International Women's Day Feature: Marie Wright

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day 2018 by showcasing some of the top female talent within TSG. Each day this week we’ll be publishing interviews with women from across the business that have very varied roles. We’re beginning the week with a feature on one of TSG’s Business Development Managers, Marie Wright.

Having worked with some of the nation’s biggest names such as British Steel, Falck Safety Services and Sintons Law, Marie understands how technology can have a significant impact on organisational performance.

Helping Directors and IT Managers to adopt technologies that will transform their business at an operational level, in order to add to their bottom line is Marie’s speciality.

With a strong focus on TSG’s infrastructure and technical offering, Marie’s understanding of technology and aligning this with business needs is what makes her so successful in business.

We interviewed Marie to find out more about her background, influences and why she chose to work with TSG.

What was your first job?

I was a YT (Youth Trainee) for a finance company doing business administration. I started the day after I left school as a Customer Service Representative which was extremely daunting. I had to answer phone calls and speak to customers who came into the branch having no idea what they were going to say or how I was going to help!

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?

To have a photographic memory.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?

Definitely my parents. When things got tough (especially when I started my new job and YTs at that point got a hard time) I often felt like I couldn’t face going back. My Dad simply didn’t allow me to give up and made me face my fears and challenges but my Mam was supportive and always just wanted to make sure I was ok. A bit like good cop, bad cop… but really it was good cop, good cop – it just didn’t feel that way at 16 years old.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

I’ve always believed in having a positive outlook but a previous manager once said to me the Henry Ford quote which is something along the lines of “if you believe you can, or you believe you can’t… you’re probably right.” Having self-belief will always give you an advantage in life.

Why TSG?

A number of years ago I’d met with TSG’s Mark Joynson whilst in a recruitment role (2013). I met with him to discuss a vacancy he was recruiting for and I instantly had a good feeling about TSG. Mark was passionate about the business and finding the right person and I really liked this too. So fast forward 3 years and I was offered the opportunity to join the team in New Business.

TSG is a technology solutions provider. Solutions – to me – being a key word. We don’t push products or look for quick wins, it’s about building lasting relationships and becoming a trusted technology partner. We work to understand people/businesses, their pain points and challenges. Our specialists are passionate about what they do and as a result we create some truly amazing solutions to improve the way businesses and their people work.

How can we improve the representation of women in tech?

I think TSG do a great job already of valuing the skills and ability of women in technology. I don’t know what the % of women we have here is but they are successful in all roles from Customer Care to Specialist Consultants and even part of the Senior Management Team. I think that speaks for itself.

What advice would you give to a young woman looking to make it in the technology sector or succeed in business in general?

There will be many people who don’t want you to succeed and lots of reasons not to do something, but if you truly want something then surround yourself with positivity and people who can help you to achieve that. Believe in yourself and go for it. It’s not always easy but it really can be worth it.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Tenacious.

What is your differentiator in the business world?

I have a genuine desire to help people and by helping those people you help their business. I believe if you have a genuine interest in people that shines through and can create trust, good first impressions and better opportunities for lasting relationships.

You’ve been successful in business, what has motivated you to get to this point?

I’ve always been competitive (my earliest memory perhaps is wanting to overtake my older brother in our reading books at school) and this has never left me. I want to be the best that I can be in whatever it is I do. I have 2 daughters to look after and for me, it’s important to be an example of what’s possible. They often see me working late or having to leave home early but they understand that you get out of things what you put in.