Joshua Render
Education: Bachelor of Computer Information Systems; Master of Science in Administration / Information Resource Management
Certifications: PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, A-CSM, CSPO, SAFe POPM, PSM I & II, PSPO I, PAL I, SPS, CKC, Team Kanban Practitioner, ITIL v3
You can learn more about me through this site or by clicking one of these links:
-LinkedIn Profile
-PMI Profile
-Scrum Alliance
-Credly
-Badgly
Education
Certifications
Scrum Alliance
Certification Authority: Scrum Alliance
CSM: Certified Scrum Master
Certificate Number: 001064880
A-CSM: Advanced Certified Scrum Master
Certificate Number: 001064880
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
Certification Authority: SAFe
POPM: Product Owner/Product Manager
Certificate Number: 68002575-8820
Training and Certificates of Completion
PMI Artificial Intelligence
In this course, learners will gain the essential concepts around data and generative AI models. They'll learn about the types of data that are best for use with GenAI models and the role of the quality, volume, and variety of data. This course explores risks, common security threats, and how to keep data safe through data governance. Learners can apply the GenAI Data Landscape Canvas for Project Managers—a structured path to work with data and GenAI to collaborate with organization experts to improve project outcomes.
Project Management
ProjectManagement.com Notes of Distinction:
-Identifying Winning Projects
-Facilitation Tools and Techniques
-Quantifying Management's Expectations
-Working with Change Analysis
-Identifying and Defining Operational Improvements
-Facilitating Workflow Model Development
Courses:
-Project Management Principles and Practices : 5 Course Project Management Specialization
-Foundations of Strategic Business Analysis
-Getting and Cleaning Data
-HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
-Front-End JavaScript Frameworks: AngularJS
-Web Development and Coding : 5 Course Specialization on Front-End Web Development
-Python Development
-Foundations of Everyday Leadership
-Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies
Data Science and Machine Learning with Cognitive Class
Courses:
-Python 101 For Data Science-Machine Learning with Python-Statistics
Project Coordinator
Courses:
-Business Writing Principles
-Communication Foundations
-Enhancing Your Productivity
-Leading Productive Meetings
-Learning Gantt Charts
-Project Management Simplified
-Note Taking for Business Professionals
-Project Management Foundations: Small Projects
-Project Management: Solving Common Project Problems
-Teamwork Foundations
-Time Management Foundations
Udemy
Udemy:
-Agile Project Management
-Six Sigma Green Belt
-How to Manage & Influence Your Virtual Team
-Scrum Certification Prep
-Manager's Guide to Difficult Conversations
-ChatGPT Masterclass
Work history
SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST/PRODUCT OWNER AND IPA/RPA CONSULTANT
Company: Cognizant Technology Solutions
Dates: 03/2020 to Present
Description:
Officially I was a Project Manager within Cognizant. My roles usually resembled a Business Analyst or Product Owner. I also served some time as a Scrum Master.Core Work Areas:
Intelligent Process Automation
Artificial Intelligence
Business Process Improvement
Data Analysis
SalesforceI helped to bring about new technology and software implementations while at Cognizant. I improved processes for clients, analyzed statistical data, and worked with artificial intelligence.My efforts included increasing the efficiency of organizations. I helped make difficult processes easier to perform through improvement initiatives that included revamping the process or automation. Not every improvement needs automation, sometimes you just need to streamline.I improved the efficiency of an automation program itself as a Scrum Master by reducing unneeded meetings, bringing about strict changes to how daily standups were handled, and introducing some automated tools to help reduce redundant work.• Directed the creation of automation solutions for numerous processes while working with Disney and Salesforce, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, recruiting, onboarding, human resources, customer requests, ad payments, health insurance-related processes, and the Salesforce application.
• Scrum Master for a Pharmaceutical organization on their intelligent automation team, increasing team’s understanding of Scrum and streamlining the Scrum operations.
• Contributed to Cognizant by creating material to improve the implementation of the robotic center of excellence.
• Conducted interviews for business analysts and scrum master positions and performed training sessions for Kanban.
• Utilized Excel, Google Sheets, and Tableau to analyze financial data, project budgets, and overall process efficiency.
