities.

What the data says: The rise of “durable” skills

WEF Future of Jobs (2023): Analytical thinking ranks #1; creative thinking #2; and multiple “self‑efficacy” skills (resilience, curiosity, lifelong learning) enter the top tier. These are broadly “soft” skills that enable problem framing, adaptation, and collaboration—exactly what AI can’t easily automate.
2024 Work Trend Index (Microsoft & LinkedIn): AI adoption is widespread, but the advantage goes to those who can combine AI aptitude with communication and stakeholder alignment to move from experiments to business transformation.
Harvard / HBS & DCE: Research summaries emphasize that foundational (soft) skills—communication, collaboration, critical thinking—predict faster learning, better wages, and career resilience across 70M job transitions; tech leaders specifically must master clear communication to bridge tech and business.
Gartner: With skill requirements changing and many IT workforces unprepared for future needs, the differentiator is a culture of continuous learning and the “essential skills” that translate strategy into execution—stakeholder management, collaboration, problem‑solving, and change leadership.
LinkedIn Learning & Economic Graph: Learning demand skews toward AI literacy and human skills like conflict mitigation, adaptability, and stakeholder management—essential for coordinating across functions and resolving ambiguity.

Why soft skills matter more in tech—right now

1) AI raises the floor on execution, but humans still set the direction

Copilots can draft code, summarize meetings, and generate tests. But someone has to define the problem, set constraints, negotiate trade‑offs, and evaluate risks. That requires structured thinking, clear writing, and facilitation skills. The 2024 Work Trend Index shows AI users save time and focus better, yet moving from individual productivity to enterprise value hinges on leaders and contributors who can align stakeholders and communicate the “why.”

Career implication: The developers who thrive are those who can scope work, write crisp design docs, lead RFCs, and guide cross‑team decisions—because the value has shifted from lines of code to clarity plus coordination.

2) Projects are more cross‑functional—and success lives (or dies) in the seams

Modern initiatives—cloud migrations, data platforms, AI pilots, zero‑trust rollouts—cross multiple domains. Friction often arises not from technical impossibility, but from misaligned expectations and communication gaps. Harvard DCE highlights communication as a top skill for tech leaders: translating complex ideas, influencing non‑technical stakeholders, and practicing active listening to surface risks early.

Career implication: If you can facilitate, negotiate trade‑offs, and co‑create with product, security, finance, and legal, you become the person who keeps critical paths unblocked.

3) The faster skills change, the more foundations matter

When frameworks turn over and platforms evolve, the people who learn fastest and adapt best pull ahead. Large‑scale analyses show that broad, foundational skills (e.g., reading comprehension, teamwork, problem‑solving) enable quicker acquisition of new technical skills and better long‑term mobility—even more than a narrow stack expertise.

Career implication: Investing in problem‑solving, structured communication, and meta‑learning pays dividends across every new language, tool, or cloud service you’ll adopt over the next decade.

4) Organizations need agility—agility is a human capability

Gartner notes executives expect an AI‑driven surge in skills needs and urge agile learning to connect learning with earning (business outcomes). That means teams capable of sense‑making, experimentation, retrospectives, and continuous improvement—all powered by psychological safety and facilitation, not by syntax mastery.

Career implication: Practitioners who can run effective stand‑ups, lead blameless postmortems, and tell the story of impact secure trust—and the next big mandate.

The essential soft skills for today’s tech roles

1) Communication (written & verbal)

Why it matters: Clear docs reduce rework, align stakeholders, and accelerate decision cycles. In busy, hybrid teams, asynchronous clarity is gold. Harvard DCE calls out active listening, translating complex tech to business value, and persuasive storytelling as core for tech leaders.
How to build:
- Write one‑page proposals with Purpose → Context → Options → Recommendation → Risks.
- Use structured frameworks (Pyramid Principle, SCQA) for emails and updates.
- Practice “teach‑backs” after meetings to ensure shared understanding.

2) Collaboration & stakeholder management

Why it matters: Cross‑functional execution is now the norm; LinkedIn’s skill signals highlight stakeholder management and conflict mitigation rising in demand.
How to build:
- Map stakeholders by interest vs. influence; schedule purposeful 1:1s early.
- Use decision frameworks (RACI, DACI) to prevent ownership ambiguity.
- Facilitate meetings: clear agendas, timeboxing, decision logs.

3) Problem‑solving & analytical thinking

Why it matters: WEF ranks analytical thinking as the #1 core skill; it’s the backbone for debugging, incident response, and product trade‑offs under uncertainty.
How to build:
- Practice “five whys,” fault tree analysis, and pre‑mortems.
- Convert vague asks into falsifiable hypotheses and measurable success criteria.

4) Adaptability & resilience

Why it matters: With 44% of core skills changing by 2027, adaptability is a career moat. Agile learning cultures also correlate with better business outcomes.
How to build:
- Run quarterly skills sprints—pick one skill, create a 30‑day plan, share learnings.
- Maintain a personal “sunset list” (skills to phase out) and “explore list” (skills to sample).

5) Ethical reasoning & judgment

Why it matters: As AI and data become pervasive, teams face choices around privacy, bias, and acceptable use. Ethical skills and leadership & social influence appear in the WEF’s skills outlook and are central to trust.
How to build:
- Use ethics checklists in design reviews; adopt model cards/data sheets; escalate edge cases.

Practical ways to strengthen soft skills (without pausing your sprint)

Adopt “Docs‑First” Habits
Before building, write a 1–2 page PR/FAQ or design brief. Review asynchronously; capture objections and decisions. This compounds your communication muscle and reduces rework later.
Run Better Meetings
Every session needs an agenda, owner, desired outcome, and timebox. End with a decision log and owners. You’ll save hours weekly and improve team morale.
Shadow & Reverse‑Mentor
Pair senior ICs with PMs or architects to shadow stakeholder calls; invite juniors to “teach back” a topic monthly. It builds empathy in both directions and accelerates growth.
Practice Structured Thinking Daily
Use templates for status updates (Risks, Decisions, Blockers, Next Steps). Over‑communicate what changed and why—especially in hybrid settings.
Close the Loop
After an incident, send an executive‑friendly summary (impact, root cause, fix, prevention). This is stakeholder management in action.
Invest in Targeted Learning
Blend AI literacy with human skills. LinkedIn Learning and Work Trend Index resources show rising demand for conflict mitigation, adaptability, stakeholder management, and AI aptitude.

Measuring soft skills (so they don’t become “nice to have”)

Communication quality: % of proposals approved without rework; PRD/design doc review cycles.
Collaboration: Cross‑team cycle time for dependencies; stakeholder NPS after milestones.
Decision velocity: Time from options presented → decision made; % decisions with clear owner and success metric.
Learning agility: Quarterly skill goals achieved; internal mobility; participation in postmortems and knowledge shares.

