How has your career been at PA?
I joined PA in the late 80s as a junior consultant, with a passion for doing interesting things and making a real difference for clients. At PA I have worked in a number of different sectors including Finance, Utilities, Transport and Health, helping clients become successful by introducing new technologies to transform their businesses.
During my career there have been many changes both in the business world and in PA; I have been fortunate to be part of many interesting challenges as industry and commerce have evolved to embrace the possibilities introduced by mass access to computers and mobile media.
What projects have you particularly enjoyed?
Two assignments stand out as particularly exciting and representative of the change I have been part of.
At the height of the ‘dot.com’ boom a major insurance retailer decided to launch a radically new financial services business in the UK. The business was put together and launched within the year - to become the most successful Internet business in the UK - and one of the few to last the course of time. The challenges were significant - delivering at speed to gain early adopter advantage, finding skilled resources in rapidly evolving technology, coping with a flood of customers that exceeded all expectation, and eventually working with the new business as they matured into the stable company that is currently approaching three million customers.
I also enjoyed leading PA's work in the UK public sector’s healthcare provider, including one of the world’s largest and most exciting IT projects. It will revolutionise the way information is transferred and used across the organisation, bringing significant benefits to patients and to the clinicians who treat them, by ensuring that both parties have the right information, at the right time.
How has being a consultant changed over the years?
Over the years the role of a consultant has changed significantly - in particular responding to the increasing demand from clients to deliver ever greater tangible results and value. It's also important not only to do rewarding work but also to maintain a good work-life balance!
My career in PA has been full of challenge and opportunity for self-development – if you want a career that is full of change and scope to grow, then PA is the firm to join.
