Cloud Solution Architect -
Solving Business Challenges with Cloud & AI
August 26, 2025
.jpg.webp)
At Upstage, we call our colleagues “Stars.” Today, more than 140 Stars are working together on a journey to build AI that changes the world.
Mini Starview is a special interview series where Stars from different roles share their work, experiences, and growth stories in their own words. If you're curious about how we work at Upstage, our culture, and the real growth journeys our Stars have experienced, we invite you to explore this Mini Starview.
We hope this content provides helpful insight for future Stars considering joining Upstage and serves as a meaningful guide as you shape your
career path.
In this Mini Starview, we introduce the Enterprise Product team, where professionals bridge the gap between business and technology, defining
problems and designing optimal solutions close to our clients. We spoke with Alex Wooseok Kwon , Cloud Solution Architect, who transforms
complex business requirements into actionable technical solutions.
Q. Hello! Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Alex: Hello, I’m Alex, serving as a Cloud Solution Architect in the Enterprise Product team. I joined Upstage this year, acting as a bridge between our business and technology. Before this, I built my career in cloud and DevOps at a U.S.-based energy company.
Q. What are the main responsibilities or projects you handle in your current role?
Alex: My role goes beyond delivering technology—I act as a bridge connecting clients’ business goals with technical requirements.
I work closely with our business, product, and engineering teams to identify gaps and provide practical solutions through PoCs.
I analyze technical needs across cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and Snowflake, and support performance optimization and
technical integration through solution consulting and partner collaboration.
Q. What has been the most challenging or rewarding moment in your work?
Alex: Challenges come with the territory since I navigate both business and technology, constantly facing new environments and
requirements. Working on PoCs for global clients often brings complex constraints across various domains. While initially daunting,
collaborating closely with business teams, product teams, and partners to define and solve problems is deeply rewarding.
Hearing a client or colleague say, “Now this solution works in practice,” is the most satisfying—it's not just about providing technology, but creating real business impact.
Q. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from collaborating with colleagues in the same role?
Alex: As Cloud Solution Architects, we interpret client needs technically and propose solutions, so I’ve learned a lot from how my peers define problems and approach solutions. Some colleagues start from a business perspective, others from a technical one.
Comparing these viewpoints has helped me broaden my own approach.
Q. How have you grown since joining Upstage?
Alex: Before joining, I considered myself a fairly independent thinker. At Upstage, I realized I still relied on routines and structures more than I thought. This taught me that in fast-changing environments, focusing on core values and problem-solving matters more than
following formal procedures. Now, I can stay flexible and effective, even amid shifting priorities.
Q. What do you hope to achieve at Upstage in the future?
Alex: I aim to become an engineer who deeply understands business, and a business professional who deeply understands
technology—right at the intersection. As a Cloud Solution Architect, I want to grow as a trusted partner on both sides, turning complex
challenges into solutions that drive real business impact.
Q. How does your team collaborate and work with other teams?
Alex: This role can’t be done alone—it requires cross-functional collaboration.
We align with the business team on client goals, with product and engineering teams to refine technical quality, and with partners to
deliver integrated solutions. Our team approaches this as a One-team culture: combining perspectives early on often produces
solutions no single person could achieve, boosting both speed and quality.
Q. Was there anything that impressed you when you first joined Upstage?
Alex: From day one, I had opportunities to collaborate with many talented colleagues. What stood out was their genuine dedication
and passion—they take ownership of the organization’s goals, not just their tasks. Experiencing this culture firsthand helped me
immerse quickly and understand how our One-team approach truly works.
Q. Do you have any practical advice for candidates interested in this role?
Alex: Beyond technical skills, it’s crucial to clearly explain your problem-solving process. You should articulate how you defined the
problem, your approach, and how you reached a solution. Even if you didn’t find the perfect answer, explaining your process and
lessons learned is valuable. This role demands technical expertise, logical thinking, and strong communication skills, so prepare your
experiences accordingly.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to say to candidates considering applying to Upstage?
Alex: Upstage offers opportunities to those who can define problems and design solutions independently. You’ll learn and grow
quickly, but initiative is key. If you have clear goals or career direction, this is a place where you can shape your path and achieve
meaningful impact.