Gartner recommends connecting learning to earning—tie soft‑skills outcomes directly to business metrics (e.g., faster lead time, fewer rollbacks, reduced incident MTTR).

The bottom line

Tech keeps moving faster. Tools come and go. But soft skills—your ability to communicate, collaborate, adapt, and lead—compound over time. That’s why global benchmarks (WEF, Microsoft/LinkedIn, Gartner, Harvard) all converge: the more AI pervades our workflows, the more human the differentiators become. If you’re a technologist aiming for impact—architect, principal engineer, product‑minded developer, or consultant—prioritize building these “durable” skills alongside your stack. They will make every line of code you write more valuable to the business and every project you touch more likely to ship.

Building Confidence and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome at Work

Katie Armbruster — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:47:51 +0000

As a global, AI-first consultancy, Perficient empowers the world’s most innovative and admired brands to boldly advance business with speed, agility, and pragmatism. Our people are outcome-driven builders who harness cutting-edge AI technology to deliver disruptive, high-impact solutions that transform industries and redefine the digital landscape.

But forging the future is more than embracing technological advancements. It’s about having the confidence and self-assurance to show up, collaborate, and grow. No matter where you are in your career, building confidence and tackling impostor syndrome is part of the journey.

This blog series features insights and actionable advice from our colleagues, thoughtfully curated to inspire, support, and sustain meaningful professional growth. In our previous blog post, we highlighted how colleagues prioritize self-care and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our third installment focuses on building greater confidence at work and silencing the inner critic.

From Doubt to Belief: Defeating Impostor Syndrome Through Self-Empowerment

If you’ve ever doubted your abilities or felt like a fraud despite your achievements, you’ve likely experienced impostor syndrome. According to McLean Hospital, impostor syndrome involves persistent self-doubt and feelings of incompetence, regardless of past successes. It’s more than an internal battle; it can lead to burnout, erode your sense of accomplishment, and hold you back from realizing your full potential.

When self-doubt creeps in, you’re less likely to pursue new learning opportunities essential for long-term growth. Overcoming impostor syndrome begins with self-empowerment, which means embracing what you don’t know, preparing with intention, and resisting overexertion. Confidence builds when you stop comparing yourself to others and start showing up for yourself instead. It makes you ready to tackle challenges you once thought were out of reach.

“Don’t let impostor syndrome paralyze you,” said Lisa Hunter, director, Sitecore & Optimizely. “When you look around, everyone at Perficient seems brilliant, smart, energized, and ambitious—but so are you! You’re at Perficient for a reason. My advice is to do your homework and figure out what gaps you have.”

Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a reflection of your skills, experience, and hard work. While external recognition can feel validating, true confidence is built from within. Take time to appreciate who you are and how far you’ve come. Internal validation fuels the self-assurance needed to pursue your biggest goals. Trust yourself, celebrate your progress, and remain open to new growth opportunities.

“Take risks, be decisive, and believe in your decisions,” said Anurag Sahu, senior project manager, Commerce. “I’ve learned that it’s important to be confident and humble at the same time. My experience has also taught me to listen more, talk less, and be open to different opinions and ideas. Be original and curious, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.”

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out while advocating for your growth. Embracing vulnerability, learning from mistakes, and showing up authentically builds both self-assurance and meaningful connections. Perfection isn’t the goal—you’re here to learn, contribute, and evolve.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Carolina Cansino, senior technical architect, App Development. “It’s always better to ask questions earlier than to let them pile up. When you show genuine curiosity, people are usually willing to share their knowledge and lend a helping hand. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine. If you communicate confidently, you’ll get your point across better.”

Transforming Uncertainty Into Confidence Through Experiential Learning

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you build by recognizing your progress, asking for support, and taking action. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term growth and successful results. Like exercising muscles, the more you apply yourself, the stronger your skills and self-assurance become. Over time, those everyday efforts create the biggest impact.

“Whether it’s adopting new technologies or working collaboratively in a team, we always strive to go beyond what’s expected,” said Cecilia Prieto, lead talent acquisition specialist. “Shattering a boundary doesn’t always mean something huge—it can be about taking that extra step, asking an uncomfortable question, or taking on a challenge outside of your routine. For me, it also means being willing to step out of my comfort zone.”

Seeking new challenges creates space for growth and self-trust. As you expand your skill set, you reinforce a growth mindset that boosts adaptability and confidence when navigating the unknown. This versatility also fosters empathy and collaboration, laying the foundation for both individual and team success.

“When managing projects, I dive into whatever technology is needed to stay ahead of the curve,” said Sushma Kulkarni, delivery lead and solutions architect, Data and Analytics. “This lets me relate to my team, appreciate their work, and see challenges from their point of view.”

Confidence Is Contagious: Own Your Growth, Empower Your Team

As your expertise deepens, so does your ability to inspire confidence in others. Leaders who foster trust and empower their teams ignite initiative and ownership. When individuals feel responsible for a project’s success, they recognize their achievements both independently and collaboratively. These experiences not only sharpen self-assurance but also create connections that reinforce purpose and capability.

“At Perficient, I really appreciate the autonomy to solve problems with support,” said Kevin Galli, director, Strategy & Experience Design. “That mindset made me feel confident in tackling bigger challenges early on. My leadership trusts me to take the wheel and drive, and work through challenges as a team along the way.”

While leadership involves uplifting others, it begins with self-empowerment. Own your development by setting clear goals and engaging leaders for support. Treat growth as a marathon by celebrating the small wins that build momentum, boost morale, and turn doubt into confidence.

“If you want something, say it,” said Sarah McDowell, director, Salesforce. “I had a manager who asked where I wanted to be in five years and helped me build a plan to get there. I wanted to be a solutions architect, and she guided me every step of the way. It was my journey, and she was there to support it. Talk about what you want and ask for help. Connecting with others and celebrating accomplishments together makes the work more enjoyable.”

Strong leadership balances independent growth with hands-on support. Humility, openness, and approachability foster psychological safety, encouraging others to ask questions and share ideas. Leaders who prioritize clear communication and cultivate trust give others the confidence to meaningfully grow and contribute their ideas.

“Whether it’s creating a quick diagram during a meeting or reframing a problem in clearer terms, I break things down into chunks so people can understand our goals and act on next steps with confidence,” said John Vylasek, senior solutions architect and data strategist, Data and Analytics. “I take the same approach in client discovery—asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and creating a safe space for transparency. Being humble and approachable makes it easier for others to do the same. That’s where real progress happens.”

