Zoe: Hi Ross, can you share with our blog readers what made you choose a career in IT?
Ross: I was working as an account manager in the Telecoms industry for Telewest. Around the late 90’s there was an explosion in the requirement for IP network connectivity. I viewed IT networking as a massive growth area and joined a reseller; Stiell Networks, a Cisco Gold partner as a New Business Sales Rep and that was how I started out in tech.
Zoe: What has been your career highlight to date?
Ross: Every year I reach a new career highlight. This has ranged from becoming a manager, then a director and now Senior Director with Veritas. From managing and growing the UK Channel, Cloud business, Public Sector and Commercial teams. I’m now leading the Commercial Mid-Market business in EMEA, which is another career highlight for me.
Zoe: What do you enjoy most about your role at Veritas?
Ross: Working with so many talented and interesting people. There is not a week goes by that I don’t learn something new from these people and that’s what I enjoy most.
Zoe: What would you say your management style is?
Ross: I want my people to be the best they can. I enjoy working and leading people who want to develop, grow and who are continually curious. I set high standards and ask my teams to realise their full potential in everything they do.
Zoe: What would you suggest makes a good leader?
Ross: I’m not afraid to admit to my mistakes and change decisions for the best. I listen to feedback to understand others' views while operating with humility and integrity. I always link peoples’ roles to the aim, purpose and strategy of the business so people feel that they are making a difference and contributing to the success of the company. So, I’d say listening is a fundamental trait for a good leader.
Ross: For leadership linked to performance it would have to be Vince Lombardi and Sir Alex Fergusson. Two men who understood what it took to make individuals into a high-performance team. As for influencers, it would still be my Dad and Mum.
Zoe: What motivates you?
Ross: Watching my people grow, develop and become successful in their roles motivates me and to continually make people better than they were when they joined my team.
Zoe: Thanks for sharing what motivates you. So, how do you motivate your team?
Ross: I link their role to the mission, strategy and vision of the company. I understand how they view themselves, listen to what they want to achieve and by when. Then build out a development plan to hit those milestones in their role. Set stretch goals and reward them in accordance with their achievements. If they don’t believe in themselves nobody will ever believe in them.
Zoe: How do you define success?
Ross: Happiness! I am happy when my team is happy, and I make sure that their happiness is linked to plan plus performances across the team.
Zoe: Why should people choose to work at Veritas?
Ross: We are in the most relevant time-period ever for the management of information and data. Veritas is the global leader in data protection. And Veritas provides employees with the opportunity to engage with any customer in any sector of any size, providing the freedom to express why Veritas is the most relevant vendor globally to manage and protect a company’s most valuable asset; data. We are a dynamic company in growth mode, this provides a platform for people who want to grow and accelerate their careers in tandem with our goals. This is what drives me to make Veritas the #BestPlacetoWorkinDublin.
Zoe: Finally, describe Veritas in one word?
Ross: Influential!
So, that concludes my interview with Ross Walker, it was great catching him. Key takeaways for me from this conversation are; good leaders are great listeners and helping others to succeed is a great motivator, whether that’s through coaching and mentoring individuals or even sharing your knowledge and expertise assists in creating successful teams. If you enjoyed this #LifeAtVeritas blog post, then do stay tuned as there will be more interview style posts from other people at Veritas published shortly.
If Ross’ experience has inspired you and you’re interested in joining our sales team, then check out our latest job vacancies and apply today. There are plenty of opportunities at Veritas! Why not join our growing team? Finally, watch out for more #LifeAtVeritas blogs and podcasts coming soon!