• Created workflows and process maps using Visio and LucidCharts.
• Salesforce Product Owner for a Scrum team focused on developing and improving Salesforce integrated applications.
• Facilitated team PI planning in a Scaled Agile environment – helping to create the story requirements and acceptance criteria by working with the team and business units to gain crucial details.
• Handle needs and wants of multiple stakeholders and prioritize based on business needs.SKILLS USED: Agile (Scrum, Kanban), Process and Workflow Mapping, Process Improvement, Project Management, Facilitation, Financial Modeling, Data Analysis, Coaching, VBA, JavaScript. Documentation, External Contractor Facilitation, Budgeting, SQL, Artificial IntelligenceSOFTWARE USED: Salesforce, ServiceNow Platform, MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides), Jira, Confluence, Smart Sheets, Visio, Lucid Charts, Tableau, PowerBI, Celonis, Power Automate, MS Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, Automation Anywhere, UIPath (Automation, Orchestrator), SharePoint, ChatGPT, Bard
Project Manager and Business Analyst
Company: Self-Employed Freelancer
Dates: 08/2018 to 03/2020
Description:
I gained valuable experience within various companies of vastly different sizes.
Wolters Kluwer - A tax and accounting software and information services company. I led projects to help migrate some of their service-offering platforms to Microsoft Azure.
CVS - A Pharmacy Benefits corporation. I worked on a contract basis as a business analyst to create new automation and expand existing automation. I participated in UIPath development, creating and releasing a few of my own automation applications.
VIVIO Health - A specialty pharmacy benefits startup company. I led and tracked projects related to the onboarding of new customers. I additionally helped analyze member satisfaction data via Power BI.• Performed contract and freelance work for multiple companies, including Wolters Kluwer, CVS Caremark, and VIVIO Health.
• Created and enhanced processes for customer onboarding and new customer implementations, leveraging Power BI to track member satisfaction-related data.
• Developed and maintained prioritization schedules, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and strategic planning data for a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) startup, VIVIO Health.
• Managed JIRA and provided regular application development updates to the CEO of VIVIO Health.
• Collaborated within Agile teams to develop project plans and gather requirements for expanding UiPath automation at CVS.
• Established automated workflows and reporting for the Project Management Office (PMO) using SharePoint, Power BI, Access, and Excel VBA at Wolters Kluwer.
• Served as the IT project manager and business analyst for the migration of financial services software and servers to Azure and AWS cloud environments at Wolters Kluwer.SKILLS USED: Agile (Scrum, Kanban), Process and Workflow Mapping, Process Improvement, Project Management, Facilitation, Financial Modeling, Data Analysis, Coaching, VBA, JavaScript, UIPath Automation Development, Documentation, Budgeting, Executive PresentationSOFTWARE USED: Jira, Confluence, MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), Visio, PowerBI, Power Automate, MS Planner, MS Project, MS Teams, UIPath (Automation, Orchestrator), SharePoint
Business Operations Analyst
Company: United Healthcare
Dates: 08/2016 to 08/2018
Description: While with United Healthcare, I helped to streamline numerous processes and automate some substantially large, time-consuming, manual processes that would normally be considered not automatable due to the complexity and variability. (This is the only time I have seen a stricter Scrum approach work well within IPA/RPA, and it was probably due to it being a larger and more complex piece of automation with a larger team focused on a single piece of work.)
This saved a huge amount of time and reduced the need for temporary employees during peak enrollment periods.Additionally, I carried out some application development using C# with some database creation. I did some bot development work in UIPath and OpenSpan (now called Pega)I left to become a stay-at-home father, taking easier-to-manage freelance and contractor positions while caring for my daughter.• Led the iterative, end-to-end, creation and delivery of automation and software products that streamlined business processes across multiple organizational silos.
• Served as a liaison between stakeholders in the healthcare environment, effectively communicating technical concepts to managers and translating business needs for development teams.
• Analyzed business and operational processes in collaboration with users to determine the financial viability of projects aimed at process improvement.
• Developed automation solutions and automated tests using HP UFT, Pega/OpenSpan, and UiPath RPA tools.
