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As AI changes what businesses need from their technology partners, Exadel is changing how it takes its expertise to market. For Riley Roberts, that means connecting people and strategy, helping teams understand the direction, and turning it into meaningful client conversations.
In this interview, Riley shares what excites her about Exadel’s future, why peer conversations matter, and how raising two young children has changed her definition of career success.
How would you introduce yourself to someone who has never met you?
Riley: First, I would say I’m a mom. I have two little boys, so that’s probably my first identity.
Professionally, I’ve been in the technology business for almost fifteen years. I spent nearly ten years at my previous workplace before joining Exadel almost five years ago. I’ve held a variety of roles across both organizations, and I really enjoy this industry and the people I meet through it.
What excites you most about the work you do today?
Riley: There’s a lot happening at Exadel right now. AI has been so disruptive, and we have to change to meet what the market needs.
I work closely with Chris Donato, our Chief Revenue Officer, and his leadership team to help our go-to-market organization make that shift: understand where we’re taking the company, how we engage with customers differently, and how we talk about Exadel.
It’s very much a connector role. I get to connect the people, the strategy we’ve been developing, and how we actually take that out to market. That’s a lot of fun.
Was there a recent moment when you thought, “This is why I love what I do”?
Riley: We recently brought a group from our sales and go-to-market organization together in Philadelphia for a training program called Trailblazers. A third-party sales coaching organization helped us put more rigor around what we do.
We’re doing two things simultaneously: changing how Exadel goes to market and leveling up our team to meet that need. Being together and taking that in made me feel that we’re poised to do something really cool here.
What would you want a potential client to understand about Exadel?
Riley: Exadel is a company of builders. We’ve been builders for over 25 years, creating great engineering solutions for our clients.
We also have the capacity to develop the entire strategy, end to end. My hope is that we’ll see broader, more transformational projects, with our teams leading strategies, designing and architecting solutions, and building them.
Let’s talk about a fairly new initiative led by you - Exadel’s Executive AI Roundtable Sessions. What makes those valuable for business leaders?
Riley: They bring a small, intimate group of senior executives together for a conversation about AI. What makes them valuable is the opportunity to hear from peers as well as from us.
Leaders can ask: What are you doing with AI? What has worked? What hasn’t? Where have you failed, and what challenges weren’t you expecting?
They’re talking to people who understand the challenges they’re going through and can share their own experiences. We hope participants leave with useful connections and remember Exadel as a company with expertise in this space. We’ve had great clients and prospects attend, and those conversations are continuing afterward.
Has raising two young children changed how you approach work?
Riley: Having kids makes you more efficient. You probably make decisions faster because you never know when somebody else is going to need you.
Before I had children, my career was the most important thing in the world to me. It’s still very important, but there are other things that matter too. Parenthood has forced more balance into my life and made me think carefully about what really has to get done.
I have to prioritize and be productive because there are other things I need to spend my time on. And to all the working parents out there: you’re doing the most.
What’s one piece of career advice you disagree with?
Riley: The idea that if you find work you love, it won’t feel like work. I’m sure that’s true for some people. But a fulfilling career doesn’t have to be your greatest passion in the world.
You can find value in doing something that matters, with people you care about and who care about you. Other parts of your life can fulfill you in other ways. Expecting your career to provide all of that can leave you burned out and frustrated.
Looking ahead, what would you like employees and potential clients to remember?
Riley: Exadel is changing with the world while continuing to honor our heritage of great engineering and service.
To potential clients, I’d say: don’t sleep on us. Exadel can be an incredible partner for companies looking for that kind of transformation. We have some of the best people and teams to help make it happen.
And to our people: be proud of what you do. It’s meaningful, it’s impactful, and it’s only going to get better.
