Dan Billings, Lead Product Manager, TAA North America, recently celebrated his fifteenth anniversary with Wolters Kluwer. Originally from Chicago and now based in Kentucky, Dan’s experience working with some of the company’s leading and newest products and platforms has expanded his skills and provided lots of runway to grow his career. Read on to hear why he’s happily stayed at Wolters Kluwer and his take on our company culture.
Share some basics: where are you from, what's your role, how long have you been with Wolters Kluwer?
I grew up in the Chicago area and started working for Wolters Kluwer in 2008 after graduating from law school. I currently work as a Lead Product Manager for TAA North America, serving both the Research and Learning and CCH Canada units. I recently celebrated my fifteenth year at Wolters Kluwer.
Can you tell us about your career path so far?
My career began as an editor in the state tax arena for TAA NA Research & Learning. After developing new products and platforms, I moved into a product management role and focus my efforts on operational efficiency and customer experience. Each position allowed me to try new things and develop more skills. I’ve had fantastic managers and amazing training with some of the most creative people I have ever met.
Can you tell us more about your current role?
Currently, my focus remains on operational improvements internally and externally. I work closely with the various directors across the business units to keep projects moving, bring people together, and work to improve the reporting requirements. Additionally, I work with the sales and go-to-market teams to improve our customer interactions and extend the reach of our brands with current and prospective customers.
What has been your greatest (team) achievement?
When I joined Wolters Kluwer, the Research and Learning division was nearly split 50/50 between print and digital content. The greatest project I was a part of was the development, launch, and continued success of CCH AnswerConnect that introduced me to people across the world to rethink how tax professionals work and when they need to use research or content to best serve their clients. It is a revolutionary product in the market that will only expand the Wolters Kluwer brand as the innovator for content providers.
How would you describe the culture within Wolters Kluwer?
When people ask why I have stayed at Wolters Kluwer, I always say the people. I have met some of the most creative and engaged people working here and it makes it a joy to come into work every day. People are open-hearted and kind. For example, a few weeks before my wedding, my team were gathered for a workshop, and it ended with a celebration that caught me off-guard. It was a remarkable surprise and I think an example of the kind of people who chose to work at Wolters Kluwer for their career.
What does LGBTQ+ Pride mean to you? Feel free to include any culture/country-specific examples to bring your answer to life.
Pride is a time to allow the community to celebrate the joy of living an authentic life. People come together to enjoy each other’s company and remember that no one is alone. In Lexington, KY, the Pride Festival grew too big for its historic home and required being moved to the arena and convention center where the University of Kentucky basketball team plays. People come from hours away to join together to celebrate and grow.
Why is it important that we as Wolters Kluwer celebrate Pride month, and what are your thoughts/experiences in our new Pride Network so far?
When I began working at Wolters Kluwer, I shied away from talking about my personal life. Even in the most accepting culture, in many instances, the first reaction is fear and to hide who you are. By celebrating Pride month and by establishing the Pride Network, all employees know this is a place they can feel comfortable and pride in who they and their families are. I have greatly enjoyed my time as a member of the Pride Network meeting LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from all across the globe. I look forward to getting to know other members of the community and other allies through my time in the Network.
Why are these activities relevant to people who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community?
I believe constant dialogue is important and that by hearing about the stories and lives of others, you learn more about yourself and your world. By attending a roundtable discussion, Pride event, or a local Network event, you can meet some of your colleagues in a way that isn’t a status call or work meeting.
What does it mean to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?
When a minority group wants to affect change, allies help spread messages of love, compassion, and equality. The community can further their own causes with great internal support and action, but allies push it even farther. Allies share stories and spread messages like members of the community. But most importantly, allies provide additional friendship and support to members of the community.
Do you have any hobbies or passions you'd like to highlight (things that light you up outside of work)?
I came to Wolters Kluwer as a writer because I love the written word. I have read and collected comic books for over 25 years with a collection of approximately 15,000 filling up rooms of my home. When I’m not reading, I am working a short stories and a couple rough drafts of novels that I hope to publish one day.
Learn more about Careers at Wolters Kluwer
Explore how we’re celebrating Pride during June and throughout the year
Hear our Vice President of DEI discuss global perspectives on diversity