Tell us a little bit about what you do?
My role is to manage our alliances. The key objective is to ensure Dufrain are the go to Partner for any data related consultancy services that exist within their respective Client bases.
Developing these alliances involves working with key stakeholders within both organisations to outline our model, identifying opportunities to collaborate, as well as leading and managing the entire dales cycle for any client opportunities that we work with them on.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I get to meet lots of different people, both partner and client side, which keeps things fresh and exciting. No two days are ever the same!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Meetings, meetings and more meetings! That could be client meetings with a new opportunity, presentations and educational meetings to promote Dufrain within these Partner organisations, social events to foster better relationships with our Partners and clients, or commercial discussions and contract negotiations.
In between all of that, there are the internal meetings to make sure that resources are aligned to projects, and to make sure that I’ve kept our CRM in order…..everyone knows Sales people are renowned for their love of admin 😊.
Which of our company values resonate with you the most?
Succeed together! The development of strong relationships and driving advantage for clients. That’s what its all about, and I work to make sure that I contribute to both being achieved successfully.
What would you say has been your most significant achievement or the one you are most proud of whilst working at Dufrain?
The development of our key partnerships has been something I’m very proud of. The feedback from them has been incredibly uplifting and Dufrain winning Rising Star with Softcat has been amazing.
Who inspires you the most within Dufrain?
There’s so many, I couldn’t just name one person. I’ll list the ones off the top of my head, but in all honesty I could have listed even more:
Fraser Black – work with Fraser a lot on client opportunities we engage with and am just taken aback by his level of skill and expertise
Steve Armory – can make the most complicated topics seem straightforward, even to my simple mind.
Mike Haresnape – just an all round legend who has helped me loads with so many different things during my time at Dufrain
Tim Bowes – another person who is involved in lots of my client and Partner discussions and I’ve learned loads from him
David Beverley Gauld – just an absolute superstar, always available to help, gives amazing advice around everything from Sales process, qualification to cooking advice. I should pay him for the amount of time he affords me
Alex Meakin – AKA Big Dog (inside joke)
– my work big brother. Gives great advice, imparts wisdom, but also keeps me honest….and if he doesn’t have the answer, he knows who will
Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Birthday day off! No debate.
learn more about our amazing benefits on the Careers page.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Don’t be shy. Ask questions, you will get the help you need. There’s an amazing amount of knowledge and expertise within Dufrain, and everyone wants to help
What skill do you think everyone should learn?
Be humble….Learn to listen. You don’t know everything. Wisdom can come from any direction.
What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?
I love playing basketball. Played a lot when I was young, then completely stopped playing in my peak years. Now I’m old but have decided to pick it up again but my body is not thanking me. I am now officially playing for a team called Maidenhead Magic, in the dizzying heights of the men’s Open Division 5 Wessex League… the standard is not great but its fun nonetheless. I also love movies and watch a lot of Horror films, so if any wants recommendations then hit me up!