Jeffery Ware's typical Union work day is literally that.
Workday, that is, the cloud-based software service that replaced a patchwork of older college systems last July.
As director of change management, he is the public face of the most transformational technology initiative Union has undertaken in years. Many know him from his ubiquitous training meetings on Zoom.
Ware is no stranger to high-pressure, high-impact projects, having managed several in the fast-paced corporate world, including for Virgin Atlantic and other major airlines. A vocation in the airline industry was fitting for someone who grew to love flying from an early age.
Ware was born in his mother’s native Puerto Rico, and his family frequently split their time between San Juan and Detroit, where his father was employed by the Ford Motor Company. Fluent in Spanish, Ware still makes it a point to visit the island every year.
Over the years, he has also visited London, where he enjoyed the city's rich history and architecture, “and of course, the football, or as we call it across the pond, ‘soccer.’ I had the chance to watch several professional matches, including some with my favorite team, Manchester City.”
Before landing at Union, Ware lived in South Florida for a decade and a half, most recently in Miami. In moving to New York, he exchanged a bustling urban lifestyle for the quiet of Nassau, a hamlet in Rensselaer County. Rural living agrees with him, despite the demands of caring for more than three acres of land. The green thumb he cultivated as a garden center employee in his teens is getting quite the workout.
And while yard chores fill much of his weekends these days, they always take a backseat on Saturdays during soccer season, when he can be found rooting for his stepdaughter, Quinn, 11, from the sidelines.
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
Reddit. Before diving into my work emails, I often find myself scrolling through various humorous and quirky subreddits for a good laugh.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ?:
"Astroball" by Ben Reiter. The book explores how the Houston Astros' management meticulously built a championship-winning team. They achieved this by nurturing a robust farm system, strategically recruiting players for pivotal positions, and leveraging data analytics. It's a lesson on how organizations need to employ multiple approaches to achieve their goals.
That said, I remain a committed Detroit Tigers fan.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:
"Always include the day of the week when referencing a date." This nugget of wisdom was imparted to me by an administrative assistant at one of my previous jobs. A reminder to never make assumptions.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?:
"The Bear." I’ll go out on a limb and declare that this is the best TV series ever. The writing, the acting, the various story arcs and the character growth are all incredible. I also like that it is set in Chicago, where I lived for several years.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
The ability to carry a tune. Not only do I wish I could sing, so do my wife, daughter, and assorted family and friends who stop by for holiday karaoke at our house.
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):
Hearing Nelson Mandela's firsthand experiences of overcoming adversity and leading with forgiveness would be inspiring. Thurgood Marshall's insights on current civil rights issues would be fascinating. And no dinner party would be complete without chef Anthony Bourdain.
ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
I've become very dependent on my sleep mask. I'm a morning person to an extreme – up by 4:30 a.m. or even earlier most days – and I'm also an easily distracted sleeper.
FIRST CONCERT YOU ATTENDED:
In the early '90s, when I was in middle school, I saw M.C. Hammer perform live in Chicago. I was a big fan – his music was catchy, energetic and perfect for dancing.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
Having worked remotely for large corporate organizations since 2009, it's refreshing to be in a smaller environment where I can directly connect with people. I enjoy the casual chats and spontaneous interactions that happen while strolling across campus or grabbing a bite to eat at Reamer. Plus, having a colleague across the hall from Puerto Rico (Carlos Nieves) is a blast – we love chatting in Spanish whenever we get the chance.