Dalton Lambert, PHR’s Post

I've been at Amazon a long time. When I talk about my career with Amazon, the most frequent questions people ask me are: What kept me with Amazon for so many years? When I left after nearly 14 years, what drew me away? What brought me back 2 years later? The genuine answer to each, as trite as it sounds, is the same: it's the people The people who took a chance on me. The people that, when I struggled, helped me lean on my strengths and shore up my weaknesses. The people who saw potential and invested in me. The people who modeled the value of building relationships, not just building code. The people who challenged me, made me think differently, and helped me grow. As I've grown in my career it's also those people in whom I can see potential and invest, where I might take a chance to give them an opportunity, for whom my experience could be of some value as they grow, and with whom I can continue building lasting relationships. I've been with Amazon's Global Talent Management and Compensation for about a year and a half, where our mission is to help Amazonians build rewarding careers. In that time, I've met with hundreds of people in our org and every single one of them has been driven by our mission and passionate about how we can meaningfully improve the lives of every Amazon employee. I've learned so much about how challenging, rewarding, and important taking a culture-first approach can be. This post isn't a claim that Amazon is objectively unique, I know there are amazing people in every company, though it has been my personal experience that Amazon's intentionally peculiar culture is one that encourages these kinds of behavior in people. Rather, my point is this: To deliver sustained business and customer value, your organization cannot be a feature factory. It needs to be an organizational engine that continuously inspects and adjusts its culture to grow people and relationships, according to your values, and through which you deliver for your customers. #people #relationships #culture #amazon

Today marks the end of my #Amazon adventure. Amazon, to me, has been more than a workplace; it's been a community of driven, sharp, and heartwarmingly intelligent individuals who thrive on challenges. What sets them apart is not just their commitment to the highest standards but also the readiness to lend a hand whenever it's needed. Leaving a job where I've crossed paths with amazing souls, generously sharing their knowledge, was not an easy decision. My decision to leave is because of the #RTO mandate. Driving 2-3 hours 3x a week prompted me to reevaluate how I could contribute best to my team, my customers, and my family. Looking back on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and lessons learned. Here are top 3 insights for those interested in Amazon: 🌟 Be Customer Obsessed: It's not just a buzzword; it is the soul of Amazon. Whether gearing up for an interview or starting, let working backward from the customer be your North Star. 📈 Be the CEO of Your Career: Unlike other companies, here you're the captain steering your career ship. Take charge of the freedom to decide WHAT you want to do and HOW you want to do it. It comes with ambiguity, but within it, lies a trove of opportunities. 🤝 Build Your Tribe: Collaboration is the heartbeat at Amazon. Don't shy away from connecting with leaders at all levels—they're friends ready to support your success. Seek mentorship and soak in the collective wisdom around you. A heartfelt shoutout to my leaders and teammates at Amazon, especially Zac Lochner, PhD, CFEI, CRE, Lisa Gutermuth, Dajan Zvekic, Bruce Worthington, Michael Sukovich, Ben Shukman, Yvette Zhao, Tiffani Quan, Adam Lassiter, Jonathan Micklos, Brian Dai, Adrian Mitrea, Andrea Cloutier, Tatiana Suslova, MBA, Sacha Holland, Albert Nguyen, Allen Brown, Farooq Hussaini, Sandeep Karandikar. Grateful for your support as I set sail into the next phase of my career. It's always Day 1! #Amazon #CareerJourney #Gratitude

