explore
Innovation is demonstrated in a manner of different ways. It can be technological, it can be transformational. It can be driven by the work you undertake with people, the impact you have on a market or your ability to bring about real change through new ways of thinking.
The Innovation Gallery is a series of interviews from within the Konductor network, talking to the innovative and inspirational individuals, asking questions with a difference.
Name: James Higgins
Job title: Fintech Specialist
Part one: the interview (the questions they didn't want to answer)
What is the most challenging part of your job and why?
Maintaining sight of your vision. It’s difficult when you’re stuck running the business whilst also building the business, whilst also keeping your people forward-focussed.
What has been your greatest professional failure and what did you learn?
Whilst in the military I felt I could turn a soldier around and failed, he ended being booted out and I learnt I would rather have a hole in the team than an arsehole
Worst piece of advice ever received and why?
In my earlier career I was told on a few occasions I needed to take certain roles because they would be “good for my career”. The only roles good for your career are the ones you will enjoy and therefore give your best to.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing, I sleep like a baby, but I do worry about tech businesses fulfilling responsibilities and doing the right thing by their people.
Most pointless job you have ever done?
A technical writer – the subject was so simple it didn’t need one! I didn’t stay long
What constitutes success to you?
Bouncing out of bed every day and loving what I do.
Most insightful piece of customer/client feedback you’ve ever received?
It was from my customers at one of the banks I worked for which was about not underestimating the reliance they placed on our tech services, which made me think about ensuring the tech actually works while still thinking.
What would your nearest and dearest say frustrates them most about you?
My wife would say my inability to say anything other than what I think!
Part two: Quick fire
