Darren Fields, Vice President of UKI and International, is recognized for his strategic vision and leadership in driving growth and operational excellence across diverse markets. Allen Furmanski, Director of Product Marketing, brings extensive experience in driving digital transformation. Andy Prior, Senior Technical Product Marketing Manager, blends technical expertise with a personal touch. Last, but not least, Timo Siedenberg, Area Vice President for Channel Sales in the DACH region, leads with professional insight and a dedication to family values.

Join us as we explore their journeys as fathers, their perspectives on balancing work and family life, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

How do you balance the demands of your tech career with your responsibilities as a father?

Darren Fields: My Kids, Oliver and Emma, are now young adults at 21 &18. The focus has changed; their journey now is life choices, university, careers, travel, and relationships. I have to respect their independence, but stay connected the best I can, and be emotionally available for them. With Oliver, that’s an occasional brainstorm, or run something past me. With Emma, my Snapchat is running red hot most of the day. I always try to encourage them to do their best; that’s all you can ask as a parent. My role now is to be a mentor, a cheerleader, and a safety net when needed; I can do that wherever I am.

Allen Furmanski: Through prioritization, coordination with my wife, and context switching when required. My son is only two years old and goes to daycare. Sometimes I drop him off, sometimes pick him up, sometimes both. My wife and I usually tag team on parenting duties most mornings and evenings (when one of us doesn’t have other commitments). Some evenings I’ll continue working from my home office once he’s gone to bed, which is around 8 PM. I’m also very fortunate to have an incredible support system of family and friends nearby to help as needed.

Andy Prior: I’ve taught my daughter to do my job; she’s getting good at using ChatGPT to write blogs. I am lucky that here at IGEL, I can combine work time with the school run and have great support from family members while traveling.

Timo Siedenberg: I am trying my best to spend a lot of my spare time (especially Saturday and Sunday) with my family and do activities with them. I run (5k/10k distance) a lot with my older son Theo, who is 12, or go fishing with his younger brother Fritz, who is 7. On Sundays, we often go to the North Sea for a walk with the whole Siedenberg family.

What’s one thing fatherhood has taught you that helps you in your career?

Darren Fields: Patience means showing up, not giving up. As a parent, you see kids mature in different ways and at different times. As they grow, you celebrate many milestones, but also frustration, unpredictability, and slower progress than they would like. The advice you give does not always lead to immediate impact; things take time. This has helped me develop my skills in handling setbacks, leading teams with empathy, listening more, and reacting less. My dad would always say to me, “You have two ears and one mouth, and use them in that order.” That has always stuck with me both as a parent and in my career.

Allen Furmanski: Sometimes you must force yourself to get outside your comfort zone and make things happen.

Andy Prior: Don’t cry over spilt milk. (Or when your daughter is in the shower and blocks the plug with her toys and floods the downstairs kitchen.

Timo Siedenberg: I always give my sons a positive attitude. If something is not working, try again and again. At some point, it will work. That’s the same in business. Not everything works immediately, but giving up should not be an option.

What strategies or tools help you stay connected with your family during busy work periods or remote work situations?

Darren Fields: WhatsApp & Snapchat have become the two best ways I stay connected with my family. Even when I’m travelling on planes, I buy the Wi-Fi connection, and Emma and I will be messaging on Snapchat. The harder part is the time differences when the other side of the world, but we are always trying to message, send photos, and speak on a regular basis.

Allen Furmanski: It’s important to stay in touch. Send photos and video chat when you can.

Andy Prior: FaceTime. We FaceTime every day to sync up on what’s been happening at home and help get the internet working when it’s down—no YouTube kids when you are away is an issue!

Timo Siedenberg: It is my best friend and biggest enemy -> my smartphone. I am chatting with Theo and my wife (Svenja) via WhatsApp. Fritz is too small for it. We do regular phone calls. And there is one rule: When the phone is ringing and it’s a family member, I always pick up. Family first.

What advice would you give your children if they wanted to pursue a career in tech?

Darren Fields: Pursue a career for which you have passion and excitement. A career that challenges and motivates you. If that career is tech. Tech is always changing. Stay curious, adapt to the changes, collaborate and always be driven, kind, and humble. Your reputation will always matter.