This week marks my 5 year Ama-versary at Amazon. In calendar days it feels less significant because, after all, 5 years at any other company seems like a minimum if you enjoy your role and the people around you. The reality is that 5 years at Amazon is nearly 25 years of professional experience. I’ve come to believe that anyone who hires you into Amazon is taking a huge risk and, therefore, is making a massive wager on you as a person and as a professional. The ambiguity, complexity, scale and pace of our construction business isn’t something that any qualified engineering or construction management leader from “traditional” roles can immediately plug into and do well. At Amazon, you are empowered and enabled to learn broadly, to innovate, and to develop as a person—rapidly. You are provided resources and pushed to deliver results that are vastly unprecedented in the industry. You are pushed to succeed, and allowed to fail, so long as you fail FAST, and pushed to move forward to the next challenge. You hire, manage, and partner alongside some of the best and most genuine leaders you will find on a team. That last point makes me the most proud. Thanks to the last 5 years I am so much stronger and more versatile than when I started. I am thankful for those who elected to take a massive wager on me, bringing me in for a new role, and for the support I’ve had here. At the end of my career, I will look back and say: “Wow, what if I had never taken that role at Amazon?” Looking forward, I wonder what 2028 will look like in retrospect? Let’s keep going. #amazon #designandconstruction

This week, I stand at a monumental crossroads of my career with Amazon, reflecting on the incredible journey of 2190 days as a proud Amazonian. Looking back to when I began as a Tier 1 associate 6 years ago, it's spectacular to think that anyone suggesting I would go that far.Yet, here I am, a testament to the limitless possibilities that unfold when we embrace dedication and dream big. 🚀🌟. it was a decision that set in motion an incredible saga filled with growth, challenges, and boundless opportunities. With each passing year, I've had the privilege of involving myself in the unique of six different Amazon buildings, each contributing of my understanding of Amazon's operations. Looking back, I'm grateful for every moment that has shaped me into who I am today. The heart of my career lies in mentorship and leadership. Guiding individuals toward success and helping them realize their potential brings me great joy. As I've embraced new challenges, I've learned that the path to success is paved with dedication, resilience, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. It's not the absence of challenges that define us, but how we rise above them. As I embark on this next chapter of my Amazon journey, I am excited to create a future where every challenge is an opportunity and where we continue to make history, because on Amazon, it's always Day 1. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible ride. Here's to more milestones, more growth, and more exciting challenges ahead! and let us have Fun 😎 🚀🌟 #Amazon #AmazonJourney #CareerGrowth #Leadership #Mentorship #AlwaysDay1 #managment #challange #journeyofgrowth #history #ONT8 #thankyou #learning #amazonlife #amazonjobs #promotion #amazonsquad #L7 #successstories #amazonvestlife #amazonday1 #goal #promoted #managment #future #creativity #careers #motivation #humanresources #family #inspiration #leadership #creativity #successstories #linkdinfamily

I hereby announce that as of Friday, June 23, 2023, I have concluded my employment with a remarkable company like Amazon. Words cannot express my immense appreciation for what Amazon has done for me, particularly in allowing me to meet individuals who have provided valuable lessons, aided in my growth, and served as examples to follow (and not follow), among other things. Transitioning to another company marks a period of fear and uncertainty, as it presents a significant challenge. Perhaps there is fear of leaving one's comfort zone or apprehension about successfully navigating probationary periods in a new beginning. However, I have never doubted my abilities, and the outcome of a probationary period is not solely determined by my performance; there are numerous external factors beyond my control. Therefore, I have chosen to embrace this opportunity, take a giant leap, and embark on a new adventure with a new professional family, giving my best and sharing the knowledge I have gained thus far. This photo does not include all the friends and family I have gained during my time at Amazon, but I hold each and every one of them in high regard. I extend my sincere gratitude and blessings to all. Always Day one. 🧡 #growth #amazon #like #opportunity #employment #gratitud

