#TAMTales - Meet Thabata Oliveira, a seasoned Technical Account Manager at Google Cloud based out of S?o Paulo, Brazil

This is #TAMTales , a series of exclusive interviews and posts from Technical Account Managers (TAMs) within #GoogleCloud . In this series, we offer insider perspectives on the TAM role, Google’s culture, the recruitment process, and much more.

This month Thabata Alves Oliveira shares her personal experience of working as a TAM with Savio Poulose

Thabata is a prime example of what happens when passion and work intersect. Thabata touches upon key topics like work-life balance, Google's culture, women in tech, her love for everything gaming and much more!

Could you share the story of how you embarked on your tech career and whether it was always a planned path for you?

My journey in technology began at the age of 13 when I started assisting at a local computer school. After high school, I initially pursued a technical course in nutrition, finding fulfillment in working at a hospital. However, my trajectory took a turn when I tried and earned a scholarship for systems analysis and development, marking my official entry into the tech field.

During my second semester, I secured an internship at a company specialized in technology for the healthcare sector, where I was a code developer. It was at this juncture that I had my first career years in technology. In 2010, I joined a big bank in Brazil as a system analyst and where I engaged in diverse projects over 8 years. The pivotal shift occurred in 2016 when I transitioned to the bank's cloud division, exposing me to new learning experiences and marking my initial encounter with Google.

I never actually knew what I wanted to work with and I believe it's uncommon for people to have their paths clearly defined from the outset. Life led me down this route, and today, I am profoundly grateful and content with the journey. This career affords me a harmonious balance with my personal life, making it a fulfilling and purposeful choice.

What is your current role at Google, and how does it align with your passion for gaming?

In my present role at Google, I serve as a Technical Account Manager specialized in the Games industry. Within this domain, my team exclusively collaborates with game customers, a realization of a dream I never anticipated achieving. Being an avid gamer since childhood, working in this field brings me immense joy and satisfaction.

As a Technical Account Manager, my primary responsibility is to act as the customer's technical advisor, guiding them to operate efficiently and effectively in the cloud. The Games industry, known for its rapid growth and dynamic nature, continually introduces new technologies and innovations. Google stands at the forefront of this industry, offering a broad spectrum of products and services utilized by gamers and developers globally. It's a source of great pride for me to be an integral part of this innovative landscape.

How do you manage your work hours effectively when dealing with clients spanning multiple countries?

Operating as a remote employee based in S?o Paulo, Brazil, it provides me with a remarkable level of flexibility in managing my work. With clients scattered across different countries, I find that we can readily adapt our schedules to identify the optimal time for everyone involved. Fortunately, due to the geographical positioning of Brazil's time zone, I seldom find the need to extend beyond my regular working hours.

Being situated between the West Coast and Europe enables me to serve as a seamless bridge between these two continents. This positioning not only allows for a harmonious balance but also facilitates efficient collaboration between time zones. While the time difference between Brazil and other global regions can present challenges, I see it as an advantageous aspect, affording remote workers the opportunity to engage effectively with clients across diverse time zones.

What are your interests and activities outside of the professional realm?

Beyond the confines of work, my life is a tapestry of diverse hobbies that keep monotony at bay. I often jest that boredom rarely finds its way into my schedule. At the core of my interests are two passions - playing video games and indulging in the world of literature through books.

In addition to these, I find joy in caring for my canine companion, spending quality time with my partner, friends, and family, exploring new destinations through travel, and engaging in weight training at the gym. My love for music has led me to be part of several rock bands, showcasing my skills as a bass player. However, my recent focus has shifted to playing the surdo, a large bass drum, in an LGBT-themed carnival street block that celebrates the vibrant rhythms of Tropicalia music. This multifaceted blend of activities not only keeps me energized but also reflects the rich tapestry of interests that define my life outside of the professional sphere.

What challenges do you encounter as a female TAM in a predominantly male-dominated industry, especially within the gaming sector?

Navigating the Information Technology (IT) landscape as a woman presents its unique set of challenges. While some might argue against overt prejudice, the subtlety of certain attitudes often goes unnoticed. I find that, as a female TAM, there's an inherent need to exert more effort to validate my knowledge and capabilities compared to my male counterparts, who seem to receive recognition more effortlessly. This discrepancy is a poignant reflection of the systemic sexism ingrained in our society.

Remarkably, within Google, I've observed a departure from these conventional norms. The organizational culture here exhibits a heightened sense of self-awareness, reducing instances of such attitudes. Being part of a diverse team is a privilege, and it fosters an environment where individual contributions are valued irrespective of gender.

To counter these challenges, I am actively engaged in daily efforts to challenge these stereotypes. Since joining Google, I have been an integral part of various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including the women's and LGBT ERGs, contributing to a collective effort to foster inclusivity and dismantle gender biases within the industry.

How has your perception of the role evolved over the past 5 years with Google?

Since joining Google in 2019, I've witnessed a remarkable transformation in the role of a TAM in the LATAM region. At the outset, the TAM role was less structured, adapting to the distinct needs of each client. Fast forward to the present, and I've observed the impressive development of this domain within Google. We now benefit from comprehensive playbooks and guidance for almost every aspect of our responsibilities, streamlining our work as TAMs and making it more fluid.

Investing in continuous improvement has proven to be the key to delivering exceptional work for our clients. The evolution of the TAM role at Google has empowered us with the tools and frameworks necessary for excellence in client service.

Speaking specifically about my role as a TAM in the Gaming industry, or as a TAM specialized in a particular sector, the experience has been uniquely enriching. Over the past five years, I've collaborated with over 10 clients spanning diverse industries. Specializing in a specific industry offers the advantage of tailoring solutions more precisely, resulting in faster and more definitive resolutions to challenges. For instance, working with Gaming clients entails understanding the specific dynamics of game launches, necessitating preparation for significant spikes in access at designated times—an aspect distinct from clients in the Finance sector, for example, which presents its own set of challenges.

Being a TAM in Gaming is a distinctive experience, requiring industry specialization and adeptness in addressing the unique challenges faced by gaming clients. The dynamic nature of this role continues to captivate me, making each day a new opportunity for growth and problem-solving within the intricate landscape of the gaming industry.