When I sat down to write a new About page, I reflected on the 34 years of my career, from the lessons learned to where I stand today. It's been an intriguing journey, one where I've been fortunate enough to work in various roles across different companies, each shaping me into the solutions consultant I am now. Every position I've held involved providing solutions, whether as a call center phone operator, IT support, technical support, network management, application design, software implementation, project management, or business analysis. At every stage, my work centered around addressing problems and streamlining processes.
AI image depicting home computing in the early 1980s
My journey began at the age of 12 with my first home computer, a Commodore Vic 20, soon followed by a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k +. Growing up in New Zealand, we were exposed to both UK and USA consumer markets, just as the early 80s marked the beginning of the nerd revolution. Which sparked an obsession with computing and technology.
While a detailed backstory might not be of broad interest, the experiences from my early years—whether taking phone orders in a call center before the term "call center" was coined, working in accounts payable, or in the graphics design department of a mail-order clothing company—remain relevant today. These roles taught me essential skills like communication, active listening, and understanding people's needs, which are crucial for business analysis. They also provided insights into how different company departments interact and the role of technology in connecting them, streamlining processes, and enhancing productivity. Companies entrusted me with implementing technology solutions, even when the desired outcomes were uncertain. Their trust allowed me to demonstrate the value of these changes.
Creativity has always been my passion. Although I didn't pursue an artistic career, I channeled my creativity into technological solutions, streamlining processes, and automation. My goal has always been to enhance efficiency and productivity, saving time and money.
Today, working with both existing and new customers, the core of my work is trust. When companies invest in solution consulting—be it for a specific process, new software implementation, or software changes—they start with a problem that needs solving. Building trust doesn't happen overnight. Companies need to be certain their investment will pay off, and that means trusting the person they hire for the job. I view it as an honor to be entrusted with these tasks. It's a privilege to apply my skills and experience to help companies achieve their goals.
Having a passion for providing solutions that yield a return on investment through time and cost savings is essential in this career. There's nothing more thrilling than starting a new project, knowing that you're about to deliver something beneficial for your customer. This excitement and commitment are vital, whether it's the first project or the thousandth. When you love what you do, maintaining this level of enthusiasm is effortless.
