1. Describe your job as if you were explaining it to a five-year-old.
I think probably the easiest way to describe what I do is I work closely with customers to provide solutions to their needs, such as improving their productivity, reducing their waste, and reducing their costs.
2. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on putting the key pillars in place for the new digital transformation executive role in the new Ignition portfolio. That entails setting up our CRM system, working closely with the technology provider, Inductive Automation, and really just setting up the foundations for that role.
3. How did you get into the industry?
My first experience in this industry was with SL controls, so it was completely new for me coming from the FMCG sector. The culture in SL Controls, along with support from my colleagues, meant I was able to get up to speed quickly even though it definitely was daunting at the start.
You know, you’re still dealing with people at the end of the day, despite it being a different industry. So, I would have carried across decent account management and business development skills.
I think there’s a saying people buy from people, so you still have to build relationships with your customers. So, there were a lot of transferable skills, but it was just getting up to speed on the technical side of things, getting your technical knowledge up to a certain level, and getting to know a bit more about the life sciences industry.
4. What is your proudest moment (work life or personal life)?
Marrying my wife and having children I think is probably the proudest.
5. What’s the best advice you could give to someone thinking of coming into this industry?
I think sometimes when you’re reading the job spec for a role and it’s in a different industry, you might nearly put yourself down thinking you wouldn’t be able to do it. Or because you might not have the experience you won’t be successful. But I do think from being in this role and having the right support structures from SL Controls or any other company for that matter, you shouldn’t let the job specification put you off.
And don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and take a bit of a risk.
You also have to have the attitude to learn and take in new information, especially if you are going into a different industry. This is my third different industry in a sales professional role, so it’s all about learning.
6. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about?
For me, it’s probably the three Fs – family, friends, and football. In terms of a hobby, it’s football pretty much out on its own. Spending time with family and friends would be the other big one.
7. What’s the best thing about working for life sciences customers (pharma, MedTech, etc)?
Although we don’t obviously have the visibility of seeing a physical product, you still know you are working with customers who produce something meaningful for everyone. Their products help people, so it’s rewarding and satisfying to know that you’re contributing to that.
8. What is the best thing about being on the SL Controls team?
There’s a lot of things. Honestly, I’ve never worked in a company where we all get on. I think the culture that’s been created is fantastic and I think everyone is approachable. I’ve certainly had to lean on a lot of people when I was settling into the role. I’ve never felt that I was putting anyone out, which I am grateful for.
So, it’s the fantastic culture at SL Controls – I think that’s the best thing over many other things.
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