The Remote Revolution
The Remote Revolution
When one thinks about scaling a mountain, the image that often comes to mind is of a solitary, daunting peak that stretches towards the sky. Now imagine if that mountain represented the tech industry and you're a woman striving to reach the top. This is the journey my guest, Bobbie King, CEO and co-founder of SQEPtech, embarked on, a journey we explore in this podcast episode.
Born and raised in Romania, Bobbie King's journey to the top of the tech industry began in her childhood. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture when she moved to the UK, she was able to tap into her inner strength and resilience to overcome these hurdles. Bobbie's story serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating their way through unfamiliar terrain, especially in a field as challenging as technology.
In a candid conversation, Bobbie opened up about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also shared the crucial role her parents and partner, Phil, played in supporting her dreams and ambitions. An intriguing encounter with Graham Little sparked her ambition and drive, which eventually led her to co-found SqrepTech with John Connors. Their business partnership, which started without them ever meeting in person, has blossomed into a successful remote business employing up to 32 people.
Throughout the conversation, Bobbie provided unique insights into her approach to fostering a positive company culture. For her, the pillars of a successful company culture are integrity, openness, and sensitivity. These values, she believes, are greatly influenced by her Romanian roots and form the blueprint for her business ethos.
As we delve deeper into the conversation, Bobbie shares her experiences and the challenges of setting up a fully remote business. Emphasising the importance of using technology to fill the gap of in-person conversations, and the value of encouraging employees to engage in activities outside of work. Bobbie also shares her insights on the importance of being relatable and encouraging team members to show their personalities on calls to build relationships with clients.
Bobbie also reflects on her personal growth in the tech industry and the importance of lifelong learning. She shares her favourite book, 'How To Make Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie, and how it has helped her throughout her career. Bobbie's belief in the power of technology to enable individuals to have an open view of possibilities serves as a reminder of the exciting prospects of tech advancement.
Bobbie King's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and resilience. Her story offers a unique perspective on leadership, partnership, and the power of technology in enabling remote work. Bobbie's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone who is looking to make their mark in the tech world.