Paul Walton, one of our Senior Product Development Managers, officially hangs up his hat today. Since Seer 365 was founded five and a half years ago, we’ve ticked off most of the key life milestones for our team – special birthdays, births, marriages, and even a divorce(!), but today’s retirement is our very first.

So, with Paul walking off into the distance at the end of today, we’ve taken this opportunity to ask Paul six questions about the memorable moments of his career and what he’s looking forward to doing next:

What was your proudest moment?

It’s not a moment, more an achievement. 

During the late nineties and early noughties, I was given responsibility for leading and delivering a replacement ERP system for an organisation that had recently acquired the company I was then working for. The company wanted to use the acquisition to facilitate its internal business systems change programme.

That organisation was, and still is, a well-known FTSE 100 Business Software company, and the project had the potential to negatively affect my career if it had not been successful. Fortunately, the project went well, and I think back on it proudly as a defining period of my career.

What’s your funniest memory?

Travelling to Luxembourg when I was a young consultant. Not the journey, but the arrival!

I was expecting to be met at the airport by someone from the company I was visiting, but on entering arrivals, I spotted a driver waiting with my name on their board. I naturally assumed they had been sent to collect me instead and got into their car expecting to be taken to the hotel I had stayed at several weeks previously. 

Long story short, as we crossed the border and headed into France, it started to dawn on me that this car wasn’t for me! There were two Paul Waltons on the flight, and needless to say, neither the taxi driver nor the other Paul Walton was amused by my mistake!

Was there someone who really helped to shape your career?

I had a manager in my mid-late twenties, and in the early stages of my consulting career, who really believed in me, put himself out for me, and actively supported me when I needed it. This manager’s support really helped me find my feet and establish myself in a consultancy role. 

He remains a great friend of mine to this day, even though I still haven’t quite forgiven him for sending me to a country considered to be high-risk to travellers, alone.

What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

I know they are clichés but having more time to spend with family and travelling. 

I’m fortunate that both my parents are still alive, so having more time for them is important to me. Both of my stepchildren live abroad and having time to spend with them and our two grandchildren, and combining that with extended travel, will be great. We already have trips to the USA, Canada and Latin America booked in the next twelve months.

What will you miss most about your time at Seer 365?

In two words, “the people”. One of the big attractions when joining Seer 365 in its early days, five years ago, was being able to continue working with so many people I had worked with over the years.

Seer 365 is a strong, close-knit team, and working for them feels like being part of a family, so leaving is emotional.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?

The importance of agility, adaptability, always being open to continual learning, and always being mindful to improve and strengthen your soft and interpersonal skills.

Having or developing strong communication skills is essential to being successful in any role within any organisation, and with the rapid pace of technological change only accelerating, continuous learning and adaptability will be crucial.

We wish Paul all the best for the next chapter in his life’s journey.