In a new series of features, Northern Insight talks to Stephen O'Connell, Founder and Sales & Marketing Director at Advantex.
Did you always envisage a career in the world of technology?
Technology’s always been alluring but I hadn’t envisaged it as a career. In the Royal Marine Commandos, I had worked with some sophisticated technology and found it interesting, but it wasn’t until I completed a course after leaving the forces that my appetite was really whetted. This led to my brother Dave and me starting Advantex in 2002, which has now grown into a full-service technology and consulting firm.
What attracted you to your current role?
I guess you could say it found me. I have held many roles since we started the business but to be honest I have always been passionate about the customer side of what we do; providing carefully thought through, ethicallysound technological solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives and help businesses and enterprises secure growth and prosperity.
How important has technology been during the Covid pandemic?
Undoubtedly, it’s been huge. However, where it’s really helped has been to ensure millions of people in all walks of life have been able to carry on with their lives as best as possible in challenging circumstances, using secure cloud based services and other technologies to work safe and secure from home.
What tips would you offer someone looking to work in the industry?
Go for it! I can’t think of another industry that offers as much diversification as ours. The sky’s the limit so look at your skills and think about where your passion lies to ensure you start out on the right path. Keep an open mind also about where you see yourself in a few years’ time and be prepared to be flexible and adaptable. After all, technology constantly evolves and there’ll undoubtedly be roles in 10 years’ time that haven’t even been thought of yet.
Tell us the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
This is a ground-breaking project that involves us researching ‘smart’ network technologies and machine learning to help improve personnel operations at a UK defence contractor. Our work will see us provide a solution to a specific problem and will change the way the company manages onsite health & safety, delivering significant improvements in protecting people and assets.
What’s your fondest career memory?
I remember taking a call from the US military in the early days of Advantex which led to work to provide new wireless infrastructure at 40 American airbases across the UK and Europe. This really put us on the map; it was a turning point. We doubled our headcount overnight to deliver the contract successfully, and it opened the door to a successful partnership with Cisco, which continues to go from strength-to-strength.
Do you have any remaining career ambitions?
I guess it would be to make sure Advantex continues to be a great place to work; providing an environment in which talent thrives, creativity flourishes and ambition is rewarded. It all adds up to ensuring we continue to provide great customer care and services well into the future.
What piece of technology would you be lost without?
Cloud-based services, which are accessed via mobile phones and laptops, are up there as must haves. They have allowed me to strike a much better work/life balance and manage things more productively.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
Motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek is a big influence. His views on human relationships and goal setting really resonate. Adam Foster is also an inspiration. His own story is one of triumph in the face of adversity, while his work with people who have chronic pain and fatigue rebuilds lives – I know from personal experience. He’s a hero in the true sense of the word.
How do you like to relax?
Family time is important. I also run and enjoy walking, taking in the beautiful landscape that surrounds us here in the North East. It gives me time to think about life and what’s important.
