Robert Watson - Business Professional - Account Management / Sales / Operations / Project Management / Planning / Logistics, Intrepid Spirit, Inc.

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Work Background

Datacipher Education ServicesDirector of Training Services

Aug. 2022Australia, United States, United Kingdom, South East Asia, · RemotePassionate about driving growth & empowering businesses & professionals, I excel in building strategic partnerships & delivering innovative training & certification solutions for industry-leading vendors including Palo Alto, Juniper, Fortinet, Aruba, & SonicWall. I am committed to helping our corporate vendor partner clients excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape. I focus on facilitating clients, mostly corporate & vendor partners, in finding the most appropriate IT network & cyber security training & certifications to perform their job functions at a high level & maintain certification levels. Leveraging my extensive industry knowledge & network, I provide tailored recommendations that align with our clients' specific needs. By understanding the unique requirements of our clients, I guide them towards the most suitable training programs & certifications, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the industry. I offer comprehensive insights into the latest trends & advancements, enabling our clients to gain a competitive edge & achieve their professional goals. I have developed a confident & creative approach to business development. I thrive on building strong & lasting relationships, earning the trust & confidence of our clients. I am dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences by providing personalized attention & addressing their unique challenges. I am committed to empowering professionals with the necessary skills & knowledge to excel in IT network & cyber security. Our innovative training solutions & industry-leading expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of numerous organizations. Let's connect & explore how we can collaborate to achieve your organization's IT training initiatives. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing tech landscape & empower your business for success. #BusinessDevelopment #ITTraining #CyberSecurity #Certification #VendorPartnerships #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth

CourseMonsterOperations Manager

Oct. 2020Australia & New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Asia · RemoteDriving Success as an IT Training Professional As a key member of the CourseMonster team, Robert Watson plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training solutions aimed at enhancing the professional skills of professionals in the telecommunications, banking, finance, and government sectors. With a focus on driving operational excellence and fostering business growth, Robert's responsibilities span various areas of the organization. With a deep understanding of the industry landscape, Robert combines his expertise in operations management, resource scheduling (including instructors, lab hire, and room hire), finance, and business development to ensure seamless training delivery and client satisfaction. His ability to handle diverse responsibilities and coordinate multiple facets of the business makes him a top performer within CourseMonster. Beyond his contributions to CourseMonster, Robert's skills and attributes extend to larger organizations, where he excels in driving success through his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and strategic mindset. His broad range of skills, coupled with his ability to adapt to dynamic environments, positions him as an invaluable asset capable of thriving in diverse and complex settings. Robert's commitment to excellence, combined with his technical acumen and business acuity, enables him to make a significant impact on the success of CourseMonster. As he continues to contribute to the growth and development of the organization, Robert's drive for continuous improvement and dedication to delivering exceptional training experiences remain at the forefront of his work. Connect with Robert Watson on LinkedIn to explore opportunities and witness firsthand his ability to drive success in the IT training industry.

ITRA - International Trail Running AssociationVice President - Services / Executive Board Member / Steering Committee Member

Jul. 2023World-wide · RemoteAs a passionate & dedicated Steering Committee (SC), Executive Board (EB) Member & Vice President of Services at the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), I bring a confident & creative approach to the table. I am privileged to be involved in shaping the future of trail running & leading the way in the industry. I supervise the Services Team, ensuring that our collective efforts are aligned with the organization's vision & goals. I oversee tasks that require a seasoned perspective in management, negotiation with third parties, & handling staff issues. With my experience & expertise, I navigate these challenges with finesse & ensure the smooth functioning of the team. One of my key responsibilities is to support the Team Lead, by covering tasks that require specific expertise in management, strategic negotiations, & staff-related matters. I bring my experience in these areas to the forefront, providing valuable guidance & support to optimize our operations. A strategic approach to overseeing our finances, ensures that our financial resources are allocated effectively & aligned with organizational objectives. A keen eye for detail & a creative mindset, contributes to the overall financial health & success of ITRA. I collaborate closely with fellow SC members & the EB & contribute to decision-making processes that shape the future of trail running. Together, we work towards enhancing the sport & creating opportunities for athletes, organizers, & enthusiasts. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of trail running & fostering a vibrant community. With our shared vision & passion, we are driving the growth & development of the sport on a global scale. If you are seeking to be part of a dynamic & forward-thinking organization, I invite you to connect with me. Let's explore how we can collaborate & make a lasting impact in the world of trail running. #Leadership #TrailRunning #ITRA #TeamManagement #Negotiation #FinancialStrategy #Passion #Innovation