Confidence Turns Potential into Purposeful Achievement

At Perficient, we recognize that growth looks different for everyone. Whether you’re starting your career or stepping into a new challenge, it’s normal to occasionally question your abilities. Impostor syndrome is common, but it doesn’t define you. You are capable, resilient, and where you are for a reason. Confidence is a skill built through experience, curiosity, and connection. Every time you show up, ask a question, or take a step forward, you’re strengthening it.

Stay updated for the next blog in our series, where we’ll spotlight Perficient’s award-winning Growth for Everyone initiative and share how our colleagues champion professional development through mentorship.

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s most innovative companies, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people. 

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more! 

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook,TikTok, and Instagram. 

Radu Chereches’ Hands-On Growth in the Technology Industry

Carolyn Kroupa — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:48:08 +0000

When Radu Chereches joined SMEDIX as the tenth employee, he never imagined his career path would lead to Perficient. Today, based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Radu is a software architect leading complex projects, collaborating with global teams, and shaping the technical direction of client solutions. Throughout his career, he has followed his passion for growth and hands-on problem solving.

“I like complicated stuff,” said Radu. “I like to be there when things are hard to figure out, when people really need help.”

Radu’s Career Journey

Radu began as a developer, working on what would become one of the company’s largest client engagements. Over time, his deep understanding of the medical device product led him to become a subject matter expert (SME), then a technical lead, and eventually a software architect.

Perficient acquired SMEDIX in 2024, and Radu joined the team as a software architect. His growth has been fueled by opportunity, curiosity, and a willingness to step up when needed.

Leading With Purpose and Precision

Radu guides multiple teams across two major projects, balancing technical design with delivery goals. He works closely with managers and clients to ensure alignment, maneuver roadblocks, and maintain momentum. Both projects are in the medical space — one is a legacy system being modernized gradually from Delphi to .NET, while the other was built from scratch with .NET, Angular, and hosted on AWS.

“I’m here for whatever our clients need. Whether it’s planning, technical insights, or just helping them stay focused, I’m willing to help.”

Radu’s leadership style is rooted in adaptability. He positions himself as a resource for clients and colleagues, always providing support and a steady presence when challenges arise.

Continuous Learning Driven by Curiosity

An important part of his career journey is centered around continuous learning. Radu learns new technologies best by taking a hands-on approach to solving complex problems and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. While certifications and courses have played a role, Radu finds the most value in experiential learning.

“Getting my hands on the keyboard and building something real is what works best for me. I enjoy having that pressure to motivate me.”

Radu also offers advice to those looking to grow professionally: “Don’t get comfortable. Challenge yourself continuously. Find ways to grow.”

Finding Balance Beyond Work: Embracing the Open Road After Hours

Outside of the office, Radu loves to ride his motorcycle. It offers clarity, which helps him return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

“When I’m motorcycling, everything clears out of my head. All the stress and worries clear away. It’s a moment of silence and calm.”

He also cherishes time with his family, building memories with his wife, child, and extended relatives.

Key Takeaways

Radu’s impact extends beyond technical leadership. He’s a trusted colleague ready to offer guidance, step up to the challenge, and take initiative. Whether it’s supporting clients or mentoring teammates, Radu makes a difference by showing up and doing the work. Whether he’s solving technical puzzles or riding his motorcycle to clear his mind, Radu brings authenticity and drive to everything he does.

MORE ON GROWTH FOR EVERYONE

Perficient continually looks for ways to champion and challenge our workforce, encourage personal and professional growth, and celebrate the unique culture created by the ambitious, brilliant, people-oriented team we have cultivated. These are their stories.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Perficient on our Careers page. Connect with us on  LinkedIn here.

Adrian Pop Elevates Medical Device Development Through Collaboration and Quality

Madison Ripson — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:45:18 +0000

Perficient’s vibrant culture thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to making a difference. We recently connected with Adrian Pop, a lead technical consultant based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, who brings these qualities to his role at Perficient. For the past eight years, he has helped deliver transformative medical device solutions to healthcare clients while fostering a team environment built on trust, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Adrian specializes in building and optimizing medical device technology, ensuring systems run reliably and communicate effectively. His work empowers healthcare teams and enhances patient outcomes worldwide. In this People of Perficient profile, explore how Adrian’s technical expertise and people-first approach strengthen our teams and create lasting impact for clients and communities.

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life.

I’m a lead technical consultant. My day starts with a quick stand-up meeting to align the team on priorities, followed by code reviews and planning for the rest of the day. Between meetings, I remove roadblocks for teams, escalate risks, and carve out time for technical learning or automation work.

How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children?

I work on the technology behind medical devices, ensuring they run reliably and that different systems communicate seamlessly. It feels good to know my work supports healthcare teams and patients, and I’m proud to tell my family that what I do helps people.

What keeps you at Perficient? Could you describe the team culture?

What keeps me at Perficient is the people and the purpose behind my projects. My teammates have become friends who make the challenging work manageable, and I value that my projects directly help clinicians and patients. Those two things motivate me to show up and do my best.

Working with my team and business unit feels like being part of a busy, friendly workshop. Everyone pitches in, shares knowledge, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. The culture is collaborative and supportive. Folks are curious and happy to help, even when we come from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams?

I clear obstacles, mentor others, and share practical knowledge through code reviews and pair sessions. Coaching my teammates is rewarding because that shared knowledge spreads beyond code. These efforts help my team deliver higher-quality work and grow more confident in their skills. I also take pride in knowing my technical work helps clinicians and patients by improving real-world medical device workflows.

LEARN MORE: Perficient’s Medical Device Software Development Practice

What has your experience at Perficient taught you?

My time at Perficient has taught me to truly appreciate my teammates. We spend so much of our lives solving problems together, often continuing after hours, so those relationships matter. Having colleagues who are real friends makes the workday better, helps build trust under pressure, and turns tough sprints into shared wins. That camaraderie is one of the reasons I stay, learn, and show up every day.

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient?

Don’t be afraid to speak up or to make mistakes. That’s where learning happens. Ask questions, try new things, and share your ideas. Mistakes are feedback in disguise, and speaking up helps you build credibility faster than staying quiet.

Why are you #ProudlyPerficient?

I’m proud that my work positively impacts millions of people. I’m motivated by learning something new each day and knowing my work contributes to better health outcomes.

I started my career at Perficient and never left. Hands-on projects, supportive mentors, and stretch opportunities helped me grow into a lead technical consultant. Along the way, I gained new skills and now mentor others.

With Perficient’s mission statement in mind, how do you shatter boundaries?

