How did you get your first role in the tech industry?
Like most great things, it just happened. I was working in another role and two executives thought I should take on the role, so after some convincing and a little reluctancy I did. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
What does a day in your role as a Business Development Manager look like?
Always finding the “new”- lots of hunting, scoping out opportunities, taking care of our existing clients and collaborating with our brilliant team to deliver the best solutions to our audience. I am 80% on the road and 20% In the office so I need to be well organised with meetings, appointments, plenty of water and my snacks!
What’s been your greatest achievement or challenge?
Working in a male dominated industry for 14 years was a challenge and one of my greatest achievements, I quickly adapted and learnt many life lessons during this time.
What do you think are the most important transferable skills that you have developed?
Resilience, teamwork, industry expertise, listening and communication skills and problem solving.
What attributes do you think make a successful leader in tech?
Resilience, agility and integrity make you successful in any role and in life.
What do you see as being the biggest challenges facing tech professionals or the industry overall?
Security threats and lack of human resources.
Having worked at several leading organizations, which position or organization has had the most positive impact on your career and why?
Oh, that’s an easy one. My role as Business Development Manager at Beyond Payments! I work with the most wholesome people, we always act with integrity, ethics and kindness and we offer a simple solution to help businesses genuinely save money, you can’t get much better than that!
What do you enjoy most about being a Business Development Manager or working in the tech industry?
I love the pace of the tech industry, it’s always evolving and its fun! As a Business Development Manager, for me it is helping people and making a difference to their business in some way or even just for a moment in their day, that has all the rewards.
Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your life (either business or your personal), and why?
Thich Nhat Hanh and Eckart Tolle for the teachings of the present moment and mindfulness.
If you could give one piece of advice about developing a career in tech, what would it be?
Try not to get overwhelmed, there is a lot to know but you don’t need to know it all. Learn at your own pace, be positive and patient whilst embracing the changes.