Meet the Team: Jamie Bradley, Sales Engineer For Field Service

This month we feature Jamie Bradley, newly appointed sales engineer for Field Service at ECI Software Solutions. We sat down with Jamie to learn more about his role within the team.

Tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to your current role?

In 2009, I graduated from The University of Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in Journalism.

After finishing my qualification, I started my career in marketing, working for one of Europe’s largest independent resellers of managed print services. After a couple of years in a marketing assistant role I moved over to the corporate contract management team, working my way up to eventually become a client liaison executive.

Having accumulated over ten years of experience in this sector, I’ve witnessed the managed print service industry grow and evolve, with an increased emphasis being placed on managed IT services and workflow automation.

When an opportunity arose to work as a sales engineer at ECI, an organisation who are committed to helping other businesses realise their potential through automation services and system integration, I jumped at the opportunity.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting out in their chosen career, regardless of industry or sector, would be to approach all jobs with an open mind and always be prepared to learn. I’ve been in the managed print industry for 12 years and I’m still learning.

Speaking about my industry specifically, managed print interacts with many other industries, including IT, cyber security, electronic document management, data discovery, office supplies, accounting, supply chain, the list goes on. In order to develop a holistic view, read around the subject and dedicate time to immerse yourself in the different sectors. Always ask lots of questions.

What excites you most about working within this industry?

As print continues to decline, accelerated by the introduction of a new hybrid workforce for most businesses, dealers are having to diversify their business model to stay relevant – and that in turn places more emphasis on digital transformation, workflow automation and on-demand access to systems and data.

Cloud-based solutions offer smaller businesses the platform to be able to compete with the big corporations. Rather than focussing their attention on tasks such as securing data, making their data accessible, and keeping their data centralised to reduce reporting inaccuracies, companies are able to plough resources into winning new business, retaining existing clients and looking at new ways to innovate in their market space.

What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

For me, it’s the pace at which the industry evolves, it never seems to stand still. In order to keep pace, you’ve got to be on your toes and be adaptable to shifts within the marketplace.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

Never underestimate the importance of communication, with both your clients and colleagues. People like to be kept informed and keeping regular contact builds reassurance and strong relationships.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

I start every day with a work-out before heading into the office, which I find really helps to energise me and sets me up for the day nicely.

My weekends are time to relax and unwind– whether that’s watching the footy with friends, seeing family or going away with my wife.

What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their ‘must-read list?

I’d highly recommend, Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions by Holger Rathgeber and John Kotter - a fable about how a group of penguins tackle the challenges associated with change.

Using the analogy of penguins, this book highlights how different personality types react to struggles, and the tactics they use to overcome obstacles and resistance.