We recently spoke with Chief Commercial Officer UK and Europe, Paul Osborne
Paul is responsible for driving BAI’s customer acquisition, revenue and profitability goals in the region. This incorporates new business development, including working with the mobile and fixed operators in the UK to onboard them to the London Underground and the wider public and private sector to develop new opportunities for BAI. Paul joined BAI in November 2020. Prior to that, he worked in the Caribbean for seven years in various leadership roles, including for Liberty Latin America and Digicel.
What’s the most important development happening in our industry and what does that mean for business globally?
The pandemic has created a generational wave of change in technology adoption. The lines between the streams of our lives have blurred to a pool. This represents a massive opportunity/problem for the business world that we are just at the very beginning of. Our industry is critical in enabling that change and to play a role in this BAI needs to stay dynamic, agile and responsible.
What inspires you most in the work that you do?
I am inspired to deliver outcomes beyond customer expectation.
What is a technique you use to be more effective in your work?
I tend to be organised — which is a must for me. One technique I use each day is I have a single item that is my priority to get done. It’s a great way to focus and something I credit the book ‘One Thing’ by Gary Keller for teaching me.
What’s one of the ongoing challenges you face at work and how do you manage it?
One of my biggest frustrations is the passive acceptance of ‘OK.’ I strive to create an environment where everyone is encouraged to challenge the status quo. Our competition is well funded and professional, so the edge we have is in the performance of our people at every level across the organisation. We must enable a continuously improving, high-performance culture.
What is your advice for proactively managing your career?
To be clear about what you want to achieve and assume everyone wants to help. If you are unclear about where you want to go, it is impossible for people to help you get there.
Who has been the greatest influence on your career and why?
I read and listen to quite a range of views. One great source I like is the ‘Tools of Titans’ podcast by Tim Ferris. Some of this is a bit obscure, but it always makes me ask questions of myself, which I believe is a great place to be influenced from.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have a taste for Punk Rock music from my youth. One of my best friends still drums in a punk band and I attend a show from time to time. Some of my favourites were a bit off the mainstream, like Peter and the Test-Tube Babies and the Anti-Nowhere League. Although my favourite is the Northern Ireland Band Still Little Fingers, who I have seen play live more times than I can count and are still going strong in 2021.
