FALON THOMAS

Up Close And Personal Interview With Ceo Of Onyx Ocean Technologies

As we sit down with FaLon, we aim to uncover the driving force behind her success and gain insights into her perspectives on leadership, technology, and the transformative power they hold. Join us as we delve into the personal side of FaLon’s journey, learning about her inspirations, challenges faced, and the transformative impact she envisions making in the world.

In this intimate interview, we will explore the pivotal moments that shaped FaLon’s career, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs. From her experiences as a software engineer to her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the field, FaLon’s story is one that will inspire and ignite the spark of possibility within all of us.

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of LEGACY magazine, where we delve into the lives of extraordinary individuals who are shaping the world around us. In this edition, we are privileged to present an up-close and personal interview with the remarkable FaLon Thomas, the founder and CEO of Onyx Ocean Technologies.

FaLon’s journey from studying business at NC A&T University to becoming a leading force in software, mobile app, and website development is a testament to her unwavering determination and boundless talent. With over 11 years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills in web and mobile application design, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Yet, FaLon’s impact extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. Her passion for cultivating the next generation of women leaders is evident in her volunteer work, where she imparts coding knowledge to middle and high school students. For the past five years, she has been a guiding light for aspiring individuals through her mentoring efforts with the North Carolina Community Development Initiative.

Prepare to be captivated by FaLon’s wisdom, passion, and determined spirit as we embark on this exclusive journey into her life and vision. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and moved by the incredible tale of a visionary leader who is leaving an indelible mark on the world of technology. Now, without further ado, let us dive into our up-close and personal interview with the extraordinary FaLon Thomas.

Q: Hi Falon, can you share some insights into your background and the journey that led you to become the CEO of Onyx Ocean Technologies?

A: Certainly! My journey in the tech industry spans over 11 years, starting with my initial foray into coding. I immersed myself in learning the intricacies of software development, which eventually paved the way for me to become a software engineer at a prominent company, Red Hat. Alongside my professional endeavors, I found great joy in teaching children how to code, witnessing the spark of curiosity ignite within them.

As time went on, I felt a deep calling to embark on my own entrepreneurial path. In 2017, I took a leap of faith and founded my own software development company, which came to be known as Onyx Ocean Technologies. It has been an incredible six-year journey of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements as I assumed the role of CEO. Through determination, hard work, and a steadfast belief in the power of technology, I’ve been fortunate enough to lead this company and make a tangible impact in the industry.

Q: Can you describe your leadership style and how you inspire and motivate your team to reach their full potential?

A: My leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and empowering. I believe in building strong relationships with my team members and empowering them to take ownership of their work. Leading by example, I embody values such as integrity, empathy, and creativity. To inspire and motivate my team, I encourage them to embrace risks, learn from failures, and pursue their passions. By fostering a culture that values personal growth and professional development, I aim to empower each team member to reach their full potential.

Q: How do innovation and risk-taking shape your leadership philosophy, and how do you foster these qualities within your team?

A: Innovation and risk-taking play fundamental roles in my leadership philosophy, particularly in the context of our software development company. To remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of our clients, we must continuously innovate and push boundaries. Within my team, I foster a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and continuous learning. We embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, celebrating it and using it to fuel improvement. Additionally, I encourage calculated risks and inspire my team to think outside the box, empowering them to create innovative solutions.

Q: Could you share your journey to success as a young African American woman in the technology field and shed light on the challenges you encountered along the way?

A: Absolutely! The first crucial step towards success in any field is acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive. For me, it began with an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. I embarked on my coding journey by attending a coding bootcamp, which equipped me with the foundational skills needed to excel in the technology industry.

Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education, I then pursued further studies at North Carolina A&T University, focusing on business and entrepreneurship. This educational background provided me with a solid foundation and a broader perspective on how to navigate the business landscape within the technology field.

However, like any journey, there were challenges along the way. One of the initial obstacles I faced was the need to establish connections and build networks within the industry. To overcome this, I actively en- gaged with my local chamber of commerce, participating in various small business programs they offered. This helped me forge valuable relationships, gain insights from experienced professionals, and expand my network within the business community.

Another significant challenge was marketing my business and acquiring clients. I dedicated myself to creating a strong online presence and showcasing the quality of my work. By offering services such as developing apps, websites, and logos for businesses and universities, I demonstrated the value I could provide to potential clients. This involved perseverance, consistent marketing efforts, and constantly refining my skills to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Throughout my journey, I have been motivated by a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and the support of mentors and peers who believed in me. The challenges I encountered as a young African American woman in the technology field have only fueled my determination to break barriers, inspire others, and contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming these challenges has been a combination of continuous learning, strategic networking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I firmly believe that by embracing diversity and empowering individuals from all backgrounds, we can unlock the full potential of the technology field and foster innovation that truly reflects the world we live in.

Q: Could you provide us with an insight into what a typical day entails for you as the CEO of Onyx Ocean Technologies?

A: As an entrepreneur and CEO, I have the flexibility to structure my own schedule according to the demands of my business. A typical day for me begins with waking up and engaging in a morning routine that helps me set a positive and focused mindset.

Once I am ready to dive into work, I head to my home office, where I tackle the tasks at hand. My primary focus is on servicing the needs of our existing clients, ensuring their projects progress smoothly and meeting their expectations. This involves coordinating with our team, reviewing project milestones, and providing any necessary guidance or support.

However, running a successful business is not just about maintaining existing relationships; it also requires consistent efforts to expand our client base. Therefore, a significant portion of my day is dedicated to outreach and business development. This involves reaching out to potential clients, engaging in strategic partnerships, and exploring opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Throughout the day, I also allocate time for meetings and discussions with team members, brainstorming sessions for new projects, and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and innovations. As a CEO, it is essential for me to stay connected with my team, foster a positive work culture, and ensure that we are constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.

While every day presents its unique challenges and opportunities, one thing remains constant: my unwavering commitment to driving the success of Onyx Ocean Technologies and creating a positive impact in the technology industry.

Q: Could you share your experience working with clients and how you approach building and maintaining strong client relationships?

A: Building and maintaining strong client relationships is a top priority for my company. We prioritize putting the client’s needs first, actively listening, and maintaining open lines of communication. Taking a collaborative approach, we seek to understand each client’s unique challenges and goals, tailoring our solutions accordingly. Our values of honesty, transparency, and accountability are integral to building trust with our clients, fostering long-lasting relationships based on mutual respect.

Q: How does your company approach product design and development, and what role does user feedback play in this process?

A: At our company, we adopt a human-centered approach to product design and development. Our focus lies in understanding the needs and challenges of our users, and we strive to create solutions that are intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible. User feedback plays a pivotal role in this process, as it provides valuable insights into how our products are experienced and used in real-world scenarios. We actively seek feedback from users through various channels and leverage it to iterate and improve our design and development process. By incorporating user feedback, we can ensure that our products meet the evolving needs of our users and deliver exceptional experiences.

Q: How has your company’s focus on app development, website design, and product design evolved, and what sets your services apart?

A: Our company maintains a steadfast commitment to delivering cutting-edge app development for both iOS and Android, as well as innovative website design and product design services. Over time, we have expanded our capabilities and expertise in these areas,