I shatter boundaries by treating each day as a chance to learn and grow. My future is built on what I’ve learned so far and how I use those lessons to tackle bigger challenges.

If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why?

I’d choose People because strong relationships make the work better. When we trust each other, we solve problems faster and deliver stronger results.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I’m passionate about tennis, hiking, and watching sports. Tennis is my true passion, and I stay balanced by playing tennis with my colleagues. What started as after-work practice turned into real friendships that combine exercise, social time, and camaraderie all in one.

It’s my goal to become more fit and mentally sharp through tennis, gym sessions, and regular hikes. Professionally, I want to improve my automation testing skills and continue helping others grow.

SEE MORE PEOPLE OF PERFICIENT  

It’s no secret that our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s most admired brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.  

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Perficient at our Careers page. See open jobs or join our talent community for career tips, job openings, company updates, and more!  

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Meet Erika Ibarra: A Multitalented Senior Technical Architect Driving Success at Perficient Mexico

Alejandra Garza — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:14:57 +0000

Erika Ibarra is a dynamic Senior Technical Architect based in our Monterrey, Mexico office, whose passion and versatility make her an invaluable asset to Perficient and our clients.
Her commitment to promoting teamwork and open communication shines through in every team she leads or supports, making her a pivotal force in driving both project success and a positive, inclusive work environment.

What Does Erika Do?

Erika wears many hats. She serves as Delivery Lead, Project Manager, Scrum Master, Business Analyst/Product Owner, and Line Manager. As a Subject Matter Expert, she provides strategic insights that ensure best practices across projects and teams. Her day-to-day is a blend of managing multiple projects across diverse industries, aligning project delivery with business goals, and adapting her role to meet project needs—from Business Analyst to Product Owner to Project Manager.

Leading Through Collaboration

Erika plays a pivotal role in the Agile Community in LATAM as part of its core team. Leading weekly core team meetings, organizing community sessions, and coaching Scrum and SAFe study groups, she fosters an environment of continuous learning and agile excellence. She contributes as part of the Line Manager Support Team, supporting leadership growth and improvement in Mexico.

Making a Difference

Whether mentoring colleagues, delivering projects, supporting social initiatives, or proposing architectural approaches to enable organizational change and drive clients’ digital transformation initiatives, Erika brings her full enthusiasm, empathy, and expertise to every interaction, ensuring clients and teams consistently receive value and support.

Proud Achievements

Erika’s proudest accomplishments include supporting and expanding the Agile Community from a local to a LATAM-wide initiative, and more recently supporting Leadership community integration “1+1 =3 “, and launching the Product Academy in Mexico to standardize and elevate team expertise. She also played a pivotal role in developing the Line Manager Resource Center (LMRC), a centralized hub for leadership tools and knowledge, originated in Mexico and was later replicated across LATAM.

On a personal level, Erika treasures the family she has built and the support network that empowers her growth.

Living Perficient Values

If Erika had to pick one Perficient value that defines her, it’s People. She believes true success comes from individuals working together in safe, inclusive environments that foster innovation and collaboration, especially in an age where human experience remains paramount. As Erika puts it, “Even in the age of AI, our human experience remains our greatest value.” This belief underscores her commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully.

Why She’s #ProudlyPerficient

Erika feels privileged to be part of a team where collaboration multiplies impact. “1 + 1 = 3” is her mantra, reflecting the power of working together to achieve more.

Advice to Women in Tech

Erika encourages everyone to define themselves and their impact, rather than letting others do it for them. For working moms, she highlights the power of time management, prioritization, and being experts at applying Parkinson’s Law, as well as being incredibly resourceful when supported by a strong network — all key factors to their success.

Outside of work, Erika enjoys quality time with her family—whether at the park, watching sports or Formula 1, going to the movies, or chauffeuring her busy teenagers. She also cherishes moments with friends over coffee or concerts and nurtures her creativity through reading, documentaries, and watercolor painting.

Erika’s journey at Perficient has been marked by growth and innovation. She values the company’s welcoming environment for new ideas and passionate collaboration among colleagues. Erika embodies Perficient’s spirit: versatile, collaborative, and people-centered. We’re proud to have her on our amazing team.

Sankranti 2026 Hyderabad: Festive Flair

Aadela Nishat — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:52:25 +0000

Sankranti 2026 Hyderabad Office Celebration at Perficient

The Sankranti 2026 Hyderabad office celebration at Perficient was a vibrant showcase of tradition, creativity, and togetherness. Colleagues arrived in colorful ethnic attire, and the office was adorned with festive decorations that brought the spirit of Sankranti to life. The atmosphere was filled with joy as employees greeted one another, sharing stories of how the festival is celebrated in their homes and communities across India.

Rangoli and Kites Spark Creativity

One of the highlights of the Sankranti 2026 Hyderabad office celebration was the rangoli competition. Teams worked together to design intricate patterns that reflected cultural artistry and regional influences. Alongside this, the kite‑making challenge filled the day with laughter and friendly competition, reminding everyone of childhood traditions celebrated across India. The sight of colourful kites at the office became a symbol of freedom, creativity, and collective spirit.

Snacks and Shared Moments

No festival is complete without food. Traditional Sankranti snacks were served, creating a warm atmosphere where colleagues bonded over flavours that carried nostalgia. Employees shared memories of homemade sweets like ariselu and sakkinalu, connecting personal traditions with the workplace celebration. These simple moments of sharing reinforced the sense of community within Perficient’s workplace.

Click to view slideshow.

Team Bonding During Sankranti 2026 Hyderabad Celebration

The celebration was more than just fun activities. Sankranti marks the harvest season in India, symbolising gratitude and new beginnings. By celebrating together, employees connected across departments, strengthening collaboration and inclusivity. Cultural events like these help build a workplace where diversity is celebrated and team spirit thrives. The day also reflected Perficient’s commitment to fostering an environment where traditions are honoured and employees feel valued.

Continuing Our Festive Tradition

Perficient’s Hyderabad office has always embraced cultural festivities. From Diwali to Christmas, and now Sankranti, each event adds to the collective memory of our workplace. These celebrations remind us that beyond deadlines and projects, we are a community that thrives on shared experiences.

You can revisit our previous Sankranti celebration here or explore more about how people in India celebrate Makar Sankranti (Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Uttarayan (Gujarat), Maghi Bihu/Bhogali Bihu (Assam), Poush Sankranti (West Bengal), and Maghi/Lohri (Punjab/Himachal Pradesh)).

Aadela Nishat Champions Emerging Technologies and Inclusive Growth

Carolyn Kroupa — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:27:26 +0000

Meet Aadela Nishat, a lead technical consultant based in India, whose passion for innovation, mentorship, and continuous learning has made a significant impact across our India offices. Aadela is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where collaboration thrives and colleagues feel empowered to grow. With her technical expertise and aptitude for guiding others, she supports both client success and team development while staying at the forefront of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning (ML).

