Featured Consultant: Leland Quirk, Expert Project Manager and IT Security Specialist

With nearly two decades of experience in IT consulting and project management, Leland Quirk has a wide array of skills that make him invaluable to our clients. Currently, he plays a crucial role in managing IT security initiatives for Daikin Applied Americas, one of the largest global players in the HVAC industry. From single sign-on (SSO) proof of concept projects to compliance audits and identity management, Leland’s influence is felt across many vital areas of Daikin’s operations.

A Career Rooted in Adaptability and Expertise

Leland’s path to project management was anything but linear. After earning his stripes in IT development, his career took off at GMAC-RFC, where he spent five years developing technical service request systems to manage access permissions and streamline employee onboarding. His work there laid the groundwork for his unique understanding of infrastructure patterns and project management. Moving on to Retek, Leland honed his leadership skills as a software engineer and business analyst, guiding the company through its acquisition by Oracle and contributing to its growth.

Over the years, Leland’s journey brought him to leading organizations like Target, NetApp, and SharkNinja, where his work spanned everything from compliance audits to UX enhancements. Whether building retail applications, migrating companies to the cloud, or improving security infrastructures, his ability to navigate complex environments has been a hallmark of his career. This adaptability, coupled with his technical expertise, has positioned Leland as a leader in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

Driving Security and Identity Management at Daikin

At Daikin, Leland’s focus is on ensuring the integrity and security of the company’s digital assets. His work as a project manager encompasses a variety of key responsibilities, but none more critical than the implementation of identity management systems. One of his current initiatives involves rolling out a proof of concept for Okta, a single sign-on system. This project is more than just a test—it’s a step toward a fully integrated identity management solution that will enhance the user experience while providing a secure environment for the company’s global workforce.

With more than 13 sub-brands under Daikin’s umbrella, the challenge of unifying disparate systems and ensuring a consistent security posture across the organization is monumental. Leland’s experience with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has been a crucial asset in this endeavor. As Daikin acquires new companies, Leland plays a pivotal role in assessing their security practices and helping integrate them into Daikin’s broader infrastructure.

His involvement doesn’t stop at technical implementation. Leland also manages critical audits and compliance efforts, working closely with teams at Clifton Larson Allen to ensure that Daikin meets rigorous cybersecurity standards. By providing thorough assessments of security risks, he helps Daikin navigate the complexities of cybersecurity insurance—a growing concern for global enterprises in today’s climate.

Leadership and Team Building: A Personal Approach

One of the things that sets Leland Quirk apart is his passion for team leadership and mentorship. He’s not just a project manager focused on delivering results; he’s also dedicated to helping others grow in their careers. Leland finds satisfaction in coaching team members, guiding them through challenges, and helping them reach their full potential. “It’s not just about managing the project,” he explains. “It’s about helping others see opportunities and encouraging them to step up.”

This commitment to leadership extends to how he approaches client relationships. Leland believes in working as a true partner with his clients, helping them overcome obstacles and find solutions that will serve them long after the project has ended. At Daikin, his ability to bridge the gap between the business side and technical teams has been instrumental in driving forward important initiatives. Whether he’s working with C-suite executives or hands-on with IT teams, Leland brings a collaborative spirit to every project.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Leland is no stranger to the challenges that come with large-scale projects, particularly in the realm of IT security. One of the biggest hurdles he faces is navigating the organizational complexities of his clients. “Understanding who makes the decisions versus who actually gets the work done can be a challenge,” he notes. In large companies like Daikin, these roles aren’t always clearly defined, which requires a thoughtful approach to team dynamics and project execution.

Additionally, with mergers and acquisitions as part of his portfolio, Leland is often tasked with assessing security risks in newly acquired companies. This process involves everything from evaluating compliance with security standards to ensuring that companies are prepared for the demands of cybersecurity insurance. His ability to quickly analyze risks and provide actionable insights has proven invaluable for Daikin as they continue to expand their global footprint.

What’s Next for Leland Quirk and Daikin

Looking forward, Leland is excited about the continued evolution of identity management and cloud security. As Daikin prepares to implement Okta more widely, Leland is already thinking ahead to how this system can be integrated with Workday to streamline HR processes and enhance the user experience. This forward-thinking approach is what makes Leland such an asset—not only does he execute on the tasks at hand, but he also prepares his clients for future success.

Beyond his work at Daikin, Leland sees the growing importance of ERP integration as a major trend in the industry. Companies are moving away from homegrown solutions and investing in enterprise-grade tools that offer more flexibility and scalability. “It’s not an easy undertaking,” Leland admits, “but it’s necessary for long-term growth.”

The Human Side of IT Consulting

Outside of his technical expertise, Leland brings a warm and approachable personality to his work. Colleagues and clients alike appreciate his ability to break down complex problems into manageable solutions, all while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure. His leadership style is one that fosters collaboration, and his ability to quickly understand the unique needs of each client makes him an invaluable part of the Traust team.

At Traust, we’re proud to have consultants like Leland Quirk representing us in the field. His dedication, experience, and leadership not only help our clients achieve their goals but also set a standard for excellence in IT consulting.

If your company is looking for expert guidance in enterprise IT project management or needs support with IT security initiatives, Traust is here to help. Contact us today to learn how our experienced IT consultants, like Leland Quirk, can drive success for your organization. Let’s tackle your next project together.