Intrepid Spirit, Inc.Founder

May. 2019Philippines · On-siteIntrepid Spirit Events offer an extensive range of services for endurance event organizers in South East Asia. Our timing services deploy an innovative digital technology used to track and manage athletes during endurance events. This technology which was developed by LiveTrail® allows athlete's progress to be viewable live over the internet by families and fans of athletes throughout an event. It also allows event organizers to better ensure the safety of athletes from the start of an event through to completion. Our first major event where we provided timing services was for The North Face 100km Ultra Trail Challenge - Philippines held on 19/20 October 2019 (https://livetrail.net/live/tnf100philippines/) and we also provided the same services for a slightly smaller event prior to this (i.e. Hardcore Hundred Miles) held on 16 to 18 May 2019 (https://livetrail.net/live/hardcore100/) which were both held in the rugged and mountainous Cordillera Region of the Philippines. We also organize and conduct our own endurance events in various locations around the Philippines in addition to organizing and conducting trail running and mountain biking tours, endurance training camps and the like. As a competitive ultra-endurance athlete, this venture also enables me to combine my love of endurance sport with the provision of world-class services and events for fellow athletes.

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC)Health And Wellness Coach

Dec. 2017Online · RemoteAs a graduate of Integrative Nutrition's Health Coach Training Program, Robert offers Health Coaching services to individuals who are looking to improve their health in all aspects of what we term “primary foods” including spirituality, creativity, finances, career, education, physical activity, home cooking, home environment, relationships, social life, and joy. He understands and utilizes a wide range of dietary and nutritional theories in order to apply the most appropriate tools and techniques for each client’s individual circumstances and health goals. Robert educates and guides clients to make behavioral changes resulting in improved nutrition, dietary habits, physical capability and overall greater health and wellness.

Crystal Echo Pty LtdOperations Manager

Jul. 2020 - Jun. 2023Sydney, New South Wales, Australia · Remote

Crystal Echo Pty LtdOperations Manager

Mar. 2016 - Jun. 2020Sydney, New South Wales, Australia · RemoteRobert is a key member of the senior management team of this boutique IT training & professional services company which delivers primarily Juniper Networks training in order to enhance the professional skills of network engineers working in the telecommunications, banking, finance, & government sectors. Being a member of a small team, his key responsibilities span most areas of the business including engineer/operations management & hiring, resource scheduling (i.e. engineers, lab hire, & room hire), finance and business development activities. The broad range of skills and attributes that make Robert a top performer at Crystal Echo also translate (although on a larger scale) to those skills and attributes required to be a top performer in larger organizations. A more detailed list of Robert’s varied responsibilities are as follows: • Resource management & scheduling (classes, Instructors, labs, etc.) • Process and procedure development / documentation • Logistics tool development (MS Excel) • Presales support & quoting (training) • Invoicing (training & professional services) • Accounts receivable • Profit and loss management • Staff recruitment • Project management • Customer support • Class logistics • Internal technical support (Xero / SalesForce / Phone system / Google Tools) • Website maintenance (WordPress)

Technology Elite, Inc.Finance / Payroll

Mar. 2016 - Apr. 2019RemoteDue to a change in location and after a year in the Operations Management role, and with the company then firmly established and in growth mode, Robert moved into a part-time role handling the finance and payroll aspects of the business as he transitioned into full-time employment with Crystal Echo. However, as Technology Elite grew to a level that exceeded the time-capacity of Robert to handle the finance and payroll for Technology Elite on a part-time basis, he transitioned his responsibilities to another full-time resource before finishing up. Technology Elite had over 100 staff supporting international small & medium businesses at the time of Robert's departure from the company. It is now one of the premier IT talent providers to businesses in Australia, New Zealand, & other locations worldwide.

Technology Elite, Inc.Operations Manager

Feb. 2015 - Feb. 2016On-siteRobert was engaged in order to set up this new company (i.e. Technology Elite) in the Philippines as a specialist information technology talent provider to IT businesses and IT departments in Australia and other international locations. As Operations Manager and in just over six months he established the Philippine entity, rented and fitted out new office space, set up processes for running of the new entity and oversaw the onboarding of the first customers.

frontRUNNER Magazine (Hardcore Publishing House, Inc.)Contributing Writer

Apr. 2014 - Feb. 2017Philippines · HybridRobert contributed quarterly articles on topics such as Ultra Marathon Training, Trail Running and personal race reports from Ultra Marathon races in which he competed.

AAMC TrainingCountry Manager - Philippines

Mar. 2014 - Apr. 2015NCR - National Capital Region, Philippines · On-siteRobert was brought on to set up a new company in the Philippines under an Australian-based Registered Training Organization (AAMC Training Group Pty. Ltd.). As Country Director and in just one year he established the Philippine entity, set up a new office, brought on new staff to look after Operations, Sales, Course Writing and Marketing for the Philippines and also support functions for regional AAMC Training entities. The Philippines became the hub for other AAMC Training regional entities including supporting finance, course writing, and marketing in addition to driving new revenue streams from the Philippine market.