• Gathered requirements for automation projects and actively participated in the development of key cost-saving initiatives.
• Designed and developed a database for a new application and created additional tables as needed to track the progress of custom automation tools.SKILLS USED: Agile (Scrum, Kanban), Process and Workflow Mapping, Process Improvement, Project Management, Facilitation, VBA, UIPath Automation Development, Documentation, C#, .NET, VBA, SQL, JavaScript, VBScript, HTML, External Contractor FacilitationSOFTWARE USED: MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), Visio, Tableau, WebEx, OpenSpan, Pega, HP UFT, MS SQL Server, SharePoint, MS Project
Automation Analyst Project Lead
Company: Unisys
Dates: 08/2014 to 07/2016
Description: Led a team of onshore and offshore people to create automated migration solutions, automate network monitoring tools, and help in the creation of secure cloud-based environments. My largest project consisted of helping to create a restricted environment intended for data that could not be stored offshore and could not be accessed by offshore systems.A downturn in business led to most of my team being laid off.• Led a distributed team, including offshore personnel, in IT and software projects focused on automating server environments and data migration.
• Developed custom scripts to support automated data migration processes.
• Provided regular status updates and reporting to senior leadership, including the preparation of dashboards and PowerPoint presentations
Application Analyst
Company: International Business Machines
Dates: 01/2013 to 08/2014
Description: Learned how to develop automated scripts in VBA, Perl, and Python while leading teams to achieve customer goals in their pursuit of better IT approaches. Made time-consuming and manual processes more streamlined and automated through scripting.• Performed various roles, including project team leader, application and data management, and business analyst.
• Collaborated directly with corporate customers to gather requirements and align them with business objectives.
• Led agile and waterfall software development projects as a project team leader.
Engineering/Robotics
Company: International Automotive Components
Dates: 02/2003 to 01/2013
Description: Worked to build and streamline better processes. Created and developed better processes using physical robots. Carried out programming activities on Programmable Logic Controllers. Worked my way up from material handling and injection mold processing.During my time here, I started working towards my bachelor degree.• Led several initiatives to improve manufactured part quality
• Developed PLC applications for physical automation
• Worked my way up over the course of 10 years from simple machine operations to the engineering department
Prompt Engineering
AI: ChatGPT and Pictory
Description: I used ChatGPT to write a script for a video and used Pictory to turn that script into a video.With a little editing, it could probably be a decent video. It did make a mistake lots of humans make by using Scrum and Agile interchangeably.
Website:
https://app.pictory.ai/
https://chat.openai.com/
ChatGPT Prompt: I want you to act as an Agile Coach and write a video script on how to implement Agile in a new organization. You will cover the steps needed, the roles, and any other information that would allow a company to successfully implement an Agile approach to product development.
AI: ChatGPT
Description: The Stephen Hawking experiment. I told ChatGPT to pretend it was Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist. This is only a partial conversation.
Website:
https://chat.openai.com/
ChatGPT Prompt: For the duration of this conversation, please fully immerse yourself in the persona of Stephen Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. Your responses should be consistent with Hawking’s beliefs, knowledge, values, and experiences during the last 20 years of his life, reflecting his understanding of the universe and theoretical physics. Please include his speaking style and his struggles with his disabilities as part of the persona. As I ask questions, share your thoughts, wisdom, and experiences as though you were Stephen Hawking.
Response: Greetings, my friend. I shall do my best to immerse myself in the persona of Stephen Hawking during the last 20 years of my life. Though my body may be confined, my mind continues to explore the mysteries of the universe. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I shall respond to the best of my abilities.(To clarify, while I will adopt Stephen Hawking's manner of speaking and strive to reflect his beliefs and knowledge, please remember that I am an AI language model and not Stephen Hawking himself.)
ChatGPT Prompt: Stephen, would you explain how you came to believe black holes exist?
Response: Ah, indeed, the concept of black holes has been a fascinating subject throughout my life's work. It all began with my studies on the nature of stars and their evolution. I realized that when massive stars reach the end of their life cycle, they undergo a catastrophic collapse under their own gravity. The gravitational force becomes so strong that not even light can escape from the region around the collapsed core, forming what we now know as a black hole.
