Michael’s story with Sage so far... #LifeAtSage

What is your current role in Sage?

I lead Product Marketing for one of Sage’s biggest products (Sage 50) around the world – this covers everything from what our strategy should be grow our business through to how we talk about, package, price, sell and support the product.

Describe your time with Sage so far…

One word: Exhilarating! I’m very lucky to have worked in many different parts of the Sage business. My time in Customer Services to Customer Experience, Product, Commercial and Product Marketing helped me develop a strong connection to and understanding of our customers… as well as learning how to create the conditions for talented colleagues around me to learn and thrive. I’ve also added a huge amount of skills, knowledge and experience to my own toolbox! I never thought I’d stay at a company for longer than 3 years. 12 years later…. I’m still going strong.

Describe your typical day in Sage…

My job is really varied! Working across the world – and across both strategy/planning and launching products to market – means I spend most of my time connecting with customers and colleagues. About 50% of my time is spent travelling to meet these guys in person – it’s long days with a lot of airports and hotels… but there is nothing better than spending time with people in person, building strong bonds and throwing around ideas! The rest of my time is spent working at home where a typical day starts at 8am with a 1 hour walk of the dog… a great opportunity to clear my mind and plan for the day ahead. After breakfast, I start my day around 9.30am catching up with the latest Sales results from the around the world and any urgent issues. Before lunch, I’ll focus on our European businesses (as this is when they’re all awake). After lunch I turn to the US, Canada and Latin American. Finishing around 7.30pm… I often look back at my day feeling very humbled that I get to work with such inspiring colleagues from different cultures and background… all focused on a single goal: to give small businesses the freedom they need to succeed.

What do you love most about your job?

Making a difference. I love to take something from an idea all the way to a positive result for our customers – delivered by our amazing team. Simple stuff.

What advice would you give to someone looking for their dream job in marketing?

First up – decide where your real passion lies. Marketing is everything from Products to StoryTelling, Digital and Social. They’re very different roles that have different benefits. Once you’ve chosen, its all about 2 simple things: 1) learning about the discipline AND actually doing and 2) creativity – gaining the confidence to exercise your creative jeans and come up with new ideas. This is what Marketing is all about.

Michael Office, Global Director Product Marketing at Sage.

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