Tell us a little bit about what you do?
I lead the business development function at Dufrain. The core of my role is really understanding both potential and existing clients – where their challenges sit today, what they are trying to achieve, and how they can use data more effectively to support better business decisions.
That might be helping organisations increase the visibility of their data, reduce infrastructure challenges, or make sure they are future-proofed against competitors who may be far ahead or, in some cases, far behind. A big part of what I do is helping clients understand not just what they know, but what they don’t yet see. When you bring their knowledge together with ours, that’s where those real “lightbulb moments” happen.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people, without a doubt. I really enjoy understanding people’s problems, whether that’s challenging the status quo internally or working closely with stakeholders inside and outside the business.
We’re a small team that works very closely together, and I love collaborating with our commercial leads and engineering teams to bridge the gap between where clients want to be and where they actually need to be. Being able to draw on the experience of people who have worked across so many projects over the last 16 years is incredibly powerful, and it helps us guide clients towards the best possible outcomes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There really isn’t a typical day in business development. It’s all about building and nurturing relationships – speaking to potential customers, reconnecting with previous contacts, and finding new ways to understand where challenges exist.
I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn, on the phone, and in my inbox, but ultimately the role is about helping people understand where they can do things better and supporting them at the right time, in the right way.
Which of our company values resonate with you the most?
Succeed Together and Thrive at Work. They really sum up how we operate as a team and how we support one another.
What would you say has been your most significant achievement or the one you are most proud of whilst working at Dufrain?
Supporting the growth of our insurance portfolio and expanding within a large existing account is something I’m particularly proud of. These things take time, and that’s something I’m very aware of, but being able to cultivate long-standing relationships, have open and honest conversations, and turn those into real opportunities is a big achievement for me.
Who inspires you the most within Dufrain and outside of Dufrain?
Within Dufrain, Joseph George our CEO is a big inspiration. He has a huge wealth of knowledge and always challenges you to think differently. Conversations with him often involve throwing ideas around and being pushed to really think about your role and where the business needs to be.
I’d also say Helen Murphy, Head of Marketing and Communications, inspires me through the trust she places in me. Being allowed to be myself, crack on, and get on with my work makes a big difference. I’m very independent by nature, so having that level of trust and autonomy, while still being part of a team, is something I really value.
Outside of Dufrain, I’ve been inspired by Janine Driver, who I’ve been coached by in the past. Her work around body language and psychology shaped how I approach communication, particularly earlier in my sales career.
Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Udemy is a great perk. I’ve set myself a goal this year to get back into photography, which is something I’ve always loved. There are some brilliant beginner photography courses available, and I’ve already given myself a deadline to get started.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Ask yourself why you want to work for Dufrain and what you would bring to the table. We’re a fast-paced business and you need to think outside the box, come up with your own answers, and be comfortable hitting the ground running.
It’s a very supportive team, but you need to bring experience, humility, and a real entrepreneurial mindset. Understanding our values and how we live them day-to-day is key.
What skill do you think everyone should learn?
Presentation skills. It doesn’t matter whether you’re customer-facing or behind the scenes – being able to clearly present ideas and tell a story, which is what we’ve been talking more about in our team recently, is so important. No one is perfect at everything, but strong storytelling can make a real difference.
What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?
I love reading, spending time with family and friends, photography, and travelling. Travel is probably the big one for me – experiencing new cultures, seeing how people live, and of course discovering new food along the way, I love food!
What is your favourite movie and why?
The Shawshank Redemption. It’s my favourite film of all time! I love the pursuit of truth that runs through it, and the tenacity and overcoming obstacles, which really resonates with what we do at Dufrain – helping clients uncover the truth in their data and make better decisions as a result.
Want to learn more about working with Dufrain?
If you’d like to get in touch with us, visit our career page or to learn more about the company visit here.