Kraft Foods: CI/CD Workshop Transformation

Executive Summary

Delivered transformational CI/CD workshop that converted Kraft’s apprehension about cloud architecture into solid understanding, agreement on next steps, and comfort with Google Cloud Platform, resulting in commitment to move forward with strategic cloud adoption.

Challenge

Kraft Foods faced significant obstacles in their cloud transformation journey:

• Architecture Uncertainty: Several weeks of discussions without clear commitment to app architecture approach
• Technology Apprehension: Hesitation about committing to cloud platform without clear understanding of implementation path
• Future State Clarity: Need for concrete vision of target architecture and transformation roadmap
• Platform Confidence: Required demonstration of Google Cloud Platform capabilities for enterprise workloads

Approach & Solution

As workshop leader and technical advisor, I developed a comprehensive solution:

• Immersive Workshop Design: Created hands-on CI/CD workshop specifically tailored to Kraft’s application portfolio and requirements
• Architecture Demonstration: Provided concrete examples of future state architecture using Google Cloud native tools
• Implementation Roadmap: Developed clear next steps and transformation pathway for cloud adoption
• Executive Education: Built technical confidence through practical demonstration of platform capabilities

Results & Impact

Quantifiable Outcomes

• Decision Acceleration: Transformed weeks of uncertain discussions into clear commitment within single workshop session
• Architecture Clarity: Established solid understanding of future state cloud architecture
• Stakeholder Alignment: Achieved agreement on next steps and implementation approach across team
• Platform Confidence: Built comfort level with Google Cloud Platform for enterprise applications

Business Value

The solution delivered significant business impact through:

• Strategic Momentum: Eliminated decision paralysis and accelerated cloud transformation timeline
• Implementation Foundation: Created clear technical foundation for successful cloud migration
• Competitive Advantage: Positioned Kraft ahead of competitors through modern cloud architecture
• Partnership Development: Established Google Cloud as trusted strategic technology partner

Key Learnings

Workshop Excellence

1. Transformation Power: Well-designed workshops can eliminate weeks of indecision within a single session
2. Practical Demonstration: Hands-on examples more effective than theoretical discussions for building confidence
3. Tailored Content: Workshop content must be specifically adapted to customer’s application portfolio

Enterprise Cloud Adoption

1. Decision Paralysis: Enterprise customers often struggle with architecture decisions without concrete examples
2. Platform Comfort: Building comfort level with cloud platforms essential for successful adoption
3. Implementation Clarity: Clear next steps and roadmaps accelerate cloud transformation timelines

Customer Transformation

1. Apprehension to Confidence: Technical expertise can transform customer apprehension into platform confidence
2. Future State Vision: Concrete examples of target architecture eliminate uncertainty and enable commitment
3. Strategic Partnership: Successful workshops establish foundation for long-term strategic relationships

“Chris showed up to the Kraft App/Dev (CICD) workshop and absolutely nailed it! We have been working with Kraft for a few weeks and they were trepidatious about committing to an app architecture. From the instant Chris started the workshop until the time Kraft left, there was a transformation that solidified Kraft’s understanding of the future state, agreement on next steps, and comfort level with the platform.” — Rachel Levy, Google Account Team