#ClouderaLife Employee Spotlight: Meet Charles Aad, Cloudera’s Senior Industry Solutions Engineer
Between global customer visits, raising two young children, and attending classes in three countries, Charles Aad earned an Executive MBA from one of the world’s top programs — without pressing pause on his day job.
At Cloudera, trust and growth are core tenets of our ethos. That’s why we support our employees’ goals and do what we can to help them advance their careers, both within the company and beyond.
Whether it’s pursuing advanced education, participating in skill development training, or finding purpose through our community initiatives around the globe, we’re committed to meeting people at every stage of their growth. Through our culture of connection, Clouderans continue to foster an environment that values development at every step.
Charles Aad reflects that culture. A seasoned data professional based in France, Charles recently completed a top-tier Executive MBA while managing major customer accounts, traveling internationally for collaborative trainings, and raising a family. His journey is one of ambition, balance, and impact.
Let’s meet Charles Aad and explore how Cloudera supported his personal and professional growth.
Meet Charles Aad
Charles Aad’s decision to join Cloudera traces back to a memorable moment earlier in his career. While working with a customer on a data-solution project at a previous company, he saw firsthand how highly they spoke of Cloudera, praising the company’s agility, customer-centric mindset, and industry-focused use cases. So, when he found an opportunity to join them, the choice felt natural. “Cloudera was at the top of my list,” said Charles.
As a Senior Industry Solutions Engineer in France, Charles helps leading enterprises solve complex data challenges, from modernizing platforms to unlocking AI-powered services. Based in France and part of the EMEA team, he’s known for balancing technical expertise with business insight—and for always keeping the customer at the center.
Whether helping a bank improve credit scoring applications or enabling a company to launch new digital services, Charles focuses on delivering outcomes that matter.
That mindset is especially critical as AI continues to reshape the industry. Charles works closely with clients to translate emerging technologies into meaningful, personalized use cases.
“For me, it’s not just about delivering technology,” Charles said. “It’s about helping customers do something useful with it and making sure they can turn it into real value for their own customers.”
How Cloudera Helped Make an Executive MBA Possible
When Charles decided to pursue an Executive MBA at HEC Paris, a globally top-ranked business school, it wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was also a reflection of Cloudera’s commitment to growth, flexibility, and real support for its people. Over 18 months, Charles joined a cohort of 57 professionals representing 27 nationalities, with immersive modules in France, Germany, and the United States.
It was an intense commitment alongside his full-time role and family life, but Cloudera made it possible. Through its education assistance policies, Charles received financial backing and time away to attend classes. His managers helped make room in his schedule, and he took advantage of unplugged days—an internal benefit that allows employees to disconnect for personal growth.
“Without the support of Cloudera, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Charles shared. “Executive MBA programs are usually very tough to pursue, but with Cloudera’s help, I had fewer things to worry about.”
Charles describes his colleagues as people who genuinely care about each other’s successes and are willing to take real measures to make their dreams possible. His MBA journey felt like climbing a mountain with the right people alongside him. “People guided me the whole way, some doing the heavy lifting for me when I needed it.”
Growing Through Travel, Training, and Global Collaboration
At Cloudera, collaboration extends across borders. As part of the EMEA team, Charles worked with colleagues and customers worldwide, from New Zealand to North America, sharing ideas and learning from diverse experiences.
Last May, he attended a training course in Amsterdam, where Cloudera brought together team members from across regions. The training wasn’t just technical content, but was designed to connect people around real customer stories and shared use cases.
“It was truly eye-opening,” he said. “You weren’t just learning the material but learning how others think, work with their customers, and solve problems.”
The global perspective continues to shape how Charles approaches collaboration and customer impact today.
A Culture of Belonging, Mentorship, and Impact
For Charles, Cloudera’s people-first mindset stands above the rest. “From day one at Cloudera, you feel like part of a community. You’re a team player, and together, we strive for success.”
Charles credits Cloudera’s open-door policy across the organization, which creates space for people to ask questions, gain new perspectives, and collaborate openly. Cloudera embeds mentorship and leadership support at every level. “You can talk to anyone,” he explained. “People are humble, open, and willing to help.”
That same spirit of support extends beyond the workplace. One initiative close to Charles’ heart is Cloudera’s annual Week of Giving, a company-wide program that empowers employees to give back to their communities. Whether volunteering during work hours or donating to causes they care about, Cloudera reinforces its commitment by matching employee contributions. For Charles, it reflects a culture where giving and growing go hand in hand.
Outside the Office
A lifelong learner, Charles often spends his train rides reading leadership and coaching books. One of his recent favorites is Trillion Dollar Coach.
Outside of work, Charles cherishes time with his wife and two young children. “When you have kids, they are your number one hobby,” he said. He also enjoys exploring the scenic routes around Paris, especially running through the stretch from Saint Cloud to Versailles.
Closing Thoughts
Charles’ journey offers an inspiring example of the supportive and people-first culture at Cloudera. He’s proof that if you’re willing to take initiative and work with your team, Cloudera is the place to find meaningful growth and connections that support your long-term career.
Hear from another Clouderan and explore career opportunities at Cloudera.