Joining Ingram Micro in 2020, Clifton Wesby, Software Services Manager, based in the UK, embarked on a transformative journey.
Previously an IT Manager for a logistics organization, he sought a change to a larger company that utilized the latest technologies. “Ingram Micro offered the opportunity to start as a Solution Architect,” he shared.
For eighteen months, he worked with one of Ingram Micro’s largest clients, managing their roadmap and work stack externally while supporting the operational side internally. An opportunity was presented for him to step into a new role as a Software Services Manager.
He took a step down from his previous role with the understanding that there would be opportunities to grow the department and its function within Ingram Micro in the UK. From the outset, he was able to collaborate with the European Director of IT. Within three months of assuming the role, he was asked to share his perspective on how to restructure the team, improve communication, and grow the team into a better-functioning unit.
This early involvement reinforced his decision to join Ingram Micro, “I had made the right decision because as a big organization, there was an opportunity for me to have a really big impact on what we do.”
His leadership has enabled the team to understand that they can only focus on a finite number of problems at a time, resulting in more effective workload management.
Joining a large company such as Ingram Micro requires a level of resilience. “If you’re going to join an environment like this, you need to have a set of resilience within you because the demand is always higher than the resources allocated,” Clifton shared.
In such a dynamic landscape, there are many demands and questions. However, with patience and a long-term approach, one can navigate through these challenges. “You need to take a long-term approach and allow yourself to get buried into the culture. How we do things, how we’re looking to change things, and always stayed focused on the end goal,” he advised. “Your problem-solving skills will improve your ability to interact with different stakeholders. You will learn how to adapt to diverse cultures and how they work,” he added.
One of the significant changes he implemented was the introduction of flexible working hours. Initially, the IT area was always five days a week in the office. However, they now have hybrid and flexible working. “We ensure that everyone on our team has the flexibility to put in the necessary hours within the week, we can be flexible on when they do that,” he explained.
Clifton’s journey at Ingram Micro has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation. His leadership and innovative ideas have not only improved the functioning of his team but also significantly impacted the company’s culture.