Getting to know Ross Allen

Ross, Xalient’s Solutions Architect works primarily in the Sales arm of the business. He focuses on designing and scoping technical solutions to match our customers’ requirements. We caught up with Ross to find out more about him and his role here at Xalient…

What is a typical working day at Xalient like for you?

Firstly, tea. Then check the diary to plan the day. This could involve preparing for a customer meeting by researching a customer’s business, reviewing a brief, or building out presentation decks. Other tasks would include developing customer proposals, including high-level solution design, commercial costings, and/or vendor or third-party partnerships.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the challenge of needing to understand both the technological and business requirements of our customers and then articulating and translating that to both internal and external audiences, who can themselves be either technical or commercial. I’m involved at almost every step of the process from initial engagement, right through to delivery.

What’s the best thing about working for Xalient?

The people. Everyone I have come across or worked with has had a positive, can-do attitude, with a will to succeed at every turn. And with that comes a real, genuine sense of gratitude and willingness to praise colleagues and peers. It all adds up to a great place to work!

What skills do you find most useful to do your job?

It’s the technical knowledge that customers respond best to. Often, our role as a technology partner involves changes that affect every part of a customer’s business, so they need to have that belief that you know what you’re doing!

If you could have a drink with anyone (fictional, alive, dead, famous, non-famous), who would it be and why?

Neil Armstrong. Pilots, and particularly Astronauts, embody both intellectual and physical skills. Armstrong, for all of his fame and achievements, was also notably humble. For me, that is quite a collection of attributes and someone I would have loved to share some time with.

What inspires you?

The beauty of the natural world and the science that underpins it.