Hello, I’m Liz Parry, the CEO of Lifecycle Software. The company’s main focus is driving innovation in the telecom industry. We shape how leading network operators deliver their services, launch Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and provide billing, real-time charging, and a wide range of other services. I joined the company nine years ago and have worked in service management, professional services, and sales.
Nexus®, our Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) platform, provides the necessary network integrations with a suite of built-in applications and automated workflows. As a result, telcos and MVNOs can go to market more quickly and cost-effectively, operating with agility. Nexus is integrated into the Three UK Network and has several MNVOs operational on the platform.
Almost anyone, anywhere can be an MVNO. At Lifecycle, we will provide you with the skills and expertise; the customer experience is important to us. You don’t need to be a big brand. Perhaps you have a niche and want to connect your audience – the financial technology company, Revolut has taken full advantage of that.
My focus is always on people. I understand the technology but I let the experts get on with that. I spend a lot of time in meetings, speaking to our staff and customers, along with their customers. I align our strategies with the industry and how it is moving forward. A key part of that, and something important to me, is ensuring that Lifecycle Software is an enjoyable workplace.
What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
Telecoms is fast-paced. The days are varied and unpredictable. Taking opportunities as they come and trying to turn them into something real and special is challenging, but fun. It is not something I have experienced in any other industry. It is a great time to be working in telecoms. We are moving away from traditional technologies to AI, the cloud and virtualisation. Being able to react and embrace change is exciting.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
Lifecycle held a team-building day that involved a treasure hunt around Newbury, where we are based. We did lots of stupid things. Some people knocked on people’s doors. Others danced. I reenacted Titanic on the street with one of the service managers!
What excites you most about working in telecoms?
The speed of innovation. I think eSIMS could change the industry. They are becoming increasingly popular, particularly outside of the UK. An eSIM enables speed-to-market to become much faster and is more sustainable. Customers will have a degree of flexibility that they haven’t had before. The industry will be opened up and the network will have to embrace competition.
What would you like people to know about your work?
We are driving talent and diversity in our teams. The company runs a successful grad programme and placement scheme. Over 50 of our employees have joined us through university placements, and we are very passionate about equality and equity: our senior team has an equal ratio of men and women. That is huge and brings a different dynamic to our meetings, and overall impact.
It took me a while to figure out what career I wanted to pursue. In my twenties, I worked as a delivery driver and even in a pharmacy. I applied for a role with the foreign office, which allowed me to train as an accountant. I later joined the travel industry and a hospitality company, eventually ending up at Lifecycle. I’m so happy about how it turned out.
Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
We need telecoms to connect. The UK may be a small country but it has the potential to have a major impact on connectivity. I think it’s fair to say that we are already leading the way in many technology sectors. But you can’t have that innovation and leadership without brilliant people working together. The UK needs an ecosystem to make the most of its potential.