We're on day 4 of this week's International Men's Day blog series and today we're chatting with Ryan who is our ICT Controller. Ryan has been with SAM for a few years, starting off as a graduate and since returning to develop his skills and knowledge with new projects. When he isn’t working, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and Springer Spaniel Lexi.
1. Tell us about your role within SAM
My role of ICT controller really varies day by day and changes all the time. It can range from dealing with support requests to implementing new software or upgrading the current systems. I mainly focus on the projects side of ICT and work towards improving current systems and taking us forward as a group so that we are using the best technology available.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the variety. It’s not working with the same one piece of software day in day out but a wide variety of systems. I could be working with the ERP system and then down on the factory floor all in the space of one afternoon – the variety is great.
3. What career development opportunities have you had within the manufacturing industry?
Some may not know this but I worked at SAM as a graduate fresh out of University until August 2017. I left SAM for a software house in Belfast and I have now returned to take up a management role with SAM. I guess the manufacturing industry has given me the opportunity to develop my management and people skills, something I may not have been able to do in a software house.
4. Name two things that you are really good at
Organising. Whether that be IT projects, workload, a night out or a trip to Liverpool to see the mighty reds – it’s a wide range. Cooking too - I am definitely head chef in our house.
5. What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am probably speaking on behalf of myself and Lisa when I say this but organising and pulling off our wedding for family and friends in July was a pretty big achievement. I think I underestimated the amount of planning actually goes into it, so it did feel like a big achievement when it all came together, and the day went perfectly.
6. What do you do to relax?
I love coming home on a Friday evening and sitting down to dinner, a glass of wine and movie with Lisa – perfect end to the working week!
7. What do you do to stay healthy?
We recently got a Springer Spaniel pup (Lexi). The amount of energy she has means she constantly needs walked. I have also been spotted by the neighbours running the roads with her so it’s a great way to keep active and healthy.
8. What values do you live by?
Not really values but more of a motto; “Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience.”
9. Who is your greatest role model and why?
Bill Gates – he basically revolutionised the way each one of us work on a daily basis. Without knowing it, you will probably use at least one piece of Gates’ technology every day and no doubt without his input our day in work or school would be no where near as productive. He has also donated 45% of his wealth ($40 + billion) to charities to help global health and poverty; a true entrepreneur giving something back.
10. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I still consider myself to be quite young but I would say; keep your ambitions high and don’t let your determination drop in trying to achieve those targets.