Welcome to ExtraMile by YourTechDiet, an interview series where we connect with leading minds shaping the future of technology. Today, we are honored to have a conversation with Leon Thomas, the Chief Strategy Officer at Opti9 Technologies. With over 24 years of experience guiding businesses through complex IT transformations, Leon brings a wealth of knowledge on making the cloud work for you.
In this interview, Leon tells us how companies can truly benefit from cloud modernization without getting lost in the complexity. Apart from that, he explains what it means to have a partner that focuses on ‘predictable reliability’.
Leon shares practical insights from the field, including a standout client story that shows the real-world impact of a smart cloud strategy. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by cloud choices, this conversation is for you.
Hello Leon, thanks for joining us!
1. How does your ‘Right Workload, Right Cloud, Right Time’ approach help businesses make cloud decisions?
Leon. We have experienced firsthand the risks of one-size-fits-all cloud strategies. Our approach is about aligning business goals with the ideal cloud model—whether it’s public, private, or hybrid—based on workload criticality, compliance needs, and performance demands. It’s not about moving fast; it’s about moving smart. That’s how we help clients reduce complexity and maximize value.
2. How do your AWS and Veeam partnerships enhance client outcomes?
Leon. As an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner and a Veeam Platinum VCSP, we’re deeply integrated into the best ecosystems for cloud and data protection. These relationships give our clients early access to innovation, specialized architecture guidance, and enterprise-level support. Our certified engineers ensure that solutions are not only best-in-class but also customized for each client’s unique needs.
3. How does Opti9’s managed security approach instill confidence?
Leon. Security is foundational. Our managed security services combine real-time threat detection, automated response, and compliance mapping. We design cloud environments with zero-trust principles and continuously monitor for risk—so clients can focus on innovation, not incident response. Predictable reliability extends to how we protect what matters most.
4. How do you cultivate continuous learning within your team?
Leon. “Never Stop Learning” isn’t just a value—it’s a mindset. We invest heavily in certifications, labs, and cross-functional collaboration. Strategic thinking is encouraged through mentorship, hands-on experience, and exposure to client challenges. It’s how we stay ahead in a market where yesterday’s best practice is today’s baseline.
5. Can you share a client success story?
Leon. A national financial services provider needed both cloud modernization and disaster recovery to avoid significant increases in on-premises licensing fees . We helped them re-architect their environment on AWS, migrate workloads, implement automated disaster recovery, and optimize spend. The result: improved compliance posture, faster application performance, and recovery times reduced from hours to minutes.
6. How is Opti9 preparing clients for the next wave of cloud innovation?
Leon. We’re focused on automation, AI-driven operations, and resilience by design. As technologies evolve, we help clients modernize incrementally—balancing agility with governance. Our strategic advisory services ensure innovation doesn’t come at the cost of control. Security, cost transparency, and workload intelligence are always top of mind.
7. What are the biggest opportunities in cloud services—and how is Opti9 positioned?
Leon. Opportunities lie in automation, compliance-driven cloud adoption, and industry-specific solutions. As regulations and complexity grow, organizations need partners that understand both the technology and the business context. Opti9 is positioning itself as that partner—bridging strategy and execution in a way that delivers lasting outcomes.
Check Out Our Other Informative Interviews:
