THE FIRST VIEW SERIES:

People, Partnerships & Purpose What a Canada Trade Mission Taught Me

Last week, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to represent First Derivative on the Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to Ottawa and Toronto. Invest NI facilitated 7 leading technology firms travelling from NI to Canada to promote their businesses. As always, the firms were incredible and represented NI very well across their domains, reinforcing the reputation for producing exceptional local talent.

The event took in 121 meetings with potential clients, networking meetings in both cities and discussions with local business representatives.

Here are some of my key takeaways:

• People still decide outcomes. Technology is evolving faster than ever, but success still comes down to people, relationships and execution.
• The right partners open doors. Invest Northern Ireland got the right people in the room, and their passion for Northern Ireland showed in every introduction.
• Generosity builds networks. Business leaders, clients and partners gave up time in busy schedules to share insights, make introductions and offer support.
• Reputation outlasts the brand. The First Derivative name came up again and again, always warmly, and mostly for the calibre of its people. Great businesses leave legacies that last.

As part of the trip, we pitched our company from the podium at least once a day. On the last evening, I took a risk and tried something different. Here’s a version of what I said:

I am going to do something a little bit different tonight for my pitch. I am going to tell you a story.

Now, with this story. If there were not records and testimony to prove it, you would be forgiven for thinking this might be a fairy tale.

Once upon a time, with a £5,000 credit union loan, Brian Conlon set out to take graduates from Irish universities and train them in a blend of financial products and technology.

What followed wasn’t just another fintech. It was the original fintech in Ireland: a company that changed the business landscape in Newry and sent FD people around the world to work with some of the finest financial institutions anywhere.

From running KX in over 100 banks, to implementing more than 100 third-party financial systems like Murex and Calypso. Project managing an entire banks exit from the Irish market and remediating one of the largest consent orders in the US. First Derivative didn’t just deliver for clients. It helped transform the industry. It did this all whilst building strong client partnerships. Ones that have lasted, and are now approaching their 30th year.

Today, as part of EPAM, we bring that deep financial services expertise together with cutting-edge technology and the pace of change AI makes possible.

So if you have a technology challenge in financial services, something that causes you stress or frustration, challenge us. We’ll partner with you and write the next chapter of this extraordinary story.

Trade missions are hard work. You are “on” from morning to late evening, meeting lots of people and presenting your firm, you value, continuously. Yet, after a week on the road, I returned more energised and excited. Excited about Canada, and the opportunities there. But excited about First Derivative and EPAM, and the value we can bring to our clients.

Thanks Chris