In this People of Perficient profile, we’ll explore Aadela’s journey over the past four years at Perficient.

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life.

I’m a lead technical consultant, and I spend most of my time architecting solutions, mentoring developers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

My day kicks off with a quick stand-up meeting to align on priorities and blockers. Then, I have time to dive deep into coding. Whether I’m working on user-centric applications, reviewing pull requests, or designing scalable architectures, I’m focused on delivering thoughtful, high-quality solutions. I also guide team members by helping them troubleshoot problems and sharing best practices.

My afternoons often involve cross-team collaboration to connect with user experience (UX) designers, quality assurance (QA) engineers, and project managers. I also carve out time to explore technologies like AI and ML, write blogs, and organize internal tech events to keep the learning culture alive. It’s a dynamic mix of strategy, execution, and mentorship, which keeps it exciting!

Read More: Blogs By Aadela Nishat

How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children?

When I explain my job to my family, I keep it simple. I tell them I help build apps and websites that people use every day. I work with teams to make sure everything runs smoothly, looks great, and solves real problems.

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams?

I make a difference by being someone people can count on. For clients, I deliver clean, scalable solutions that meet their goals. Internally, I lead by example by sharing knowledge through blogs, organizing learning sessions, and encouraging others to explore new technologies.

I’m passionate about building an inclusive culture. I connect with colleagues across teams, help onboard new members, and create spaces where people feel supported and inspired to grow. It’s the little things, like a helpful code review or a quick tech tip, that often make the biggest impact.

See More: Perficient Colleagues Make a Difference

What are your proudest accomplishments professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient?

One of the proudest moments in my journey at Perficient has been earning recognition from directors and senior leaders for delivering complex solutions, mentoring teammates, and driving technical excellence across projects. That kind of appreciation is validating and energizing. It reminds me that the effort I put in is making a real impact.

A milestone I hold close was when I organized a company-wide tech event focused on AI and ML. It wasn’t just about tech, but bringing people together, sparking curiosity, and building momentum around innovation. Seeing colleagues from different teams connect and learn from one another was incredibly rewarding.

Describe what it’s like working with your team. What’s the culture like?

Working with my team at Perficient has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. We’ve built a culture rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous growth. Whether solving complex technical challenges or celebrating milestones, there’s a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. The team dynamic is energetic and inclusive. Everyone brings something unique, and there’s a genuine willingness to support, mentor, and learn from one another.

Our office culture is vibrant and people-first. We celebrate festivals, host tech events, and create space for connection beyond work. One of my favorite moments was the Diwali celebration in Hyderabad. The event brought the whole team together and reminded me of the shared joy and energy found across our offices. Being part of this team means being part of a community that values growth, recognition, and togetherness. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to lead, learn, and lift others along the way.

What has your experience at Perficient taught you?

My experience at Perficient has taught me that growth happens when you lean into challenges and stay curious. Over the past four years, I’ve learned about leading with empathy, collaborating across diverse teams, and balancing technical depth with strategic thinking. I’ve seen firsthand how a strong culture of learning and support can elevate not just projects, but also people.

My experience has also taught me the value of adaptability. Whether I’m working with familiar technologies or exploring something entirely new, every project challenges me to grow, adapt, and think bigger. Most importantly, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about listening, learning, and growing together.

See More: Perficient’s Award-Winning Culture

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient?

Be curious, proactive, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Perficient is a place where you can shape your own path, whether you’re passionate about front-end frameworks, back-end systems, or emerging tech like AI and ML.

Take ownership early. Dive into projects, volunteer for challenges, and build connections across teams. Also, don’t underestimate the power of sharing what you learn. Write blogs, join tech sessions, or even host one. It’s a great way to help others while also growing as a leader and communicator.

Finally, enjoy the journey. Growth here isn’t just about titles. It’s about the impact you make, the people you uplift, and the mindset you carry forward.

Learn More: Top Advice and Words of Wisdom for New Perficient Colleagues

What’s something surprising people might not know about you or your background?

Something people might not know is that my journey into tech wasn’t mapped out from the start. It grew through curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. I didn’t become a lead technical consultant by following a straight path. I explored, experimented, and kept pushing boundaries.

Outside of work, I’m equally driven by creativity and connection. I love photography and sketching. These hobbies help me see the world from different angles, while bringing a sense of calm and inspiration to my day. That blend of technical curiosity and artistic expression shapes how I lead and collaborate.

Perficient believes in a strong work-life balance. What is one way you accomplish this?

Maintaining work-life balance starts with being intentional about my time. I make space for the things that recharge me, like photography, sketching, and reading. These creative outlets help me unwind, stay inspired, and bring fresh energy into my day. I also love exploring new places and meeting new people.

Most importantly, I cherish time with my family, especially my parents and my adorable niece and nephew. Their love and laughter are my biggest source of joy, and being with them keeps me grounded and grateful.

Learn More: Fueling Success Through Work-Life Balance and Self-Care

SEE MORE PEOPLE OF PERFICIENT  

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Perficient at our Careers page. See open jobs or join our talent community for career tips, job openings, company updates, and more!  

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Hunger Action Month 2025: Perficient Donates More Than 8,600 Pounds of Food Globally

Katie Burwell — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:13:32 +0000

During Hunger Action Month (HAM), Perficient teams from around the globe came together with purpose, compassion, and generosity to fight hunger in our communities. Organized by Perficient’s Giving Employee Resource Group (ERG), Perficient partnered with Feeding America to support the organization’s global campaign to fight food insecurity. Colleagues from around the world collectively donated an incredible 8,600 pounds of food — nourishing families, supporting local food pantries, and spreading kindness.

To encourage participation, Perficient and the Giving ERG challenged each global office to a friendly office-wide competition. The offices that donated at least 100 pounds of food and submitted an impact story would qualify as HAM champions.

HAM Champions: Nagpur and Denver

We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 HAM Champions – Nagpur and Denver! Both offices demonstrated outstanding commitment to philanthropy and creativity in their efforts to fight hunger and support our global communities.

As a reigning HAM champion, Nagpur made a powerful impact to address hunger and extend support to impoverished local communities. The team distributed 115 grocery bags filled with groceries, dry fruits, and other essentials to tribal families, a girls’ cricket team, and a senior living home — totaling 4,229 pounds of supplies.

A colleague from Nagpur shared, “The smiles, gratitude, and warmth we received in return were deeply moving. This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to community care and social responsibility. At Perficient, we believe that small acts of kindness can spark big changes. Together, we continue to build a future where compassion leads the way.”