Fast Lane Asia PacificCountry Manager, Philippines

Dec. 2008 - Feb. 2014NCR - National Capital Region, PhilippinesAs Country Manager and in a little under five years Robert spearheaded the growth of this greenfield's office to the level of close to USD2.5million per annum in revenue with a permanent staff of 16. Fast Lane Asia Pacific's Philippines office also became a center of excellence for other APAC company functions including finance, IT support services and marketing. Robert built the office in the Philippines from the ground up. This included: • Company inception and set up which also encompased compliance with all government regulations. • Business Development – expanding and growing Fast Lane Asia Pacific’s customer base in the Philippines. • Operations – Organisation of training schedules and class room infrastructure. • Finance – invoicing and collections, payables, government regulatory requirements. • Staff recruitment – Robert drove all staff hires in the Philippines from the Sales, Operational, Finance and Marketing perspective including some staff with an APAC focus.

Fast Lane Asia PacificOperations Manager / Project Manager / Account Manager

Jul. 2005 - Nov. 2008Sydney, AustraliaRobert joined Fast Lane Asia Pacific as a private startup IT training services company in Australia. Robert played an integral leadership role in growing the business from a one-office, primarily Cisco-based Authorized Training Partner based in Sydney, Australia with just a small staff of six permanent employees and revenue of USD500,000 to a medium-sized organization spanning 10 offices across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with 50 permanent staff and an annual turnover exceeding USD13million per year. Robert played many key roles within Fast Lane Asia Pacific during that period including Operations Manager for APAC and Project Manager and Account Manager for Fast Lane's major customers including Verizon Business (approx. USD4 million revenue/annum) and Telstra (approx. USD4 million revenue/annum). This involved the development and management of training schedules of 60 week-long technical classes across five locations and involving up to 350 training participants all delivered within a twelve-month period. This program enabled these customers to meet their vendor accreditation commitment in time and under budget.

AGM ITIT Services Manager

Sep. 2004 - Jun. 2005Sydney, Australia · On-siteDuring his time at AGM IT Robert significantly improved the structure, performance and the general approach of the Services Team to the delivery of services. Robert’s key focus areas and outcomes in the IT Services Manager role were: • Increasing billable utilisation of the Services Team – Robert immediately set about altering the composition of the Services Team to assist in improving the team’s billable utilisation. This alteration involved changing the team’s cost structure from an almost entirely fixed cost basis to a significantly higher ratio of variable to fixed costs. This initiative contributed significantly to the following outcomes: • Increase in billable utilisation to an average of 68% (an 11% increase); • Reduction in the team’s fixed costs by roughly 30%; • Development of a larger pool of resources with increased access to a wider range of skilled individuals; • Increase in the range of services able to be offered to AGM IT’s customer base; • An increased number of potential business development opportunities available to AGM IT through its partner organisations; • A seven-fold increase in the profitability of the team since commencement. • Increasing profitability of the Services Team – In addition to the changes outlined above which significantly improved the profitability of the team, Robert also implemented an initiative to increase the proportion of revenue earned from maintenance contracts. With this structure in place it almost ensures the future ongoing profitability of the team. • Development, standardisation and Implementation of key business processes – Robert developed, documented and implemented key business processes focusing on business development and project delivery. • Development and Implementation of KPI’s and an Incentive Scheme for the team. Robert had control of an evolving team of approximately twenty permanent and contract resources and managed the relationships between AGM IT and four primary partner organisations.

IAGSenior Project Manager

Apr. 2004 - Sep. 2004Sydney, Australia · On-siteRobert was instrumental in the delivery of two major infrastructure projects at Insurance Australia Group (IAG). His contribution to these projects was significant as both projects were running behind schedule when they were inherited. The largest of these projects involved the implementation of infrastructure at 110 NRMA Country Service Centres across the state of New South Wales (NSW). Robert inherited this project in a state of disarray and some months behind schedule. The solution was ‘flaky’, the customer had no confidence that the project could be delivered and resources had not been fully engaged. The fourth project manager to inherit this project, Robert had significant hurdles to overcome including securing the customer’s (Sales and Marketing Group’s) buy-in and engaging the relevant resources to stabilise the proposed solution, perform equipment builds, configuration and delivery, solution implementation and decommission of the legacy equipment and services. This was accomplished in an environment where the non-existence of dedicated resources meant that internal resources were highly constrained in their ability to devote time to solution troubleshooting. Heavy pressure was also being applied by the customer as failure to deliver this project was impacting other important initiatives across the organisation. Robert delivered the project in a total of 12 weeks which included four weeks to tune the solution and eight weeks to roll out the solution to 110 sites across NSW. The first 100 sites were implemented within a five week timeframe. Robert received positive feedback from the customer and IT management as to the success of the project. One particular comment from his manager was “you really nailed this project”. As a direct result of his success, Robert subsequently had requests to manage other projects in the IT space.