Michael Cao, Vice President of Technology, Wilde Interactive
Michael Cao
Wilde Interactive, an Internet-savvy Holliston marketing company, recently named former independent consultant Michael Cao as its new vice president of technology.
Vital Stats:
Age: 32
Residence: Mendon
Family: Wife, Lynne
Education: Chemical Engineering - Northeastern University
Previous job: Independent Consultant
Start date at new job: August 2008
Q. How different is this job from your previous position?
A. I was an independent consultant for a number of years prior to joining Wilde Interactive. While there are certainly advantages to having full control over one's day-to-day schedule and priorities, having the infrastructure and the support of the Wilde Cos. behind me has been a welcome change.
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. Everyone here has helped to make my transition very easy. Even with 140 years of history and 450 employees, the Wilde family has done an amazing job of maintaining the family atmosphere. I also have the added benefit of having worked with Wilde Interactive's partners Tom A. Wilde (chairman), Neal Boornazian (president and CEO) and Jonathan Sriberg (vice president, strategy and account services) in various capacities in the past.
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. I have been very pleased with the level of enthusiasm by which the Wilde Company is embracing the adoption of digital marketing as a formal channel within the organization. Having been through the growing pains of companies that have merged online and offline in the past, the positive and collaborative approach has been a welcome environment to work in.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. One of our biggest challenges will be to seamlessly integrate the online and offline strategies to establish a cohesive offering for our clients across the Wilde Cos. All of the pieces are there, so managing them properly both internally and externally will be one of our key focus areas in the coming months.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. I went to Northeastern University to study chemical engineering right out of high school. I'd say this isn't even close to where I thought I would be. However, I enjoy what I do and am blessed to be surrounded by an amazingly talented and brilliant group of people.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. We find ourselves at Medway's 45 Restaurant at least once a week, which we often view as a satellite office given the number of Wilde employees that can be found enjoying a meal there and conducting business at the same time!
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
A. After being in the industry for well over a decade, one of my major goals is to be able to leave my own "fingerprint" on the market through innovative product development and world-class client service. Back in my Digitas days, I admired the accomplishments of Kathleen Biro who was a true digital pioneer. If I can bring that sort of thinking and leadership to this new opportunity, and in 10 years I can realize the success of that vision, then I will see this endeavor as a success. I want to be able to look back 10 years from now and be proud of our success and my role in achieving it.
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