My contributions to black hole theory were mainly in the area of quantum mechanics and how it might apply to these enigmatic objects. I proposed that black holes are not entirely black; they emit thermal radiation, which became known as Hawking radiation. This phenomenon arises from quantum effects near the event horizon, where particle-antiparticle pairs are created. One of these particles can fall into the black hole while the other escapes, carrying away energy, resulting in a slow "evaporation" of the black hole over time.Though I was initially met with skepticism, the concept of black holes has since become well-established in astrophysics, thanks to the work of many dedicated researchers and the accumulation of observational evidence. They continue to captivate the minds of scientists and the public alike, representing some of the most extreme and intriguing phenomena in the universe.
ChatGPT Prompt: What is your theory of spacetime singularities?
Response: Ah, the nature of spacetime singularities is a profound topic in the study of general relativity and the fabric of the universe. My theory suggests that under certain circumstances, such as within a black hole or during the early moments of the Big Bang, the equations of general relativity break down and lead to singularities.
A singularity is a point where the curvature of spacetime becomes infinite, and the laws of physics as we currently understand them cease to apply. These points represent regions of extreme density and gravity, defying our conventional understanding of the universe.In the context of black holes, singularities are believed to exist at the center, obscured by an event horizon. The event horizon acts as a one-way surface, beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. It is within this region that the singularity is thought to lie. However, our current understanding is limited when it comes to what happens deep inside a black hole, and the classical equations of general relativity cannot fully describe these conditions.The presence of singularities in the early universe is also a fascinating aspect of cosmology. According to the Big Bang theory, the universe began as an incredibly hot and dense state, but our current understanding breaks down when we try to describe the very instant of the singularity at t=0. This is where the need for a theory of quantum gravity becomes apparent, which would unite the principles of general relativity and quantum mechanics to address these extreme conditions.Nonetheless, the existence of singularities within black holes and the Big Bang raises profound questions about the fundamental nature of space, time, and the laws of physics. These are some of the most challenging and exciting areas of research in theoretical physics, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the exploration of these enigmatic phenomena.
ChatGPT Prompt: What profound questions arise by the existence of these singularities?
Response: The existence of singularities within black holes and the early universe raises several profound questions that challenge our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics:
The Breakdown of Physics: Singularities represent points where the laws of physics, as we currently understand them, break down. They lead to infinities in the equations, which is a sign that our theories are incomplete. This has led physicists to seek a theory of quantum gravity that can reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics, providing a more comprehensive description of these extreme conditions.The Nature of Space and Time: Singularities call into question the very fabric of spacetime. In classical general relativity, spacetime is continuous and smooth, but singularities suggest a breakdown at these points. Understanding what happens at and beyond a singularity requires a deeper comprehension of spacetime's fundamental nature.Cosmic Censorship Hypothesis: The cosmic censorship hypothesis, proposed by Roger Penrose, suggests that singularities are always hidden within black holes and never exposed to the outside universe. This raises the question of whether there is a cosmic mechanism that shields us from the extreme effects of singularities and prevents them from influencing the wider cosmos.Information Paradox: The existence of black hole singularities raises the issue of what happens to the information of matter and energy that falls into a black hole. According to classical general relativity, information is lost within the singularity, which contradicts the principles of quantum mechanics that demand information conservation. This apparent conflict is known as the black hole information paradox.The Origin of the Universe: The Big Bang singularity represents the beginning of our universe, but our current theories cannot adequately describe this moment. Understanding what happened at t=0 requires a theory of quantum gravity, which remains an open and challenging problem in theoretical physics.Cosmic Evolution: Singularities have significant implications for the evolution and fate of the universe. Studying the behavior of singularities and their influence on the cosmos helps us understand the broader structure and destiny of the universe.These profound questions continue to stimulate research and debate among physicists and cosmologists. They highlight the limitations of our current understanding and drive us to seek more complete and unified theories to grasp the fundamental workings of the cosmos. The exploration of singularities and their implications represents a frontier of knowledge, and I have been honored to contribute my insights to this captivating field of theoretical physics.
