Our people are what makes Transparity special. So, we’d like to introduce you to some of our team so you can get to know the people who make it all happen. Introducing Marc Hadley-Smith, Head of Practice: Business Applications.
1. What are your career highlights so far on your journey to Head of Practice: Business Applications?
Most of my highlights involves meeting a massive business challenge head-on. And none so big a challenge faced as that experienced by a global commodities producer and trading business. At the time, the market in was suffering a 15-month downturn in demand and our client was looking to redesign their entire digital footprint, building out their sales automation and supply chain as well as finance and manufacturing processes. There were a few nay-sayers that didn’t think it could be done, but needless to say, we landed the multi-million dollar contract.
Another example was with a prospect that had previously been struggling with digital transformation. I was pitching Microsoft Dynamics to a particularly tough crowd and was pleasantly surprised to be offered a job by the CEO there and then.
2. What does a typical day look like for you and what are you working on at the moment?
Having a lockdown puppy has put paid to my leisurely start to the day – I am now up for the early dog walk on days that don’t clash with my newfound love for CrossFit, followed by the requisite protein shakes, a strong coffee and ready for the workday.
Currently I am getting around all the Transparity folk to introduce myself and understand what makes them tick. The business has grown massively over the last few years and I want to make sure that the secret sauce flows into Business Applications as successfully as it has everywhere else.
3. What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I love the sea. I started off-shore sailing at university a million years ago and really enjoyed the excitement of the high-energy racing as well as the peace and tranquillity of sailing in the middle of the night with just the sound of the waves and the phosphorescent glow in the wake. Admittedly I don’t get out on a boat as much as I used to, but I’ve made a promise to myself to get back behind the wheel more this year.
4. What is your favourite part of your day?
I can’t say I was ever a morning person and frankly the monotonous London commute very rarely set one up the right way for the day. Fortunately, our Winning from Anywhere™ setup now means I can enjoy the satisfaction most mornings of sitting down at my desk with a cup of coffee at home, knowing that I’ve already done 80% of my steps goal and appreciated the calm Kent countryside.
5. If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
My guilty love of spy thrillers – be it reading Clancy, Ludlum, Baldacci or more recently watching Slow Horses on the telly – I would love to be the head of GCHQ. Definitely an ever-evolving and challenging job, managing intelligence and dealing with global threats including the increase of disinformation on the world-stage.
6. If you didn’t work in IT, what would you be doing?
I studied Biomedical Sciences at university. If the lecturer didn’t do such a bad job at our IT familiarisation training that made me realise I had a flair for tech, I’d likely be working in a lab, cooking up the latest miracle drug. Or a boatswain on a luxury yacht!
7. What is your motto or personal mantra?
Focus on what matters and what you can control.
It’s too easy to get pulled in to doing everything all at once, not doing any of it well and worrying about things you cannot change. I was introduced to the 4 quadrants of time management early on in my career by a great manager and it has always stuck.
8. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I have a deep wanderlust and find travel both soothing and exciting. Right now though, after planning my next ski trip I’ll be window shopping through boating magazines and finding the next Netflix season to binge-watch.
9. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation! I could have chosen something corny like being able to read people’s minds (frankly, I find that idea utterly terrifying!), but to me, now that we are working more and more remote any commute in traffic is such a bore and waste of time. Plus, I could get to South Africa for some R&R much quicker than a jumbo.
10. What is the best part of working at Transparity?
Working with such highly motivated people, who are customer centric is the greatest joy – I have only just dipped my toes in, but already can tell I am at home here. I’ve been really impressed with the people and the respect Transparity has in the industry. I am looking forward to making my own mark in the business and taking the company to the next level in growth.
