Brad Day, the co-founder of IT services company CloudStratex tells Business Matters the inspiration was to starting the company.
What do you currently do at CloudStratex?
I helped start CloudStratex a couple of year ago; we have an experienced team of client-centric practitioners who help enterprises leverage next-generation IT services (such as Cloud) more effectively whilst helping our clients have the option to become self-sufficient , instead of handing over all of the keys to a 3rd party . I now manage our Peer-to-Peer network “The Value Exchange” (TVeX). It’s an established ( 16+ years in existence) cross industry “vendor free” community made up of many global, blue-chip companies, who are drawn from such industries as Banking, Insurance, Asset Management, Pharmaceuticals, recruitment and also the Public Sector.
Many TVeX members are thought leaders in their respective organisations who enjoy coming together under the Chatham House Rule to openly share their experiences and common pain points on a range of business issues in a “badges off” environment.
In addition to this, I lead on a number of our senior level client relationships and also support our sales director with business development activities.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
The inspiration behind CloudStratex was to build a self-funded, sustainable, UK based business that would solve some of the emerging problems we see our clients experiencing when they invest in new technologies such as the cloud i.e. how to understand and utilise the technology effectively in order to maximise their returns. I love the fact that we have created a UK based business with a differentiated proposition that ensures our clients aren’t reliant on external consultants and service providers and can take control of their own destinies. Our success and rapid growth are creating new jobs for a number of UK IT professionals as well as jobseekers looking to start a career in the technology industry via our Talent Academy, most of whom are women. I am especially proud of this given the impact of the coronavirus on the UK economy. We want to help create new jobs.
To be honest though, my fellow co-founders and I have a history of thriving in difficult times. We started our first business after the dot.com crash back in the early 2000’s, the second after the financial crisis caused by the collapse of Lehman’s in 2008, and now we are in the midst of a pandemic. Yet, still we are managing to stick to our principles, creating jobs, and doing good work for clients. Our philosophy of us knowing we are only as good as our last client delivery still holds true.
Who do you admire?
I love watching competitive team sport , both men and women’s sports, but if have to pick someone then it is Martin Johnson, arguably one of England’s greatest rugby players of all time. He led a team of men to the pinnacle of their sport by winning the rugby world cup in 2003 in Australia. Johnson is the only England captain to achieve this. I take inspiration from his indefatigability, courage, leading from the front and not tolerating mediocrity. Closer to home, I admire my daughter Nancy who overcame many challenges and had some difficult times before reaching the pinnacle of her sport, Lacrosse and representing England at Senior level.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Have more self-confidence. I am always paranoid and never think we will be as successful as we become but there really is no one else doing what we are doing, or cares more than us about our clients across our focus areas (Service Management, Infrastructure & Apps, Modern Workplace and our Talent Academy).
What defines your way of doing business?
Honesty and Integrity. Don’t overpromise or exaggerate. It’s a slippery road and the quickest way to let your standards slip. We don’t always get it right but when we don’t, we do whatever it takes to put it right.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Enjoy the journey, take your work seriously but not yourself. Surround yourself with very clever people and never ever compromise on your integrity, oh and never give up. Ever!