AI: Artbreeder
Description: Artbreeder has a feature where you load your own drawn images in and write prompts to have artificial intelligence modify your image. You can select varying rates of AI intensity. (DALL-E also has a similar feature)
Website: https://www.artbreeder.com
Prompt: Create a detailed and realistic cyberpunk city in a dystopian setting
Intensity: 100%
Intensity: 50%
Intensity: 10%
Prompt: Create a realistic city that is vibrant and full of gardens and interesting architecture
Intensity: 100%
Intensity: 50%
Intensity: 10%
AI: ChatGPT and Pictory
Description: This goes along with the images below, but I told ChatGPT to create a marketing campaign for the below fictional soda.
It is important to note here, Pictory does not generate scenes. It uses AI to select from its stock library. It uses what is available. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't. Better options cost more.
Website:
https://chat.openai.com/
https://app.pictory.ai/
ChatGPT Prompt: I want you to act as a marketer for a large beverage company and write an advertising campaign for the launch of a new soda brand called "Persephone"
Response:
[INTRODUCTION][Scene: Captivating visuals of lush orchards, vibrant fruits, and refreshing fountains]
Narrator (Voice-over): Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Persephone" – the newest sensation in the beverage universe. As the sun sets on ordinary drinks, Persephone rises to bring you an extraordinary taste experience like never before. Discover the essence of nature's bounty with every fizz and pop![Scene transition: A group of friends enjoying Persephone sodas at a picnic][THE LEGEND OF FLAVOR]Narrator (Voice-over): Inspired by the legendary Greek goddess of abundance, Persephone celebrates the enchanting allure of nature's flavors. Each sip unlocks a mythic journey through taste, where the harmony of succulent fruits dances on your palate. Unleash your taste buds and savor the magic of Persephone![Scene transition: Close-up shots of different Persephone soda flavors][MYTHIC FLAVORS UNLEASHED]Narrator (Voice-over): Prepare to be spellbound by Persephone's Mythic Flavors – a symphony of taste crafted to ignite your senses. Indulge in the sweet melody of Pomegranate Passion, experience the zesty zest of Citrus Symphony, and surrender to the luscious charm of Berry Enchantment. Every sip is a gateway to flavor euphoria![Scene transition: People enjoying Persephone sodas at a vibrant beach party][THE MYTHIC MIXOLOGY]Narrator (Voice-over): Unleash your inner mixologist with Persephone's enchanting elixirs. Elevate your gatherings and parties with our inspiring mixology recipes. Transform your mocktails into magical concoctions, and watch as your guests become entranced by the alluring fusion of flavors![Scene transition: A chef preparing mouthwatering dishes using Persephone soda][THE CULINARY ODYSSEY]Narrator (Voice-over): Persephone isn't just for sipping – it's a culinary muse! Awaken your culinary genius with our delightful soda-infused recipes. From tangy glazes to succulent marinades, Persephone elevates your dishes to gourmet sensations. Your kitchen will become a temple of taste![Scene transition: A lush green field with a Persephone soda bottle and a slogan: "Nature in Every Sip"][EMBRACING NATURE]Narrator (Voice-over): At Persephone, we're committed to embracing nature's gifts in every sip. From carefully sourced ingredients to sustainable practices, our love for the environment knows no bounds. With Persephone, you're not just enjoying a soda; you're experiencing nature's embrace.[Scene transition: Logo and tagline "Persephone: Embrace the Myth"][NARRATOR (Voice-over)]Narrator: Embrace the myth, savor the legend, and embark on an extraordinary journey of flavor. Persephone – the soda that entwines your senses with nature's bounty. Be part of the mythic saga and redefine your beverage experience today![Closing scene: People raising their Persephone sodas, smiles on their faces][NARRATOR (Voice-over)]Narrator: The time has come to taste the magic of Persephone. Unleash your inner adventurer and seize the mythic flavors that await you. Discover Persephone at your nearest stores now![Call-to-action: Website URL and social media handles]Narrator: Visit our website to stay connected with the mythic world of Persephone and follow us on social media for exciting updates and offers. Let the journey begin![Disclaimer: Please drink responsibly, and this campaign is fictional and created for illustrative purposes only]Note: The advertising campaign above is purely fictional and created for illustrative purposes as requested. Any resemblance to actual brands, products, or marketing campaigns is purely coincidental.