Today, I completed a decade at Amazon and got that coveted Red border badge! What an amazing journey it has been. Thanks to my colleagues who made working here a great learning experience! It is a joy to work with such passionate, caring and fun-loving people. As I reflect on the past 10 years, I asked myself, if I had seen economic uncertainties like the way we have today. Though each economic downturn is different, I recall many instances of hiring freezes, stock price going south and missed revenue expectations. The teams I worked in went through many ups and downs - deprioritised projects, re-orgs and headcount reductions. But what brought us back on track, was our relentless focus on customers. In fact when the chips were down, we doubled down on customer focus, asked hard questions on whether we are innovating and prioritising right projects for our customers. This downturn is not going to be any different, as long as we keep our obsession with our customer! Some of you may say, it is easier said than done. How do you remain customer focused? In my opinion, Amazon has multiple mechanisms to consciously stay customer focused. There are especially two mechanism that stand out - (1) Working Backward Documents (WBD), and (2) Correction of Errors (COE). The first one is a pro-active mechanism and the second is reactive. WBD is writing a press release and FAQ for your project. It clarifies your thought process about what will be the most important to your customers and you work backward from there. The COE is a reactive but very effective mechanism to address major customer issues. You use 5-Why technique to go to the bottom of the issues. The most important however, is the review process for these documents. During the review process, your peers and leaders challenge you to validate your thought process and collectively raise the bar! As I complete 10 years, I hope this culture remains unchanged, as it motivates lot of folks here. #amazon #workanniversary

Journey with Amazon (Honest Review) I had the privilege of working as a Customer Service Specialist at Amazon, and it truly stands out as one of my most fulfilling full-time experiences. Here's a glimpse into my time with the company: 1. Training Excellence and Clear Communication: From the moment I completed the interview rounds, Amazon exhibited a commitment to excellence. I received the necessary assets within 2 days, albeit in less-than-ideal condition, but the comprehensive training that followed was impeccable. The HR team's clear communication and guidance ensured a seamless transition to the live floor, where I engaged with customers confidently. 2. Outstanding Work Environment: Amazon's leave policy, work culture, and emphasis on professionalism and discipline during working hours contributed to a highly productive and positive atmosphere. 3. Incentives and Recognition: The occasional gifts during festive seasons and performance-based coupons added a delightful touch to the incentive schemes. The biannual promotions, tied to the company's profitability, not only motivated the team but also showcased Amazon's commitment to retaining top talent. Reasons for My Transition: Despite these positives, my departure from Amazon was prompted by a desire for exponential career growth, which I felt the current role did not offer. Additionally, the intensity of work schedules during special sales and festive periods, leading to increased call flow, made the job challenging for me. Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5: In summary, I would rate my Amazon experience a solid 4.5 out of 5. The company's strengths, from training to culture and incentives, make it a compelling workplace. While I moved on due to my career aspirations, if given a second chance, I would gladly rejoin the Amazon family. #Amazon #WorkExperience #CustomerService #Review

I’m not much of a LinkedIn poster (by the fact this is my first ever one), but for my wider network who may not be aware, it would be wonderful to share the big career news. After 2,980 “Day Ones” as is said at Amazon, or just over 8 years, last Friday was my final day at the company. What an unbelievable first education into my professional working life it has been, across operations and then Learning & Development, where I truly believe I have found my ‘profession’. For those who I worked with, both inside Amazon and externally as an Amazon employee, I wanted to say THANK YOU. The experiences have helped me learn an incredible amount and has made me the professional, colleague, stakeholder, friend and person I am today. I got the chance to work with so many amazing leaders whose stories I’ll be telling for many years to come. My decision to leave Amazon was incredibly tough. Having reflected, I recognise that it may be a surprise, as someone who (tried) to embed the peculiar culture of Amazon in their everyday engagements. The truth is that, for me, 2023 was a shift in how I engaged with the Amazon culture around me. After 8 years, maybe that’s natural. But the feeling changed. Like many of my Amazon connects here, there were rollercoaster periods, but the dips always pushed me forward, ready for the next big climb. I reached a chapter where I couldn’t see that next big climb, or what I could see was not right for me at that moment in time. So to continue my professional development, I felt it’s time to try a different ride! I’m really quite terrified, Amazon is all I have known. But, I am SO excited about starting a new chapter, experiencing new organisations and cultures, and taking some big risks. And I have Amazon to thank for making me think this way. I’ll be back one day, Amazon, with more experience, better skills and fresh ideas. Until then, it’s a thank you, and see you soon… it’s been a blast. For now, time for some R&R (Roasts and Rum) before a new year and new start!