Colleagues in our Denver office supported the Food Bank of the Rockies by pooling their resources to make significant monetary donations, resulting in an impact equivalent to 1,340 pounds of food. 

From innovative donation drives to heartfelt outreach, the impact made during HAM truly embodies the generosity and kindness found across Perficient’s offices. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to every office that participated.

LEARN MORE: Understand How Our Colleagues Made a Difference in 2023

Global Office Highlights: Uniting Across Teams and Locations to End World Hunger

Across Perficient’s global offices, colleagues embraced HAM with creativity and compassion, finding unique ways to support local communities. From donation drives and friendly competitions to volunteer events and outreach initiatives, each team contributed to our shared mission of fighting food insecurity. Here’s a look at how our offices made an impact.

Our Irvine team donated 640 pounds of food to Second Harvest (Feeding America) and boosted participation through a friendly team competition and in the city-wide Community Cup.

Colleagues in Romania contributed 602 pounds of food to the National Food Bank, which will distribute donations to foster care centers, nursing homes, and shelters.

Our Dallas office donated 563 pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank through its second annual peanut butter drive, with options for remote colleagues to participate.

The St. Louis team collected 417 pounds of food for Circle of Concern Food Pantry, encouraging donations through a raffle where participants earned tickets for every five pounds donated.

Our Monterrey and Guadalajara offices donated 177 pounds of food through a combined volunteer effort with Manos que Sanan in Monterrey and Albergue 100 Corazones in Guadalajara.

The Detroit office donated 155 pounds of food to the Clarenceville Food Pantry in Livonia, Michigan, and plans to continue its efforts with a volunteer event later this year.

Our Atlanta team donated 150 pounds of food to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and hosted a fun field day event featuring team competitions like relay races, ping pong, flick football, and cornhole to encourage participation.

The Houston office contributed 146 pounds of food to the Houston Food Bank and volunteered to pack 5,120 bags of rice — enough for 85,333 meals.

We would also like to give a special shoutout to our colleagues in Puerto Rico who rallied a small and mighty team to support Banco de Alimentos Puerto Rico.

Reflecting on Our Global Impact

Small acts of kindness can spark big changes. This year’s HAM campaign showed the power of collective action. Across continents, cultures and communities, colleagues stepped up to fight food insecurity. Together, we donated more than 8,600 pounds of food and countless moments of hope.

Ana Oana, an HR consultant based out of our Romania office, shared, “Being part of Hunger Action Month reminded us all how powerful small acts of kindness can be. Contributing food and raising awareness felt humbling, knowing it could ease someone’s day. It brought our community closer and showed that compassion truly makes a difference for those who are less blessed.”

The fight against hunger doesn’t end with HAM. You can make a difference year-round by volunteering at local food banks, organizing donation drives, and donating to organizations like Feeding America. Every effort matters. Together, we can continue to lead with purpose, compassion, and impact.

Click to view slideshow.

From Game Tester to Product Visionary: Oana Solyom’s Journey in Anatomical Pathology Consulting

Madison Ripson — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:10:15 +0000

Growth is different for all people, and it’s defined by the choices we make every day to learn, adapt, and lead. As part of our Growth for Everyone profile series, we’re excited to showcase the career journey of Oana Solyom, a Lead Business Consultant, who truly embodies continuous growth and learning.

Her path, from game testing to leading in anatomical pathology, serves as a reminder that growth often begins with curiosity and a willingness to explore new horizons. Whether guiding development teams in Romania, shaping product features for a global healthcare client, or diving into complex regulatory frameworks, Oana brings passion, precision, and a deep sense of purpose to her work.

A Career Sparked by Curiosity and a Drive to Build

Before entering software development, Oana found her passion rooted in the mechanics of technology and the thrill of creation. She began her professional journey immersed in the interactive realm of video games.

“I’ve always been drawn to the more technical side of things, even before I worked in software. I started as a game tester because I play a lot of video games. I wanted to play video games for a living, but I really liked being part of creating something.”

This early role as a game tester ignited a deeper ambition: to build tangible digital experiences. Oana soon combined this drive with a desire to learn more about the field of medical software. The opportunity at a small medical software startup allowed her to create impactful solutions that directly help people. “When I found out about the medical field, I was super excited about being a part of creating medical software and devices. I think this is impactful because all the software really helps people.”

The startup environment provided Oana with the flexibility to explore various roles. During her eight years before joining Perficient, she became a Test Lead and then took on system design and product strategy. Currently, she is a Lead Business Consultant at Perficient supporting our product development teams in Romania and serves as a product owner for her client. Her growth stemmed from hands-on learning and an advanced understanding of the healthcare industry.

“It was just a step-by-step thing. From testing, I found out I could do more. I became a Product Owner, and now I’m on the Product Management team.”

Oana supports three development teams in Romania, collaborating closely with her client in a combined product ownership and product management capacity. She defines features, maintains quality, and aligns releases with business goals. Her journey exemplifies continuous evolution, driven by a passion for building impactful solutions.

“The thing I enjoy the most is the creative side of the process because I have to think about users constantly, including how they would feel about a new feature, how they would handle it, and how they would use it. I also enjoy problem solving, like figuring out how to make most people happy and ensuring that teams succeed when problems arise during development.”

Powering Innovation in Healthcare: Oana’s Anatomical Pathology Project Work

Oana’s work focuses on improving workflows in anatomical pathology laboratories, which handle the critical steps of specimen processing before diagnosis. Anatomical pathology involves analyzing physical specimens, managing samples, and processing data efficiently.

There are four main areas of focus in anatomical pathology:

Tracking and maintaining an accurate record of specimen samples
Improving patient custody by reducing errors and minimizing mislabeling risk
Providing actionable data and insights into lab operations
Streamlining processes to increase efficiency

By optimizing the pre-digital (analytical) phase in her project work, Oana ensures a strong foundation for accurate digital diagnostics processing. She works on a specimen tracking system for path lab, an informatics and workflow solution that streamlines specimen tracking, labeling, and case management. The benefits include increased efficiency, reduced errors, better resource management through real-time analytics, and faster turnaround times.

Understanding the Connection Between Anatomical and Digital Pathology

Digital Pathology is a rapidly evolving area of medical technology that combines imaging, software, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. This builds on anatomical pathology by transforming the tissue samples tracked for diagnosis into high-resolution images for AI-assisted interpretation. The digitized slides are applied to AI algorithms where they are flagged for potential issues and reviewed for diagnostic errors. This evolution makes diagnosis faster and more accurate.

