Ayanna Smalls on Cloud Consulting, Culture, and Tech Representation

Ayanna J. Smalls is the founder of Smalz Cloud Consulting, helping small businesses seamlessly integrate cloud technology to boost efficiency, security, and growth. With expertise in AWS, Azure, AI, and e-commerce, she delivers tailored cloud solutions for challenges like app migrations, compliance, scaling e-commerce platforms, and more. Ayanna also founded Stemlighten, empowering the next generation of STEM leaders through teaching coding, video game development, and innovative entrepreneurship at college campuses. With experience in leading tech projects for top companies, Ayanna's resume includes work on cloud infrastructure, AI integrations, and security solutions, solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert in the tech field in Hampton Roads. Discover how cloud technology can help your business work smarter, stay secure, and grow steadily, all while providing valuable insights into strategy and exciting STEM opportunities.  Guest links:https://www.smalzcloudconsulting.com/ Chapters:(0:00) Episode introduction and greetings (1:04) Learning Spanish, Ayanna's background, and Panama connection (7:05) Cultural differences and working at Assembly (10:56) Ayanna's business journey and Smalls Cloud Consulting overview (20:35) Ayanna's journey into tech, education, and local roots (25:03) Acquiring clients, community networking, and ideal clients for cloud consulting (27:22) Cloud services' necessity and discussion on representation in tech (33:58) Tech adoption, legacy systems, and local challenges in defense and banking (38:04) Future plans for STEM and cloud consulting in the face of COVID (43:00) Netflix's live streaming struggles and cloud service excellence (47:19) Contact information, upcoming events, and tailgating experiences (51:04) Ayanna's NASA experience and advice for young aspirants (53:04) The importance of taking risks and favorite local eateries (57:14) Local restaurant discussion and food-wine pairing (59:14) Closing remarks, fun fact about clouds, and final goodbyes ABOUT THE SHOW: Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there. ABOUT THE HOSTS: Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd. Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow. Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/