I just found out that a good TDC friend Jay has passed away recently. He ran the security group at teradata and was a great manager and person. I had a ton of respect for him and when I got laid off he spoke the truth. My Manager in Denver lied through his teeth about what happened and I felt betrayed and stupid...that I had any consideration for the Presales managers in this company. My friend was honest, considerate and evently himself got laid off as well. We continued our relationship and would talk about TDC often. If you have 1 ounce of integrity, care for your team, your customer and purpose then read on. I have no doubt this kind of event in your life effects your stress and anxiety that over time effects both your physical and mental health. I can tell you first hand that it took me 18 months to get out of the anger/resentment/sadness cloud....and I was financially perfect. It was all about closure, ClOSURE....going out with my career the way I wanted too. I quit interviewing cause I didn't need more of TDC manager types in my life. I wasn't prepared for the emotions I felt. My friend found a job, seemed happy, worried about his TDC team members then died in his sleep. Don't hold TDC liable, I hold the very people in this TDC environment accountable for what they are doing - all of them. I was surprised at the time it took me to let go and find a new path....and now I am dealing with the sadness all over again. Life is short...take it serious. Don't let these people steal your time. Get moving, stay healthy and no .....this is not a drill!
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Jay was a field resource to implement the security capabilities of the product. Due to the product’s security limitations Jay, representing the field, tried to find a 3rd party alternative. Don’t confuse the field’s efforts to overcome product limitations as a failure of the field, it was the failure of HA’s, and prior product leadership, failure in product development.
So sorry to hear about Jay. Sadly I’ve seen many lives consumed by that toxic wasteland. If your job is affecting your health, get out! If you’re in a role where you can separate work from life, hang in there for an acquisition. Someone is bound to acquire it soon. If not this year, it’ll fade to oblivion
Jay was a good person—honest, thoughtful, and someone many of us respected. He led the Security Architecture GTM team with integrity and a clear sense of purpose. His impact on people was real, and I valued our conversations beyond our time at Teradata.
That said, Teradata is a software company, and its future depends on continuous technical innovation and the ability to adapt to shifts in the buyer landscape. Jay’s strengths were in relationship management and team support, not in shaping the technical direction required to align with the company’s long-term strategy. In his later years at the company, his focus shifted toward a third-party solution he strongly believed in—one that didn’t align with Teradata’s core platform or directly contribute to top-line growth. As the business moved toward a more product- and innovation-centric model, this created natural friction. He eventually left to join that company, which was a logical move given his interests and where he saw value.
Jay’s integrity and contributions mattered, and they were appreciated, but businesses evolve, and leadership has to make decisions with the future in mind. His passing is a reminder that the personal side of work relationships remains with us far longer than any project or role. Respect the past, protect your integrity, and stay focused on what’s ahead.
Jay was one of those gems. Unfortunately the gems in TDC get pushed aside by the bullies. The toxic culture of presales in the Americas has spread to other countries now.
that's nothing to be proud of Steve ... but couldn't disagree
Teradata was the easiest job I've ever had... every day was just unproductive meetings at home... plus we often had well-being days... and the salary was much higher than the industry average... I probably won't be able to find such a good job again.
I’m sorry you just found out and yes Jay was a class act. He was blessed and amazingly did not let the situation impact his mental state. Instead he got a great job as you said. Do not let this stuff eat at your heart. We can honor him best by being happy and knowing our worth. He would not want you to be angry. He would want you to make every day count and bring light to others just as he did all the time. He never skipped a beat. Be well friend
Very sorry to hear. Condolences and sympathy for the family.
That you found solace after eighteen months is a good place to be. Your job, or any other job is not really worth the grief. I hope you find your reason to get back to workforce.