About Robert Hardin
Strategic Technology Executive & Board Advisor
I bring a unique combination of deep technical expertise, global market intelligence, and enterprise leadership experience to help growth-stage companies navigate complex technology and strategic decisions. My approach combines hands-on technology experience with comprehensive analysis of global business dynamics to drive sustainable competitive advantages.
Professional Background
Current Role: Director of Data Engineering at a Fortune 500 enterprise travel technology company, where I lead strategic data technology initiatives. I'm responsible for petabyte-scale data architecture, AI implementation strategies, and cross-functional technology leadership supporting global enterprise operations.
Career Progression: My career spans technology leadership roles from pre-IPO startups through public companies, with extensive experience in highly regulated industries including healthcare, travel, defense, financial services, and enterprise technology. I've successfully scaled engineering organizations from small teams to 65+ members while maintaining high performance and delivery standards.
Strategic Expertise
- Technology Leadership
AI & Data Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, International Expansion, and Crisis Management with proven track record scaling petabyte-scale platforms and leading technology transformation through IPO processes.
- Global Market Intelligence
Strategic recommendations informed by systematic analysis of international business dynamics, emerging technology trends, and cross-industry best practices. Deep knowledge of global markets through continuous study of international economic trends, regulatory developments, and strategic planning methodologies.
- Business Impact
$3MM+ pipeline generation through strategic technology vision, 51% productivity improvement across engineering organizations, $85K+ annual cost optimization via strategic architecture decisions, and expertise scaling teams from startup size to 65+ members during hypergrowth.
Board & Advisory Qualifications
- Strategic Planning Experience
Quarterly business reviews, technology roadmap development, international expansion strategy, crisis management during organizational transformation, and cross-functional leadership with C-suite executives.
- Fiduciary Readiness
Financial oversight of multi-million dollar technology budgets, risk management in highly regulated industries, governance experience in public company environment, and stakeholder management across diverse enterprise constituencies.
- Industry Expertise
SaaS Platforms, Regulated Industries, Digital Transformation, and International Markets with deep experience in compliance, security frameworks, and operational excellence.
Education & Credentials
The George Washington University | Washington, D.C.
M.S. Engineering Management
Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN
B.S. Computer Science
Professional Development: Global Business Intelligence & Market Analysis, Board Governance & Advisory Best Practices, International Technology Strategy & Expansion, Strategic Planning & Crisis Management
Advisory Philosophy
I focus on helping leadership teams make better strategic decisions rather than executing tactical work. My advisory partnerships typically involve quarterly strategic planning, ongoing market intelligence, and ad-hoc guidance during critical technology and business decisions.
Current Advisory Focus: Given my present executive role, I maintain selective availability for advisory partnerships with SaaS companies, enterprise technology firms, and international expansion initiatives in non-competitive sectors.
Future Availability: Beginning in 2027, expanded advisory opportunities anticipated across additional industry verticals and strategic technology initiatives.
Global Perspective
My strategic guidance is enhanced by comprehensive analysis of global economic trends, international business dynamics, and cross-industry innovation patterns. This broader perspective enables more informed decision-making about technology investments, market expansion, and competitive positioning in an increasingly interconnected business environment.
Key Leadership Experience
- Public Company Technology Leadership: Technology transformation through IPO process and international expansion
- Healthcare Technology: Enterprise solutions for Fortune 100 healthcare providers
- Defense & Aerospace: Strategic technology leadership for $1.2B government contracts
- Regulated Industries: Deep compliance, security, and operational excellence expertise
Available for strategic discussions with growth-stage companies seeking board-level technology guidance and global market intelligence.
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