Bradley Cooper is the Associate Vice President of Technology at SASR Workforce Solutions in Cary, North Carolina. He leads the company’s technological initiatives, having previously optimised their IT infrastructure as Director of Information Technology. His career has been diverse, including roles in the U.S. Army, the NC Dental Society Mission of Mercy, shipbuilding, and radio, all of which reflects his adaptability and appetite for innovation. His passion for giving back to communities has led Bradley to volunteer as a Search & Rescue Technician, as a member of operations for free pop-up dental clinics and as a mentor to military veterans.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Bradley shared his professional trajectory, insights on the future of technology landscape, his favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Bradley. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
My career path has been non-traditional as it has spanned retail, shipbuilding, military service, and healthcare recruiting. Early on, I was immersed in technology through the Blacksburg Electronic Village (connected community), and since then, I’ve developed expertise in business intelligence, database systems, medical systems integrations and implementations. Now, I lead SASR’s tech initiatives and vendor partnerships, driving our ability to create customized workforce solutions to the unique challenges our customers have nationwide. I am passionate about leveraging technology that empowers our candidates, employees, and customers to thrive.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
What I love most is seeing the direct impact SASR has on workforce solutions across the U.S. Over the past two years, we’ve employed over 3,000 people, completing over 24,000 individual assignments and totaling more than 1.2 million hours of work. Our teams help clients open new stores and complete remodels, directly improving their customer experiences. I also find great joy in building strong partnerships with our tech vendors, like Phenom for our talent experience, WurkNow for our job and employee management, UKG for our employee administration and Tizbi for our customized hotel lodging application. These partnerships help us streamline our operations and ultimately support our employees and clients alike.
How do you see our technology landscape evolving in the next 2 to 5 years?
In the next few years, AI will continue to reshape staffing technology, with providers rapidly adding new AI features. However, organizations need to tread carefully. Understanding how these AI models are built and how they make decisions is crucial, especially with the growing complexities around AI and employment law. Employers will still be held responsible for any AI-driven decisions that affect their staff. I believe the key to navigating this evolving landscape is to develop an AI buying strategy now – one that balances innovations with responsibility and compliance.
What leadership qualities and skills do you believe are essential for driving growth and transformation, and how do you embody those qualities in your own leadership style?
Curiosity is essential for any leader driving growth. It pushes you to listen, ask the right questions, and seek out new learning opportunities. In my role, I regularly meet with teams to understand how they’re using technology and explore ways to improve beyond just fixing bugs. Another vital skill is calmness-or what I call ‘stillness.’ Staying composed in challenging situations allows me to keep the team focused, reduce stress, and ensure we meet our goals. A calm leader helps teams feel confident and stay aligned with transformation objectives.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career and why?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career. In the military leaders coached me on career pathing and decision-making. My most influential mentor is Kent Shelton, a retired transportation executive and close friend. Kent has guided me post-military, helping me grow as a leader while emphasizing the importance of continuing learning and maintaining my physical and mental health.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Stephen Bartlett from Dragon’s Den and the Diary of a CEO podcast. His ability to actively listen and ask the exact follow-up questions I want to hear is incredible. I’d be fascinated to learn how he developed those skills and how I can bring more of that into my own work and life.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
Resilience has always been a strength of mine, but after a major heart attack earlier this year, I realized I needed help. Seeking guidance from a professional has become a key part of my self-care routine. As for motivating my team, I focus on understanding what drives each person and structing projects to match their strengths. I also make it a point to be present, especially during challenging times. That support can make all the difference.
What is your favorite quote?
A quote that’s really stuck with me this year is from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Netflix documentary: ‘Be Useful.’ It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to focus on making a positive impact every day.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision myself growing as a technology leader by pursuing continued education and building new mentorships. I’m committed to expanding SASR’s technology department and driving innovation that will fuel our future growth and success.
What message or advice would you give to aspiring professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
My biggest advice is to recognize that all companies are becoming technology companies. No matter the industry, businesses will need leaders who can implement and manage digital tools-often cloud-based- to run their operations. It’s essential to find mentors in the tech roles or industries you’re interested in. Learn first-hand what’s required to succeed before committing to a degree or certification that may not be relevant to your goals. Also, master the basic tools your company uses every day, like Zoom, Slack, or Google Workplace or Microsoft 365 products. Being proficient in these can make you stand out and improve your daily efficiency. Finally, working at small to medium sized companies is a great opportunity to gain cross-functional experience, which will serve you well no matter where your tech career takes you.