Allen Furmanski: Don’t do it! No, seriously. I would tell my son to pursue a career in tech if that’s what he feels he is truly passionate about. Stay focused and always maintain a learning mindset.

Andy Prior: Be true to yourself, find something you are passionate about, and go for it.

Timo Siedenberg: To be honest, I never thought about it. Theo is aiming for a job as a teacher (but that can change, of course), and Fritz has already decided that he will be a firefighter (I do not think that this is going to change). But seriously, my advice would be to follow your heart and do something that you have a passion for. You will spend a huge amount of your time on it.

What IGEL workplace policies or company support have made it easier for you to be both a dad and a technology professional?

Darren Fields: Flexible working! Even as my role as a father has changed, I can be there when needed to support and be present for Oliver & Emma.

Allen Furmanski: I’m still only weeks into working at IGEL, but I can clearly see that the company is focused on its employees and their well-being, which obviously extends to the responsibilities as a father. I enjoy working from the Fort Lauderdale office and the collaborative spirit, though the option to work remotely when needed is so helpful. The benefits, including health insurance and a dependent care plan, are generous and give me peace of mind.

Andy Prior: Flexible working. I can nip to the school for parents’ evenings, school runs, flexibility when I’m in the office, Christmas plays, unexpected doctor’s appointments if she’s got something stuck up her nose, etc.

Timo Siedenberg: I have traveled a lot in the last twenty years. My family knows I like it that way and tolerates it. That is the most important thing. They know that I would be very unhappy with a “desk job.” Of course, the flexibility that IGEL offers, including a home office, flexible start and stop times, etc. is helping, but the “buy-in” from the family is essential.

What is your favorite thing about being a dad?

Darren Fields: I have loved being a dad through all stages. My kids are now young adults. I love watching them become their own person, what excites them, how they handle situations, relationships, etc. The conversations we have and the way they challenge me all the time! Being their safe place when needed, but mostly huge pride for the great people they have become.

Allen Furmanski: My favorite thing is spending time with my son and seeing him happy and smiling. As a father of a toddler, I’m most proud of my son learning anything new. As a technology professional for my entire career, I’m especially proud that I can entertain him with tech stuff (and fix his “tech toys” when needed).

Andy Prior: Being a dad and everything that comes with it, I love being a dad, seeing my daughter ride a bike for the first time, her first words, first steps, everything firsts. It’s like watching the best soap opera. So cool. Oh, and lots of hugs…

What are you most proud of as a father and as a technology professional?

Darren Fields: Oliver and Emma have grown into extraordinary individuals, kind, loving, and driven to make the world a better place. Seeing the people they’ve become fills me with pride, and I can’t wait to witness the incredible futures they will carve out for themselves.

As for my career, it has always been about the people. I’ve had the privilege of leading and growing organisations, turning teams around, building strong foundations, and fostering a culture where success thrives. Watching my teams flourish, both collectively and individually, has been the best journey so far. It’s not always easy, but I’ve stayed true to my beliefs, knowing that dedication, integrity, and a commitment to others are what really make a difference.

Andy Prior: Getting a daughter in the first place, I put it off for years, and I’m an older dad. When we decided to start a family, we found out we couldn’t; five years of assisted reproduction later, along came our daughter. In terms of work, I won Presales-Manager of the Year in EMEA and got to go to Hawaii; that was a cool experience.

Timo Siedenberg: My wife and I do our best to educate good human beings. And if we hear from other people that our kids are friendly, open-minded, and ready to help, then it makes me/us very proud. Theo is in the 7^th grade and is a school speaker, which is unusual because normally it is students from the 9th grade or 10th grade. But he was applying, and he was elected. It was his choice to take responsibility. Two weeks later, Fritz announced at home that he was elected class speaker in the 1st grade. Could I be more proud?

Just for fun: Who is your favorite fictional dad from TV, movies, or books?

