It’s a role I have taken up with great pride and one I hope I can help mentor, influence and encourage the other architects within the practice. Thirdly, I am extending my own network within Sopra Steria, recently reaching out to research and academia to offer architecture guidance on future systems and research into areas such as vertical farming.
Why did you join Sopra Steria?
Simply put, Sopra Steria came knocking on my door at a time I was ready for a change. It was rather a twist of fate, as the timing was perfect for me having just completed a strategic programme of change moving on-premise solutions to the cloud for an entire organisation.
How did you start your career?
I have always had an interest in computing and electronics. I started my career by going to college, learning my trade, gaining real industry knowledge and developing my skills by working for a diverse range of organisations. My career started in software engineering, eventually moving from vertical applications into horizontal applications such as financials, human resources, manufacturing, CRM, working on global projects as a technical lead. I eventually found my way into architecture and I have been successfully using those core skills having spent 6 and half years at Hewlett-Packard working in the key area of Transition and Transformation. Along the way I studied with the Open University, I recently past my Masters in Enterprise Architecture Management and have written and published a book ‘It’s All Geek to Me’ which catalogues my working life in IT over the past 35 years, both covering the good and bad of what I have experienced.
Have you had any development opportunities since being at Sopra Steria?
I always consider every day to be a school day. I am still fairly new into Sopra Steria and over the coming year I hope to continue my personal development and, who knows, eventually I hope that leads to me doing further research and studying for a Phd.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The variety.
What do you think makes Sopra Steria different from other companies in the industry?
From what I have experienced so far, I believe Sopra Steria has a big heart and the people are very friendly. There also seems great opportunities to flourish and I look forward to seeing where my own journey takes me and seeing how the organisation changes over time.
Sopra Steria is recognised as a Great Place to Work®, what do you personally think makes it so great?
As previously mentioned, it’s the people. Your working life is generally long and it’s important that you are not just a number and work in an environment which is transactional. Sopra Steria is definitely not that. For sure, the company expects you to deliver, but the rewards, satisfaction of achievement and group collective a ‘feeling of belonging’ is as good as any company I have worked for. And having worked in this industry for over 35 years I can safely say that. Well done Sopra Steria!