Hello, I’m Chris Dyer and I work for Vodafone Business Group Products and Services, leading the edge compute portfolio. The role is global; I work with our markets where the company operates either directly or as a partner.
My job may sound technical, but I am focused on the business side. Working with analysts, I start by assessing opportunities and considering what direction of travel a country or portfolio might be going in, asking: how do we commercialise this? I then create the business case and try to gain investment, almost as if on Dragons Den.
Building up confidence in the market is the next step. This can be tough. It needs to make sense. We must create and nurture the proof with tangible pilots and customer benefits. This allows us to share evidence with the market before the delivery team takes over.
Edge computing - offering guaranteed consistent computing - has come a long way. I want to bring this capability closer to our customers and contribute to a better future beyond connectivity. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy new experiences, whether an immersive theatre production or receiving their shopping via a drone.
1/ What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
Variety. Thankfully, product management is the epitome of that. Every hour involves a different kind of conversation. I get to touch most parts of the business. I also love pioneering new things, starting with a blank canvas and eventually finding a solution.
2/ What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
I always wanted to be a journalist but somehow ended up in telecoms. In many ways, though, I’m a presenter. I have opportunities to film videos, present and deliver keynote speeches. Who knew that you could get into the media industry without working in media?
3/ What excites you most about working in telecoms?
Telecoms is a great place to be. The work changes every day and there's something new. It doesn't stay still. If you can embrace that change, you can sustain excitement in your career. I may have worked at the same company for a very long time but that doesn’t mean I’ve done the same role…
4/ What would you like people to know about your work?
I think of product management as if it is a mini business. I like to be involved with the front end as much as the middle and the back. I look to engage with customers at every opportunity, despite not working in a sales role. In edge computing, how do you bring infrastructure to life? You’ve got to show them!
5/ Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
A degree of competitiveness is needed but we also need to embrace each other's ideas. We have brilliant education and technology in the UK but need to feed this into the industry. We also need greater consistency. A thriving ecosystem will ensure that ideas come through more quickly, and start-ups can scale up.