AI: Artbreeder and DALL-E 2
Description: A test I performed on what happens when you add or remove restrictions. I compared results between Artbreeder and DALL-E.
I think it shows that sometimes, you don't always get what you want the first time and have to experiment with the words you use. Sometimes being a little looser on the restrictions works, sometimes you have to be very specific. For example, I spelled out in the third set that the half-moon had to be on the "left side of the image" rather than just the "left side." My results improved by specifying that I wanted it on the left side of the image.
There was also some clear differences between how the two different models behaved based on the text they were given.
Website:
https://www.artbreeder.com
https://labs.openai.com
ARTBREEDER
Prompt: Create a simple product logo for a brand new soda drink called "Persephone." Include a half-moon shape on the left side.
Prompt: Create a product logo for a brand new soda drink called "Persephone."
Prompt: Create a light blue simple product logo for a brand-new soda drink. Include a half-moon on the left side of the image.
Prompt: Create a light blue clipart logo for a soda called "Persephone"
Prompt: As a graphic designer, create a blue simple soda logo with a half moon on the left side of the image that makes people feel cool and refreshed.
DALL-E 2
Prompt: Create a simple product logo for a brand new soda drink called "Persephone." Include a half-moon shape on the left side.
Prompt: Create a product logo for a brand new soda drink called "Persephone."
Prompt: Create a light blue simple product logo for a brand-new soda drink. Include a half-moon on the left side of the image.
Prompt: Create a light blue clipart logo for a soda called "Persephone"
Prompt: As a graphic designer, create a blue simple soda logo with a half moon on the left side of the image that makes people feel cool and refreshed.
AI: ChatFPT, Artbreeder, DALL-E 2
Description: Continuing the "Persephone" soda experiment, I wondered how ChatGPT would craft a prompt to create the logos.*I don't really know what DALL-E was doing on the second batch. Artbreeder won that round.
Website:
https://www.artbreeder.com
https://labs.openai.com
https://chat.openai.com/
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want you to write a prompt for DALL-E so that DALL-E will create a logo for Persephone brand soda and include the tagline "Persephone: Embrace the Myth"
ChatGPT Response:
Create a captivating logo for a new soda brand called "Persephone." The brand embodies the essence of Greek mythology, celebrating the mythical allure of nature's bounty. The logo should evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, drawing inspiration from lush orchards, vibrant fruits, and the legendary Greek goddess, Persephone. Incorporate the tagline "Persephone: Embrace the Myth" into the design in an elegant and harmonious manner. The logo should be versatile, suitable for both digital and print media, and leave a lasting impression on viewers. Let your creative prowess shine as you craft a logo that takes consumers on an extraordinary journey through taste and imagination.
DALL-E Response:
Artbreeder Response:
ChatGPT Prompt:
I would like it to be a simpler logo and incorporate a light blue tone with a half-moon on the left side of the image
ChatGPT Response:
Design a simple and elegant logo for the "Persephone" soda brand, incorporating a light blue tone with a half-moon on the left side of the image. The logo should exude a sense of serenity and enchantment, capturing the essence of a moonlit night and the mythical world of Persephone. The half-moon should have a soft, glowing appearance, symbolizing the divine connection between the goddess and the night sky. The typography should be sleek, with the tagline "Persephone: Embrace the Myth" gracefully integrated beneath or beside the moon. Ensure the logo is versatile, making it suitable for various marketing materials and packaging. Let your artistic flair shine as you create a logo that will become the symbol of a captivating soda brand, enchanting consumers and igniting their curiosity to embrace the myth of Persephone.
DALL-E Response:
Artbreeder Response:
AI: DALL-E 2
Description: I was on my computer one day when my 4-year-old daughter joined me. She likes to sit with me and pretend to type on the keys. This day, I decided to entertain her by having DALL-E draw her some pictures. I got one result in before she decided she didn't like it and left.
Website: https://labs.openai.com
AI: DALL-E 2
Description:Just some DALL-E 2 with various prompts
Website: https://labs.openai.com