Hi Cathy, tell us about the company you work for and your role.
I work with Fujitsu, the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, provider of technology products, solutions and services. From enabling banking transactions to processing UK passports – Fujitsu has been providing ICT solutions across the public and private sector for over 50 years with its services touching the lives of 99% of the population every day.
I’m Fujitsu’s Service Director for Global Hybrid IT Services. Hybrid IT provides companies with an integrated IT environment, designed to help maximise cloud based and on-premise IT services – while still enabling innovation, improved productivity and business growth. I work closely with the headquarters of our business units across the world to ensure our strategy reflects the needs of businesses regionally.
How did you get into ICT?
I began working for Siemens in a communications capacity before securing my first management role overseeing the engineering team. I then went on to manage Stream Global Services, an international service centre. My passion has always been customer relations and given ICT plays a pivotal role in providing customers with improved services, the sector was a natural fit for me. I joined Fujitsu’s service delivery team before moving into a global delivery role.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As Service Director for Global Hybrid IT Services, I work with cutting edge technology that is shaping our future. I enjoy being part of a company that is constantly innovating and problem solving to create solutions, like Hybrid IT, for people and businesses. As part of my job, I work with customers and clients across the globe and so have the pleasure of meeting and embracing difference cultures of our customers and colleagues. Being able to develop Fujitsu’s global presence and reputation is also a very rewarding part of my role developing existing relationships gives me great job satisfaction.
What are the biggest changes you have noticed in the ICT sector since you started your career?
IT is now everywhere and has helped the world become a smaller and connected place. The upshot of this is that organisations are expected to behave globally at all times and deliver consistently, 24 hours a day. People too are expected to be contactable at all times. The speed at which services can be delivered has changed dramatically since I started. What used to take weeks or months can now be achieved in days or even hours with today’s technology and the cloud enabled digital world.
What ICT products do you think businesses should avail of more?
Businesses should look at how a cloud enabled environment could benefit them. Service providers can help businesses make the transition away from traditional IT, and offer advice and support on how to navigate this process of digitalisation.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
I would say bear in mind that opportunities often come disguised as hard work. Regardless of your experience or skills, you need to work hard to succeed and this includes getting the grades and qualification necessary to work in the industry. I would also say don’t be afraid to ask for help. By building friendships and strong networks, you can develop opportunities. Companies benefit from having diverse workforces – a diverse workforce deliveries innovative ideas – so be yourself, the best version of yourself that is willing to learn.
This article featured in Sync NI's Spring Magazine.