Darren Fields: George Banks (Steve Martin) Father of the Bride

George is a protective, loving father who struggles to get his head around his daughter getting married, eventually giving her the best wedding. I loved the warmth and love from him and within the family. I’m not sure how I will feel when my kids get married, I know it will be huge pride and excitement for the next stage of their journey, and I hope for grandchildren one day!

Allen Furmanski: I’ll go with Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) from “Mrs. Doubtfire”.

Andy Prior: Darth Vader.

Timo Siedenberg: In the middle of the 80s, the German TV Channel “ZDF” showed the “Bill Cosby Show” for the first time. I really liked this TV family. Especially Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable seemed to be a very cool dad. And what should I say? Their oldest son was called “Theo”.

“At IGEL, we celebrate the whole person—not just the professional. We’re proud to support our team members in showing up fully for their families and their careers,” said Lori Thompson, VP of Human Resources, IGEL.

Supporting families is essential to building a thriving workplace, which is why IGEL’s U.S. parental leave approach includes paid time off for full-time employees and flexible options to ease the transition back to work. For birthing parents, this may include the opportunity to return on a part-time schedule while continuing to receive full pay. These benefits reflect our broader commitment to helping employees navigate one of life’s most transformative moments with confidence and support. Explore career opportunities with us.

The post Celebrating Fatherhood: Insights from IGEL Sales and Technical Leaders appeared first on IGEL.

Recently, we spoke with Yomira (Yomi) MacDonald, a Marketing Coordinator here at IGEL, about the challenges and benefits of balancing work and motherhood. With three years of experience at the company, Yomi shared valuable insights into how motherhood has shaped her leadership style, enhanced her patience, and taught her the importance of effective time management.

Her experiences reflect IGEL’s strong, family-centered culture and how the company creates a supportive environment for professional development and successful parenting.

Tell us about your role at IGEL. How long have you been with the company? What do you love most about working for IGEL?

Yomi: I’m a Marketing Coordinator here at IGEL, and I’ve been with the company for three years. What I love most about IGEL is the culture; it’s a great mix of teamwork, support, and positive energy that makes coming to work really enjoyable. 

How has becoming a mom influenced your approach to leadership, teamwork, or productivity?

Yomi: Becoming a mother has definitely made me more patient and intentional about approaching challenges. I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure, listen more actively, and lead with greater empathy, which has positively impacted the way I collaborate with my team and manage my time.

What does a “day in the life” look like for you right now — balancing motherhood and your role at IGEL? Are there any tips/tricks/hacks you have learned along the way that you want to share?

Yomi: Balancing motherhood and my role at IGEL have been a rewarding challenge that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of effective time management. Now I’m intentional about prioritizing my little one, staying focused on work tasks, and most importantly taking care of myself. Even something as simple as a 30-minute break between meetings to recharge can make a huge difference.

How do you stay connected to your team while managing the demands of parenting?

Yomi: I stay connected to my team through consistent and open communication, whether it’s quick check-ins, team chats, or scheduled updates. Clear communication helps set expectations and ensures we stay aligned, even when juggling the demands of parenting.

What would you say to someone considering joining IGEL — especially a woman thinking about starting a family or balancing parenthood and career?

Yomi: I’d say come join the team! IGEL offers a supportive and accommodating environment where you can thrive in your career while embracing parenthood. As a mom, I’ve felt empowered to succeed both professionally and personally, thanks to the company’s understanding culture and genuine respect for work-life balance.

At IGEL, we believe that supporting families is essential to building a thriving workplace. That’s why our U.S. parental leave approach includes paid time off for full-time employees and flexible options to ease the transition back to work. For birthing parents, this may include the opportunity to return on a part-time schedule while continuing to receive full pay. These benefits reflect our broader commitment to helping employees navigate one of life’s most transformative moments with confidence and support. Explore career opportunities with us.

The post Leading with Empathy: Yomira MacDonald on Motherhood and Marketing at IGEL appeared first on IGEL.

When explaining the situation at Florence Bank, David Limero, First Vice President, Director of Information Technology & Operations, said, “We were heavily reliant on aging desktop hardware and faced the looming challenge of finding cost-effective ways to replace this hardware while supporting the transition to virtualized desktop infrastructure. This, coupled with a significant operating system upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, to eventually Windows 11 in 2025, necessitated a move towards a more scalable and agile virtualized environment. COCC recommended its iWorkstation offering featuring IGEL, and we quickly began implementing the solution.”

