Rick Astray-Caneda, MPA, PhD

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Senior Program Manager, Worldwide Flex Research & Insights at Amazon

Austin, Texas, United States

Overview

Rick Astray-Caneda is a consulting leader and research manager at Amazon, specializing in resilience and equity in health and human services. With a background including Deloitte and Accenture and a Ph. D. in Public Affairs, he leverages data-driven, co-creative approaches to solve complex community and organizational challenges. People describe him as having a strong commitment and outstanding understanding.

Outside of work, Rick is deeply engaged in his community. He has undertaken significant pro bono leadership roles, including spearheading a local project to measure HIV stigma and working with Austins HIV/AIDS fundraising organizations. His commitment to public service is further demonstrated by his recent campaign for Travis County Commissioner.

He is running for Travis County Commissioner in Precinct 2 to build a more equitable community.

Personality Overview

Consummate Professional

Output-Driven

Decisive But Calm

They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.

Topics They Care About

Community Health Equity
His career focuses on equity in health and human services, highlighted by his volunteer leadership of the Persons Living with HIV Stigma Index project in Austin.
Gig Worker Experience
As a Senior Program Manager at Amazon, he leads global research centered on the experience and needs of gig worker drivers.
Public Service
Demonstrated through his extensive pro bono consulting, nonprofit leadership roles, and his 2024 campaign for Travis County Commissioner.

Media Appearances

Rick has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2024
Senior Program Manager, Worldwide Flex Research & Insights at Amazon
7-2023
Local Coordinator, Persons Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 (pro bono) at Austin Fast Track Cities (pro bono)
3-2022 - 9-2024
Principal at Resilient Capacity Advisors
8-2022 - 3-2024
Senior Manager at Weaver
7-2021 - 9-2022
Project Leader (Pro Bono) at Hill Country Ride for AIDS

Education

2006 - 2013
Ph.D. from Florida International University
2003 - 2005
MPA from Florida International University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 4 Location : Austin, Texas, United States Job Level : Middle Designation : Senior Program Manager, Worldwide Flex Research & Insights at Amazon
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Insights For Selling To Rick

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer
  • Stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, don't try to wing it
  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.

DONT's

  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite
  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Rick is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Rick

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Rick move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Rick take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Rick

Personality Compatibility


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