Arrogant. Underdog. Not afraid of a little risk. No! No! Wait a minute! That’s Han Solo, not the duo at the helm of Arrowhead. Or is it?! In honor of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Kris and Shane answered a few questions around their epic venture in the style of Star Wars and everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler.
Question 1: Do you see any of Han Solo’s characteristics in either of you personally?
Kris: Well, I think we are more aligned with the later versions of Han vs. how he started out. Early in Han’s career, he was motivated by the promise of a good payday, moving from one job to the next always to the highest bidder. This was seen in Episode IV when Han said “Look, I ain’t in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you Princess. I expect to be well paid. I’m in it for the money.”
This is true of many consulting firms who seek out or only prioritize the immediate needs of their largest clients before moving on to the next score. This doesn’t allow them to establish lasting relationships, something we pride ourselves on at Arrowhead. We’re more like the Han that keeps coming back to aid the Rebels against the Empire to do whatever is needed to fight for a better (consulting) galaxy.
Shane: Along those lines, I don’t think we have the same (size) chip on our shoulders as Han, but we definitely are out to prove ourselves and show that there’s a better way to manage clients and their needs.
Question 2: What’s your favorite Han Solo quote and how can you apply it to Arrowhead’s approach to consulting?
Kris: For me I think its something to the effect of “Religions and hokey weapons are no match for a good blaster”. That’s not to say that the Force and Lightsabers weren’t great but imagine them in Han’s hands. We don’t try to be all things for all people and therefore don’t chase the latest fad or tell people we can do something that we can’t. We know our areas of strength and focus on those core competencies to deliver the highest quality to our clients.
Shane: I like your application of that quote. I think mine would be “Let’s keep a little optimism here.” When clients bring us in it is to help with a problem, whether that’s across their people, processes or tools. We often hear “It is what it is” or “That’s the way it’s always been done” both of which are considerable obstacles to progress. We come in with an attitude that things are going to be okay and we’ll come out the other side (of hyperspace) for the better. Fortunately, we have the experience, expertise and the battle scars to be confident in that statement.
Kris: I thought for sure you were going to say, “You know, sometimes I amaze even myself” (laughs).
Final Question: In the new movie, we will see the origin of Han’s friendship with both Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. Which one of you is more like Chewbacca and which one is more like Lando?
Kris: C’mon, Shane’s obviously Chewbacca, have you seen how tall he is?
Shane: Hey, “It’s not wise to upset a Wookie.”
Kris: In all seriousness, taking out the double cross by Lando in “The Empire Strikes Back,” both serve as calming forces who provide a sounding board and act as a confidant to Han. I think we’ve done that for each other on numerous occasions.
Shane: Agreed. While Kris and I don’t have the history that Han has with Chewy or Lando, I think Han trusts both and they have shown that they will do anything to help Han. I think those things are evident in this Arrowhead partnership as well
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