Oana helps shape software that makes complex pathology workflows simple and intuitive for clinical teams. For eight years, Oana has supported a critical project for anatomical pathology labs through product ownership, which includes preparing new features and the next steps for a product release.

Extensive self-study proved to be most beneficial to the project, revealing that every lab operates differently and requires adaptable workflows. Guided by a customer-first mindset, her career reflects a commitment to trust and alignment with user interests and product success.

“At the end of the day, the people who will be using our software are going to be the ones most impacted by the choices we make. I think that mindset has brought me to where I am today. I want my team to succeed because their success means success for both us and the client in delivering great results. I put customers first, and that gives our clients more trust in us.”

EXPLORE MORE: Perficient is Leveraging AI-Driven Product Development to Accelerate Innovation

Driving Impact and Achieving Milestones

Oana and her dog, Sylvie.

Oana is a proactive force in her own career development and a significant contributor to her projects. Each year, she sets personal goals and shares them with her manager, creating a shared understanding of her ambitions. One significant milestone was her rapid advancement to Product Owner. While serving as a Requirements Manager, she set an ambitious five-year goal to become a Product Owner and achieved it in just two years.

Her rapid move into a strategic role – typically reserved for client-side specialists –underscores her commitment to growth. Oana’s accomplishment highlights her dedication, including extensive self-study and learning about areas like histopathology labs and customer visits, even if they are not part of her daily responsibilities. She also took courses with scaled agile training, as well as a course on design thinking, to support the teams that she partners with and meet the requirements for successful delivery. Earning that level of confidence and responsibility marked a major personal achievement.

Beyond her personal milestones, Oana’s impact extends through her dedication to process improvement and deep knowledge:

Process Implementation: A strong advocate for efficient processes, Oana and her team participated in a transition from waterfall to agile methodology for feature definition, significantly enhancing delivery and flexibility.
Extensive Knowledge and Support: Oana’s comprehensive product expertise and willingness to offer support across various areas, including regulatory affairs, make her a sought-after resource, greatly contributing to the product’s success.

Growth Through Exploration: Learning, Adapting, and Owning the Journey

Oana’s career growth has been significantly shaped by her willingness to explore new areas and take initiative. What began as a testing role evolved into a deep dive into product development, driven by her curiosity and desire to contribute more meaningfully. As she transitioned into systems design and product ownership, she studied complex medical workflows, regulatory requirements, and agile methodologies.

For those early in their careers or considering a shift, Oana offers valuable advice:

Keep your options open: Oana emphasizes exploring all opportunities within a project or company as you might discover a passion for something unexpected.
Explore beyond your first role: She initially planned a career in testing but found her true calling in product development, realizing she wouldn’t have been as happy staying on a purely technical path.
Approach conflict resolution pragmatically: When problems arise, Oana assesses the impact and determines necessary sacrifices, whether it is time, scope, or the team’s workload. She focuses on measuring the outcome to decide the best approach and accepts that perfect solutions aren’t always possible.

In her experience, growth comes from staying curious, adaptable, and taking ownership of your development.

Finding Balance and Fulfillment Beyond the Screen

Outside of work, Oana finds balance in the simple things—reading, gaming, and spending time with her dog, Sylvie. These moments help her stay grounded and energized.

Oana’s journey, from game tester to a leader in product development, is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always follow a straight line. It’s about being open to change, embracing new challenges, and finding fulfillment in both your work and your personal life. Her evolution reflects what’s possible when you lead with curiosity and commit to continuous learning.

MORE ON GROWTH FOR EVERYONE

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Perficient on our Careers page. Connect with us on  LinkedIn here.

Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap

Aadela Nishat — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:19:31 +0000

Introduction

The Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap‑2025 highlights a lively and memorable day at our Hyderabad office. The event brought together four enthusiastic teams—Challengers, Risers, Strikers, and Warriors—who displayed strong energy from the very first match. The tournament built excitement, encouraged teamwork, and strengthened our workplace spirit.

A Thrilling Path to Victory in the Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament

The tournament kicked off with fast‑paced matches. Every team played with confidence and intention. The Risers delivered consistent performance and smart strategy throughout the event. Their teamwork helped them secure the championship title. The Warriors finished as the runner‑up team, winning applause for their determined effort until the last over.

You can also revisit our Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap‑2024 to see how last year’s matches unfolded.

Click to view slideshow.

Celebration at the Townhall: Recap 2025

The monthly town-hall added more excitement to the day. Leaders shared updates, upcoming plans, and new initiatives that inspired the entire team. After the discussions, everyone looked forward to the tournament results. The hall filled with cheers when the Risers received their trophies, marking a proud moment in the Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap‑2025.

Lunch, Laughter, and Team Bonding at Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament

The day continued with a cheerful lunch for all. Conversations flowed, teammates shared fun match moments, and everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Teammates discussed strategies, celebrated highlights, and bonded across teams. The combination of cricket, celebration, and connection created an experience that everyone will remember.

This extended camaraderie made the Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap‑2025 more than just a sporting event—it became a symbol of workplace unity.

Click to view slideshow.

A Memorable Day for Perficient Hyderabad

The Perficient Hyderabad Cricket Tournament Recap‑2025 achieved more than just a winning team. It strengthened team spirit, encouraged friendly competition, and brought everyone closer. The celebration at the town-hall added meaning to the moment and wrapped up the day perfectly.

This event stands as a reminder that teamwork and enthusiasm make every workplace brighter. For more highlights, explore our Perficient Blog Page.

Explicit vs Implicit – Your Team Can’t Read Minds

Brandon Luhring — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:11:51 +0000

We’ve all been there. Parents rushing out the door yelling, “Time to go!” Everyone piles into the car only to realize one kid forgot their jacket and the other never combed their hair. Frustrating! But where you feel frustration lies opportunity. An opportunity to communicate better by being explicit with our desires instead of implicit.

The same thing happens at work. You’re in a meeting and the key stakeholder says, “We should really do this thing better.” Sounds like action, right? But it is not! “we should” is a slippery slope because no one owns it. It sounds like progress, but it’s really just wishful thinking.

Implicit Statements

People, and even entire cultures, communicate in different ways. Some people are extroverted, others introverted. Where some are playful, others are serious.

While it’s far from universal, most people I’ve worked with lean toward implicit communication, especially in verbal conversations. And this is a problem. Implicit statements create confusion in projects, relationships, and life – regardless of your natural tendencies.

Many assume that being explicit sounds bossy or demanding. In reality, explicit communication isn’t controlling, it’s clarifying!

