At IP Telecom, "Communicate Better" is more than a slogan; it is the driving ethos of our product design, company culture, and service delivery. In this instalment of our At home with Series, where we meet members of the IP Telecom team and offer insights into their life in and out of work, we chat with the person at the helm of driving IP Telecom's brand values, Rory Whelan.
Since joining in 2019, Rory has brought in a wealth of experience in the telecoms industry. He has been instrumental in implementing strategies that allow IP Telecom to understand Irish businesses' telephony needs, carving a path for companies in their journey to making an informed decision when selecting the right product to enable them in the modern business environment.
What is your role at IP Telecom?
I’m the Head of Marketing
What drew you to IP Telecom originally? And how has IP Telecom changed since?
What drew me to IP Telecom was a couple of things, the company has amazing products to begin with and that’s always a great starting point. I came from another international telecoms company and their product, whilst good, wasn’t as strong as the IP Telecom offerings. Second thing was you could see there was a great team who truly believe in what they do and giving great products and service to their customers, finally I guess I was up for a new challenge to showcase the product and the team behind it to the world. So, IP Telecom was a perfect match for me.
As I joined in November 2019 we were just getting going when the pandemic struck, but that allowed me to see that the company could pivot on a dime and adapt to the new environment without interruption of service levels to our customers. I think that IP Telecom is moving into a position where we make a real difference to the way people work both for customers and colleagues alike through technology and thought leadership – it’s very exciting!
Give me 3 words to describe IP Telecom?
Innovative, Exciting and Dedicated
What do you like most about IP Telecom? What has been your favourite project at IP Telecom?
The fact that we like to do new things. Stretching yourself so that you are slightly out of your comfort zone is a good thing, it’s how we progress and grow so the fact that we’re willing to try new things allows us to grow and innovate. In terms of favourite projects, well its more of a favourite outcome – when we secured a slot on the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk which allowed Shena our CEO to speak about the launch of IPT Meet, our rapid build video conferencing solution that we rolled out in a matter of weeks to help maintain face to face meetings for everyone, subscriber or not and then to give it away for free was great. Seeing the traffic to the website rocket during the broadcast was fantastic too.
What is the best thing about working for IP Telecom?
It’s a rapidly growing company that retains some of the best traits of a small business culture whilst growing into a corporate space is great – it allows for things as diverse as rapid decision making to Friday evening beers to be maintained.
Your favourite band or musical act
I love all sorts of music, from jazz through to electronica. So long as it’s good I listen to it. If I was to single out an act I’d say it would be Kraftwerk – in terms of their impact they are probably as important as The Beatles, but imagine if the Beatles had to invent and build their instruments! Their live shows are an experience as well – something like a concert crossed with an art installation - I was lucky enough to see them the last time they were over here and I can definitely say that it was a concert like no other,
Describe what you were like at age 10.
Smaller version of myself now. Was into music, architecture and advertising at that age – not much has changed.
Do you have a favourite quote?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better – Samuel Beckett
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
A Kindle – although I prefer hard copy books at least you’d have a choice of reading materials as long as the wifi was good. A wine making kit and a solar powered speaker – after a year of lockdowns this sounds good, when can I go?
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
“Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be”
Give me 3 words to best describe you:
Innovative, inquiring, decent.
You're going to write a book about IP Telecom, what would the title be?
Park(West)Life