Tell me a little about your career journey so far? Where has your career been and what prompted you to make career changes internally at Canon/Converga/HiT?
I started with Canon in 2005 as an Account Manager in VIC with CCI. From there, I progressed to Senior Account Manager and then onto State Field Manager for VIC/TAS. This tenure lasted 5 years and I left Canon to explore what was out there. This only lasted 10 months as I realised Canon was more than just a company, it was more like a family and I missed that feeling wanting to go to work. Thankfully, Jason (McLean, Director, Canon Consumer) welcomed me back into the business in 2011 as a National Account Manager. 

In 2014, my wife and I made the “scary” decision to move from Melbourne to Sydney with an 18-month-old child, pregnant wife with number two on the way and leaving our family behind to take on the role of National Business Manager and ultimately led me to my current role.  Making these decisions was tough at the time but we had the attitude to say “yes” to nearly everything and we have never looked back.

What has been your greatest work achievement?
Seeing people I’ve nominated for Shogun (Canon’s most prestigious award) winning the accolade. 

What has been your biggest challenge?
In the early days of my tenure, it was asking for help. I thought I could do everything on my own. Now I ask for help all the time and things get done a lot quicker when you involve the right people to assist you with challenges.

How have your previous roles set you up for success in your current role?
It’s given me the experience and confidence to take on the next role.

Finally, what advice would you give to others at Canon thinking about their career pathway or looking to grow internally at Canon?
Ensure the business is aware of your aspirations and grow your career at a steady pace. We need to work until we are 65 so there is no rush to climb the corporate ladder. Take your time, learn and enjoy it.

Tell me a little about your career journey so far? Where has your career been and what prompted you to make career changes internally at Canon/Converga/HiT?
I started with Canon in September 1986, I was 17 years old (I’m now 50). My first job was as a meter reader for the photocopier division. This was a great entry into the business and it gave me a chance to get to know Canon and its customers. After 12 months I took a position in sales admin support which helped me build my knowledge and skills. In 1991 I joined the Canon Finance Team and really enjoyed the new challenges. In 1994 I joined the sales team, where I stayed for 19 years working with Corporate and Government Accounts. In 2013 I moved into a customer service management role and am now a Team Leader in the group.

All the knowledge and skills I developed over time have helped me get from one job to the other. I have also had amazing management to help me along my Canon journey.

What has been your greatest work achievement? 
Every job I’ve done at Canon has had its rewards, sales was by far the most rewarding for me but also the most challenging.

What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenges I’ve experienced was during my time in Sales, whilst challenging in many ways, I learned a lot about Canon, Products, Customers, Relationships and Business in general.

How have your previous roles set you up for success in your current role?
Every role I’ve done at Canon has helped me be better in my next, for example sales support gave me great insight to the sales process for my CFA role, my CFA role taught me the benefits of finance and other valuable skills for sales and my long sales stint has taught me some very important skills around customer management for my current CSM and Team Leader roles.

Finally, what advice would you give to others at Canon thinking about their career pathway or looking to grow internally at Canon?
If there is a job you are interested in at Canon, learn as much as you can about that role and share your intent with your manager and/or the team leader/manager of the area you are interested in. If you have a skills gap, find a way to fill that gap so you are positioned well for change.

Be grateful, patient and conscientious in everything you do!