For me, success isn’t just about what I achieve individually, it’s about what we can achieve together as a team and the value we ultimately deliver to our customers.
Could you share some insights into your background and how you came to join GCX?
When I graduated, finding my first job in telecommunications was extremely challenging. I was determined to get into the industry, so I took the initiative to volunteer for six months at a small start-up telecommunications company, without being paid, purely to gain practical experience and build my CV.
That experience gave me a much better understanding of the industry and helped me stand out when I started applying for permanent roles. I then came across GCX, and it felt like a great fit for what I wanted to do. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for telecommunications and develop my career as a network design engineer.
Looking back, that decision was the start of what has now become a 20+ year journey with GCX.
What motivates you in your role at GCX, and how do you maintain your inspiration?
The technology landscape is constantly evolving, from traditional network infrastructure to cloud, SD-WAN, SASE, automation and increasingly intelligent networks. I find it motivating to keep learning, understand these changes and find practical ways to apply new technologies to improve the way we operate.
However, what motivates me most is the opportunity to work on these complex telecommunications and networking challenges which has helped me tremendously to learn, evolve and see the direct impact that our solutions have on our customers’ businesses. Being able to take a complex problem, develop the right solution and then see the real world benefit for the customer is what I find particularly rewarding.
Is there a specific project or achievement at GCX that you are particularly proud of?
During my 20+ years at GCX, there have been many projects that I’m proud to have been part of. I’ve had the opportunity to take the lead on network design and architecture for a range of high-profile customers.
However, if I had to identify what I’m most proud of, it would be the opportunity I’ve had over the years to mentor and develop other support engineers and design architects. Watching people grow from needing guidance to becoming confident, self sufficient and highly competent engineers has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m also proud of the relationships we’ve built with our customers. There’s a real sense of achievement when a customer recognises and appreciates the depth of consultation, planning and technical expertise that we bring to a project. For me, that reflects not just an individual achievement, but what we can accomplish collectively as a team.
How do you approach challenges and overcome obstacles in your work?
In telecommunications, every challenge is different. My approach is to first understand the problem and its impact, rather than jumping straight to a solution. I break the challenge down into manageable areas, look at the options and risks, and involve the right people and expertise where necessary.
I also think communication is very important, particularly when dealing with complex technical issues or customer-impacting situations. I try to remain calm and methodical, keep everyone focused on the end goal and find a practical way forward. Once the challenge is resolved, I always look at what we can learn from it and whether there are ways to prevent the same issue from happening again.
What role do your colleagues and team members play in your success at GCX?
My colleagues and team members play a huge part in my success at GCX. Telecommunications is very much a team effort, and no one person has all the answers, so being able to share knowledge, ideas and experience with each other is really important.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some very talented people over the years, and I’ve learnt a lot from my colleagues, just as I hope I’ve been able to share some of my own experience with others. I think having a good team around you also gives you the confidence to challenge ideas, ask questions and look at problems from different perspectives.
For me, success isn’t just about what I achieve individually, it’s about what we can achieve together as a team and the value we ultimately deliver to our customers.
Are there any mentors or individuals who have had a significant impact on your career here?
Absolutely.
Over my 20+ years at GCX, I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors and colleagues who have had a significant impact on my career. There are honestly too many to name, as I’ve learnt something from almost everyone I’ve worked with. But a few people who particularly stand out for me are Ziad Dar, James Rose, James McGrath, Neil Vasant and Neil Latham. Each of them, in different ways, has challenged me, shared their knowledge and helped me develop both technically and professionally.
However, the person who has had the biggest influence on my career has been Balvinder Chahal. He has mentored and guided me throughout my entire network design journey at GCX. His experience, knowledge and willingness to challenge and support me have played a big part in shaping the way I approach network design and technical challenges today.
More recently, Jonathan Wright has also given me the opportunity to get involved in product development, which has allowed me to broaden my experience beyond traditional network design and look at things from a different perspective.
For me, that’s one of the great things about GCX. The people around you can have a huge influence on your career. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with people who have supported me, challenged me and given me opportunities to grow throughout my career.
How has your role evolved since joining GCX, and how have you grown as a professional?
When I first joined GCX, I started as a Level 1 engineer, progressing through Level 2 and eventually to a Level 3 Team Lead role. Over the years, my role has continued to evolve, and I’m now a Senior Technical Design Authority, with much more focus on network architecture, design and technical strategy.
Along the way, I’ve developed not only my technical skills, but also my leadership, communication and customer facing abilities. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor others and contribute to more complex and strategic projects.
Looking back, it’s been a journey of continuous learning and development, and I’m proud of how much I’ve grown both professionally and personally during my time at GCX.
What advice would you offer to new employees or those striving to excel in their careers at GCX?
I would say the most important thing is to stay curious and never stop learning. Technology is constantly changing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge the way things are done and get involved in areas outside your immediate role.
Build good relationships with the people around you, because there is a huge amount of knowledge and experience within GCX. Take opportunities when they come your way, even if they take you outside your comfort zone.
Finally, don’t focus too much on your next job title, focus on doing your current role well, adding value and building a reputation for being someone people can rely on.