Scoring big with security and IT operational efficiency

Since deploying COCC’s iWorkstation offering and IGEL OS within its virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment, Florence Bank has improved the security of its endpoints while streamlining IT operations. IGEL’s Preventative Security Model, for example, provides a secure, manageable, and scalable platform, enabling a stronger Zero Trust framework and simplified endpoint management.

“IGEL OS 12 also reduces the attack surface by only utilizing and installing required applications. This, coupled with the use of complementary technologies such as multi-factor authentication and the integration of the Opswat Agent with VMware Horizon on IGEL OS, has enabled us to maintain the operational integrity of our endpoints,” said Limero.

Making a “slam dunk” with the IGEL ecosystem

Florence Bank’s decision to adopt the COCC’s iWorkstation and IGEL has enabled the community bank to quickly modernize its IT infrastructure. The community bank has also reaped many long-term benefits that extend well beyond its front-end operations and into its back office. “In totality, the IGEL ecosystem has been a slam dunk for Florence Bank,” said Limero. “It represents a significant advancement for our organization that has improved IT efficiency, enhanced security, and helped us to control spending.”

Limero added, “The implementation of COCC’s iWorkstation has not only been advantageous for our retail branches, seamlessly scaling and streamlining operations while creating uniformity in how we manage them, but it has significantly simplified the process of rolling out upgrades, making these events far less stressful for the IT team.”

Read the case study to learn how the combination of the COCC iWorkstation and IGEL OS enabled Florence Bank to repurpose its aging hardware, secure its endpoints and simplify IT operations, while saving upwards of $100,000 to $150,000 in the process.

The post Customer Success: Florence Bank Wins with IGEL and COCC in Transition to VDI appeared first on IGEL.

The customer wanted to provide seamless access to popular communication and collaboration tools and applications, including Microsoft Teams, Cisco WebEx, and Zoom, on the desktop for all three use cases. They also wanted to customize desktop images with minimal restrictions for power users in different departments, such as supply chain, finance, and IT.

Seeing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) as a way to achieve both of these objectives, the customer had twice attempted to migrate to VDI with another technology services provider without success. Impressed by Coretek’s success with VDI implementations in healthcare and other industries, the defense contractor turned to the solution provider for assistance.

Coretek standardizes on IGEL OS for new VDI rollouts

Over the years, the Coretek VDI offering has undergone several iterations and has been refined to better support today’s power users. This includes the adoption of IGEL OS as the standard for new customer VDI rollouts.

Ray Jaksic, Chief Operating Officer for Coretek, said, “IGEL has played a crucial role in delivering a seamless digital workspace experience to our customers’ end users. IGEL offers users the flexibility to choose the best form factor for their needs, whether it’s a laptop, a traditional thin client, or their own preferred hardware.”

One of the things that the Coretek team says it appreciates most about IGEL OS is its high level of configurability, as well as IGEL’s commitment to staying current with trends in the EUC space by aligning IGEL OS with a broad ecosystem of leading vendors, including those providing unified communications and collaboration (UCC) applications and tools.

Another key selling point is IGEL’s Preventative Security Model which supports Zero Trust security approaches and its partnerships with leading Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) vendors to complement and re-enforce those solutions.

Brian Barnes, Chief Technology Officer for Coretek, said, “IGEL is an integral part of our on-premises VDI offering that uses Nutanix in combination with Citrix VDI to move Windows off the edge and into the cloud and deliver secure end user access to virtual applications and desktops.”

Read the case study to learn more about how Coretek’s customer benefits from IGEL and its:

• Seamless migration to VDI-based Windows 11
• Support for laptops, thin clients, and BYO hardware
• Native support of leading communication and collaboration platforms
• Support for high-performance graphics accelerated applications
• Simplified endpoint management
• Improved efficiency
• Greater flexibility and scale

The post Customer Success: Coretek Teams with IGEL to Transform VDI Deployment for a Defense Contractor appeared first on IGEL.