LEE MILLS Dynamics Practice Director, Unifi
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
No, not at all. I trained as a Geologist at university and so had a life planned to look for diamonds in exotic places. I was actually offered a position to do that when I was young and adventurous but I never took the offer. The reality of that lifestyle (and meeting my now wife), changed my mind. This was in the midst of the millennium bug crisis and so I took a job in technology and change management as I liked the idea of project based work. The ever changing needs of different projects and clients is a strong pull for me.
What attracted you to your current role?
Having worked in mainly ERP projects in the past, I was always involved in the change and consultancy side of organisation wide technology roll outs. Synergi, being a born in the cloud organisation, were situated directly in the area that interested me as they were early adopters of true cloud solutions and had a strong reputation for quality and customer focus. At that point, the majority of ERP solutions were “on premise” provisioned, as were most IT consultancy businesses. Synergi were different in this aspect and also very welcoming in terms of adopting the Microsoft Dynamics product set that delivers ERP/CRM via cloud based applications. Timing is everything I suppose and the technology arrived at the right time for me to complete the circle for Synergi and allow us to provide a “whole business” cloud solution to their customers. This forward looking aspect coupled with the existing product sets on offer made this a very easy fit for me. It was also clear to me that we share the same ethics of delivering the right solution for the client as a primary driver. We also see the value of working hard on the long term relationships between Synergi and clients that leads to a rewarding working relationship.
How important has Technology been during the Coronavirus pandemic?
During those early days of the lockdown we worked hard supporting businesses whom were rapidly adopting the new way of working. It was a challenging spell but we were happy to help out. Typical timescales were crushed but we got many organisations running again very quickly. We even had a large ERP go live and had to deliver all user training, testing and go live support remotely. This was a first for me but we got there and managed to do it safely with the use of technology. The use of collaboration tools has allowed people to work safely and has undoubtedly had a huge impact on productivity and well-being. I think the use of these applications has delivered, for many, a better work/life balance and a new way of doing things. Without these end to end platform and collaboration tools, many businesses would have not survived and the impact of that would have been felt by many.
On a more personal note, I have school age children and without technology, they would have lost months of education and for that I am glad we have these applications at our disposal.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
I would encourage people to understand what your technology is for i.e. what is the purpose or what it is you are trying to achieve? Technology and the tools available are vast and configurable and so the key is having a good grasp of businesses and users. Technology will evolve continuously but the core drivers of service, adherence to process and productivity gains are much the same as they were when I started. So if you can understand why you are doing something first, the toolset you choose to use for that is of secondary importance in my opinion. As an effective consultant in technology, you will be able to adopt tools easily if you have this background and so you should actively seek this. By design, the Synergi Graduate scheme is designed to deliver exactly this. We expose our graduates to the entire spectrum of products and skills we offer at Synergi and enable people to build the broad foundation you need for this industry. Also, enjoy what you do and approach challenges as just that – yes we will have obstacles put in the way and set backs but that’s just part of the process. Don’t hide from them, seek them out and remove them.
Tell us the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
We have recently announced the launch of our newly branded Microsoft Dynamics practice – Unifi. The Unifi brand was born to give clarity and focus for this full ERP and CRM product suite. The undoubted potential and business impact that Dynamics can bring to the market is truly exciting and we wanted to give Unifi the chance to grow as a specialist Dynamics practice with that clear message and skill set. It gives both Synergi and Unifi clearer growth paths and route to market that are clear to our customers and team members.
What’s your fondest memory of a career in the industry?
I’ve worked for a number of employers in my career and have had good times at all of them without exception. I’d have to say my two favourite memories are very similar in that they both involve building a new practice from zero into a full sales, delivery and support team. Although very recent and so not yet a memory, building the Synergi team into the newly launched Unifi team has been a pleasure and I believe will become my fondest memory in time. We’ve taken the approach of retraining people skilled in competitor products and introducing them to Microsoft which is really refreshing as you get to see this from a new perspective and we also have a strong graduate intake. Watching the team mesh and work together to deliver our projects in the professional and positive manner that they do never fails to impress me.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
Unifi, the Dynamics practice at Synergi is growing strongly and I seek to see that continue. We aim to be the leading Microsoft Dynamics delivery partner in the North of England with a growing customer base and team. That growth should happen with the right people as the spirit and culture we have is to be protected. If in ten years’ time I can look at a large and happy customer base with a contented team that delivers benefit to both Unifi and the clients – then I’ll be happy myself.
What piece of technology would you be lost without?
I guess my running watch with all of it’s unnecessary KPIs and data would be a loss. It’s a bit of an overkill but I can use it convince myself I’m doing some good – even if my body says otherwise.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
As a child of the 80s, one of my heroes would be Gorbachev. This is for two reasons really, firstly the most obvious one is that he broke the mould of history by giving up power and influence in a relatively peaceful and dignified manner. He saw that the greater need was most important and delivered based upon this worthy driver. Secondly, he also set up the “Green Cross” which is an equivalent for the better known Red Cross but they cater for environmental issues. Issues such as climate change and sustainability are it’s key drivers and something I also agree needs to be at the forefront of our daily lives.
When not working, how do you like to relax?
Family life tends to blur what “relax” means as we are in the most part quite active but privately I like to trail run or cycle and also have an allotment which is a great excuse to eat biscuits.