Why Implicit Communication Fails

Consider a statement like: “We need to do better at communicating.” Sounds clear and to the point, right? But it’s not. It certainly is short, polite, feels collaborative, and suggests improvement. But let’s break it down:

“we” = Undefined responsibility. It sounds like teamwork, which is great in theory, but once the meeting ends, each person assumes “we” means someone else.
“need to” = Wishful thinking. Why do we need to? What happens if we don’t? What if it takes a year or two?
“do better” = Lack of expectation. People don’t share the same mental model. One person thinks 10% better, another imagines 10x better. And then there’s that one guy who thinks, “We’re fine. No changes needed.”
“at communicating” = Vague. Are we talking about meetings? What about in emails? Or maybe they mean documentation, or work item ticket comments. What exactly isn’t working well right now?

Implicit language feels soft and nice, but it leaves too much room for interpretation and disconnect.

Explicit Directions

I earned my Eagle Scout rank when I was 16 years old. Those lessons have stuck with me through the years, and now that I’m a parent I’m relearning them as my kids go through Scouting. Recently, I sat in on a First Aid merit badge class with my youngest son, and the difference between implicit and explicit communication was made abundantly clear.

Picture an accident scene. A take-charge bystander shouts, “Someone call 911!” This sounds urgent, but it’s dangerously vague. Who is “someone”? Each second after an accident is critical, where uncertainty can cost lives. What if a dozen people nearby end up calling 911 at once? This is not good.

Instead, emergency preparedness training teaches us to be specific: “Sam, call 911!” Or, if you don’t know their name, point to them, make eye contact, even touch their shoulder and say, “You need to call 911!” Explicit directions save time, prevent confusion, and get results.

Why Explicit Communication Succeeds

Explicit communication gets things done. If tasks aren’t clearly assigned, nothing happens. That’s why project managers use RACI charts. These spell out who’s responsible and accountable, as well as who should be consulted and informed.

Being explicit creates a shared vision, prevents rework, and shortens timelines. When you leave details up to interpretation, someone will spend days perfecting something you didn’t want. We’ve all been there: you follow vague direction, deliver what you think is perfect, and then redo everything because expectations weren’t aligned.

Clear expectations reduce frustration. When two parties are upset, it’s almost always because something was left unsaid earlier. Even the smallest misunderstanding can spiral into an emotional mess.

6 Practical Communication Tips

Replace Vague Language – Be specific and targeted. Instead of, “We should update the deck.” Say, “Tara, update the deck with our new capabilities slides by end of day Thursday.”
Assign Ownership – Make it clear who is responsible. Example: “Alex, we need you to take lead on this.”
Include Timeframes – Set expectation or urgency. Instead of, “We need to have this ASAP.” Try, “Jane, at the very latest we need a final draft by noon on Tuesday. Sooner is better.”
Provide Context – Explain the “why” for relevance. Example: “Bill, the new component has to be built and tested by end of month so that it can be in production ahead of the new regulations taking affect.”
Confirm Understanding – Restate the desire and align. Instead of, “Abbey tells us that she’ll need 40 hours for this.” Rephrase it for confirmation like, “Abbey, you said you need 40 hours for this, so I think that means you need a week, right?”
Reiterate Assignments & Next Steps – End communications with a concise action plan. Example: “Next steps will be Todd getting legal approval by end of week, and then Sarah getting VP signatures by next Wednesday.”

Conclusion

Be clear. Be concise. Be explicit.

People aren’t mind readers! Drop the belief that being direct is a negative personality trait. It’s not bossy, it’s simply good communication.

Even if you’re emailing someone who “gets it,” think about what happens if that email is forwarded to someone else. Will the next person understand what you mean? Explicit communication isn’t just for now, it’s for anyone who might read it or hear it later.

Your Homework: Reach out today to that friend that always says, “We should do lunch sometime,” but you never do. This time, be explicit:

“Hey, do you have time for lunch in the next couple weeks?”

Bonus Points: Be intentional with it. Schedule your priorities.

“Would you be opposed to me putting a recurring monthly lunch on your calendar?”

……

If you are looking for a partner who can be explicit and get things done, reach out to your Perficient account manager or use our contact form to begin a conversation.

Inspiring Future AI Leaders: Perficient and Mark Cuban Foundation Partnership

Diego Martinez — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:05:43 +0000

Empowering the Next Generation of AI Leaders: Perficient’s Continued Partnership With the Mark Cuban Foundation

For the fifth consecutive year, Perficient proudly partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host free AI Bootcamps for high school students, continuing our shared mission to make technology education accessible and impactful. These bootcamps, held over three Saturdays in November, offer students hands-on experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning, helping them build skills that will shape their futures.

Focused Impact in Three Key Cities

This year, we brought the transformative AI Bootcamp experience to students in Plano, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, deepening our commitment to communities where we live and work. More than 80 students participated in this immersive program, exploring real-world applications of AI and gaining exposure to ethical considerations like fairness, transparency, and accountability in technology.

Specialized Learning Tracks and Real-World Challenges

Students had the opportunity to choose from specialized AI tracks such as healthcare, business development, and sports science—allowing them to explore AI through the lens of their personal interests. The bootcamp culminated in group presentations where students showcased AI-based solutions to real-world problems, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and a growing mastery of the technology

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

More than 20 Perficient colleagues volunteered as mentors, guiding students through technical concepts and soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These mentors shared their professional experiences, helping students understand how AI is used in industries ranging from digital strategy to healthcare innovation and beyond.

Voices From Our Mentors

“Hosting our group of high school students at the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp in Plano, Texas has been an inspiring experience. Watching young minds engage with artificial intelligence concepts, asking thoughtful questions, and collaborating on real-world challenges reminds me of the energy I felt when PCs and laptops were booming at the start of my career. It’s been a privilege to help spark their interest in technology and support the next generation of innovators.”
— Todd Forden, Senior Project Manager

“Witnessing the remarkable potential of the young minds that attended the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp was energizing and inspiring for me as a leader. These students showed up with curiosity, resilience, and a ‘figure-it-out’ mindset that will undoubtedly position them well as they move into their futures. Having the opportunity to guide them through the program was extremely rewarding and something I’d recommend to anyone who has the opportunity.”

— Joey Running, Lead Business Consultant

“Being part of the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp in St. Louis was an incredible experience. Seeing students dive into complex AI concepts with enthusiasm and creativity was truly inspiring. Their ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and present innovative ideas reminded me why programs like this are so important. It’s an honor to help open doors to technology and show these students what’s possible for their future.”

— Dave Stockmann, Director

A Shared Commitment to STEM Education

We are honored to bring AI into the lives of these students and help unlock their potential. Our partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation reflects our broader commitment to advancing STEM education, mentoring future leaders, and creating opportunities for all.