New challenges ahead...

This morning I took to the stage at the UK Oracle User Group conference for the first time in my new capacity as President (Elect). I was warmly welcomed by a strong contingent of Oracle professionals who gather annually, this year at the ICC in Birmingham, to find out about innovations, road maps, services and products in the Oracle space and to network with like minded individuals across three days.

As this was my first opportunity to speak publicly about my new role, I wanted to thank those who have given me the chance to represent them, but afterwards, I thought it would be useful to provide a little insight into why I was delighted to be taking over the role of President from Linda Barker in March next year.

I've always believed in "IT the enabler" but hadn't really thought about this in any great sense until I found myself in my current position working for Home Group.  We are one of the UK’s largest developers of new homes and providers of houses for affordable rent, and have an equally sizeable care and support operation serving some 120,000 customers.  One of the things my manager did when I first joined was send me out to meet some colleagues who were field based, working to house and support some of the most vulnerable people in society.  It was immediately apparent how much better things could be if we could just make some changes to the IT and kit they used.

Almost instantly, my mind set shifted from "perfectionism" to "practicality" - until that point I had always strived for the newest, slickest, most cutting edge solutions regardless of what was required or how it would fit in the organisation. I believed I knew best. I didn't see how short sighted I was being.

I hadn't realised how important the link between user and provider was.

This was almost four years ago now and I'm proud, and lucky, to say I was part of the team who were given the opportunity to make some big, PRACTICAL changes, working closely with the organisation to implement new end user devices, applications and ways of working that has revolutionised the way our colleagues work. 

None of which would've been possible had I not gained that insight in my first week…

… Users have a voice and need to be heard. 

This is now my passion at its most basic; to really understand the needs of others. To put myself in their position - and then apply my external knowledge and experience to make improvements.

And this is why I look forward to my new role; why I put myself forward to become your President and why I want to take an active role in driving this user community forward positively. I want to do this by listening, learning and engaging with the community and the team at Oracle to continue the great work the UKOUG has done since 1983 in ensuring the link between user and provider is strong, and will remain strong for years to come.