Collaboration is key to driving success for clients Systematiq Spotlight: Erin O’Brien
Erin O’Brien’s approach as the Business Development (BD) and Sales Manager at Systematiq, is all about collaboration. With clients, colleagues, and industry partners, she likes to problem solve, and drive success through collaborative thinking.
With over 12 years of experience in the Australian Defence Industry, she has worked across all aspects of the Defence lifecycle.
Originally beginning her Defence journey as an Inventory Controller for the Combat Support Systems Program Office (CSSPO), Erin has undertaken a range of configuration and management related roles for Primes such as Rheinmetall and Thales, before finally landing at Systematiq.
She highlights how her wide range of experiences have been invaluable in developing her mindset and values when it comes to Business Development; having worked with, and been in the shoes of, industry clients throughout her entire career.
“I’ve really learnt to engage with people and their business issues or concerns; working with them to problem solve and not just trying to sell them a service.”
“Business Development is about meeting the current issues and roadblocks of the client,” she continues, “and collaborating with them in order to come up with a solution that assists with their business goals.”
She emphasises how this collaborative approach with clients is a core function of Systematiq’s business development approach and is one of the key tenets in how Systematiq drives innovation and continuous improvement for itself and its clients.
“[At Systematiq] we have a collaborative approach not just with clients, but also with our internal teams. It’s important to use everyone’s ideas to find best possible solution for the situation we’re in.”
‘It’s all about removing silos.” she comments.
Advocating through networks
Working in Defence means continually facing challenges across the industry, including the need for open dialogue to address these challenges across multiple forums, including industry events, panel discussions, networking, and information sessions.
Erin recently took part in a Victorian Defence and Space Network panel discussion on the topic of “Winning and Growing in Defence”. Topics covered included insights on securing defence contracts and business growth with much discussion and input from the broader audience.
Erin also comments on the importance of keeping abreast of government and industry requirements in defence project acquisition and delivery. Educating Systematiq project delivery practitioners on what is allowed and not allowed with regard to defence procurement processes helps keep our people at the forefront of quality delivery outcomes for our clients.
“Working together, both internally and with our clients, allows for more cohesion and aligns with Defence’s directive of Speed to Capability.”
If you’re looking to collaborate with Systematiq to support your Defence industry project, our BD team is always ready to respond to your call or email.
Reach out to Erin today to move your business forward.
