Celonis Academy Learner Spotlight: Tracy Beach has a passion for process efficiency, when he isn't thinking about airplanes or marching bands

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Process mining and execution management were completely new disciplines for Tracy Beach when he began his learning journey with Celonis Academy. But after finishing the first course, he was hooked and realized he had an outlet for his love of process efficiency.

"I've always had a fascination with processes," Beach said. "If I'd taken a different path in college, I would've done something along process design, process engineering or something like that, because I always try to find the most efficient way to do something."

Beach has plenty of experience working with companies to improve their processes in key areas. For more than 20 years, he's worked in HR, talent acquisition and workforce management. Beach started his career in headhunting and technical recruiting, but quickly moved into human resources management and eventually became a consultant specializing in HR services and systems.Beach is currently an Associate Director at Accenture and works within the Technology group focusing on human capital management systems. Accenture is a Titanium Celonis Partner and was named the 2021 Global Alliance Partner of the Year.

I had a chance to talk with Beach and asked him about the work he's doing, how he became interested in process mining and execution management and his experience with Celonis Academy. I also learned about his interest in airplanes, marching bands and travel.

Tracy Beach, Associate Director at Accenture and Celonis Academy Learner

Tracy Beach, Associate Director at Accenture, Celonis Academy Learner

Tell me about your professional journey, how did you get where you are?

Tracy Beach: Right out of school, I was a technical recruiter/headhunter and starved for a year. Then I landed a job at one of my clients as their HR manager and recruiter and grew one of their regional consulting practices. From there, I made the leap into consulting and ended up being their first consultant for one of the most widespread human resource management systems.

How did you get interested in process mining and execution management?

Tracy Beach: I was first introduced to process mining and execution management because Accenture is a strategic partner with Celonis, and I wanted to better understand what they were and how Celonis' technology worked. It was eye-opening stuff, and I really got hooked on it. I've always had a fascination with processes. If I'd taken a different path in college, I would have done something along process design, process engineering or something like that, because I always try to find the most efficient way to do something. Going through the Academy, learning about these topics and the technology really pushed buttons for me.

What do you like most about Celonis Academy?

Tracy Beach: There's all kinds of web-delivered training. Some of it is videos. Some of it is almost cartoon like. I've come to realize that when you're just listening to audio and you've got three screens in front of you, you tend to go do something else and tune out, and the material doesn't stick. Celonis Academy courses do have audio, but they require you to focus and read as well. I think that's a more effective way to get through the material. I also liked the visual style and color-scheme of the website and the learning material. It's engaging and educational.

Which course(s) would you recommend to other Celonis learners?

Tracy Beach: I was completely clueless about process mining, execution management and Celonis EMS, so I would recommend everyone take one of the high-level, overview courses like the Celonis Kickstarter or Introduction to Process Mining. These give you a basic awareness of the topics and technology. Then you can go a level down and specialize along the training track that best fits your role and interests.

Tracy Beach has earned the 'Celonis Foundations,' 'Go-To-Market Fundamentals' and 'Identify and Drive Opportunities' Celonis Academy certifications.

What are some of your hobbies?

Tracy Beach: My wife, my two daughters and I enjoy exploring new places. I used to travel for work, but that hasn't happened much in the last three years. So now, we really like to travel, just to go, get out and get away. After that, it's losing myself in living vicariously through my daughters. My oldest is in college learning to be a pilot. So, I'm all into planes. We went three ways with two other families on a plane. We go out to the hanger, and I watch her fly. I sit there, wait until she shows up, watch her land and get really excited. My younger daughter is one of three drum majors conducting the marching band at her high school this year. So, we're all in on that. We hardly see her now because she spends all her time at the school for march season.