From Insurance to Data Expertise: Robert Tufnell's journey of curiosity and growth at W?rtsil? Water & Waste

Shifting a career between industries is no small feat, but for Robert Tufnell , it has been a journey of growth and transformation. From navigating the complexities of insurance in his previous roles to mastering data management at W?rtsil? Water and Waste, it has been quite a change of gears for Robert, who feels nothing except enriched by the experience.

?

Robert began his professional journey in insurance, working at Barclays and later at LV= . These roles honed his customer service and communication skills.

"Talking to customers taught me how to explain things clearly, even to those unfamiliar with the subject," he reflects. At LV, Robert also delved into project work, assisting with system implementations and training. The fast-paced environment prepared him to handle dynamic challenges, an experience that became pivotal when transitioning to a more data-driven role.

?

In 2022, Robert joined W?rtsil? Water and Waste. At first, his days revolved around managing non-conformities and coordinating projects. But curiosity has always been his driver, and soon he found himself gravitating toward master data management (MDM) when the chance to try something new presented itself. Now, as a trainee local data expert, Robert’s responsibilities are as varied as they are impactful.

“Every day is different,” he shares. “I might be creating customer details for an urgent order one moment, then designing a delivery tracker for a new warehouse the next.” He’s learned to juggle priorities, tackling the most urgent needs while keeping longer-term goals in view. Recently, much of his focus has been on adapting SAP systems to support a warehouse migration. It’s a task that requires creative problem-solving and a lot of collaboration.

?

Data management has opened Robert’s eyes to the unseen intricacies of business operations. “You might see a price, but behind it, there are countless transactions and data points,” he explains. His role also involves developing virtual robots to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up colleagues to focus on strategic initiatives.

He believes that this sort of automation is increasingly critical, particularly in a world where so-called AI-enabled technologies dominate the headlines. The sorts of virtual robots that Robert creates are intrinsic to solving key challenges internally, including sorting data, supporting with information entry, and more.

Reflecting on his career path, Robert is grateful for the variety of his experiences, “I’ve always embraced change. Every role has taught me life skills that are just as important as technical expertise,” he says. His advice to aspiring data professionals is clear: “Be willing to learn and adapt. If you find something you love, commit to it and continuously improve.”

?

Robert’s journey reminds us that career growth often comes from embracing change and staying curious. His story is a testament to how transferable skills and a passion for learning can lead to success in even the most unexpected fields, or the most unexpected industries.