Joel Zien
About Joel Zien
Joel Zien serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Growth & Revenue at Thoughtworks, bringing extensive experience in client services and growth strategies from his previous roles at Connected and Pivotal. He played a significant role in the acquisition of Connected by Thoughtworks and has a strong background in Agile methodologies and digital product consulting.
Work at ThoughtWorks
Currently, Joel Zien serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Growth & Revenue at Thoughtworks. He has held this position since 2023. Prior to this role, he was instrumental in the acquisition of Connected by Thoughtworks, which was valued at over $100 million, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. His expertise in strategic growth has contributed to Thoughtworks' expansion and client engagement efforts.
Previous Experience at Connected
Joel Zien worked at Connected, now part of Thoughtworks, in various leadership roles from 2016 to 2023. He began as Lead of Client Services, then advanced to Principal of Client Services, and later became Managing Director for the East Coast. During his tenure, he spearheaded the go-to-market strategy, secured flagship customers, and played a key role in expanding the company to over 200 employees.
Career at Pivotal
Before his time at Connected, Joel Zien worked at Pivotal from 2013 to 2016. He held several positions, including Account Manager and Account Executive, where he managed client relationships and contributed to business development. His initial role at Pivotal was as a Legal Assistant after the acquisition of Xtreme Labs, where he gained foundational experience in the tech industry.
Education and Expertise
Joel Zien possesses a comprehensive understanding of Design/Product Thinking and Agile methodologies. This expertise has established him as a key consultant in digital product and technology, enabling him to lead cross-functional teams effectively. His experience in high-pressure environments, including his early career as a sous chef at Canoe restaurant, has contributed to his leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Current Role at Gambit Partners
In addition to his role at Thoughtworks, Joel Zien has been a Limited Partner at Gambit Partners since 2021. This position allows him to leverage his extensive experience in strategic growth and revenue generation to support emerging companies and initiatives in the technology sector.