Meet Paul Coates, our technical integrations manager.
We spoke with Paul to learn more about his career experience, why he enjoys working with customers, his interests outside of work, and more!
Give us an overview of your professional experience.
Well, I started working for IBM when I left school (on my gap year before attending university). At IBM, I was in a software development role, so I was mainly scripting and doing light software development. After a year, I went to university and completed a computer science program, where I learned about the science and math behind development.
After university, I spent two years in Japan teaching English, which was an eye-opening experience. Because there’s a language barrier, I had to work hard to build relationships. It was a really interesting period of my life that was unlike anything else!
When I returned to the U.K., I worked in consulting and applied the technical material I learned while at university. In that role, I collaborated closely with clients to choose technical solutions that would solve their business problems. My role there grew until I eventually owned entire technical solutions for some of the largest banks. I credit this role to teaching me a lot about client and vendor relationships and expectation setting.
After my consulting role, it was time for me to #jointheJRNI. At JRNI, I work closely with our internal teams to build bespoke solutions. I enjoy working at JRNI, and I can say with confidence that my breadth of knowledge has certainly increased.
You’ve been at JRNI for more than two years now. How have you grown in your role thus far?
I've gained much more experience with integration patterns, as well as being a consultative partner to our customers. Oftentimes customers haven’t worked with a platform like ours before, so I enjoy educating our customers about best practices and the technical side of things.
I’ve also had the opportunity to flex my leadership skills. My role recently changed from technical architect to technical integrations manager. Now I lead the global Technical Architect and API Support teams.
How did you transition into your current role?
As a technical architect, I noticed that there was a gap in our team. My manager and I worked closely together to define the role that was needed, and determined that it was a great next step for me at JRNI.
What are some projects you've been working on recently?
Recently, I spent time working with an iconic fashion brand to expand our partnership to their stores worldwide. This was exciting because of the scale of the project, and because of how closely I was able to work with the customer.
There were countless meetings to ensure we were working in lockstep, and we also had a very productive in-person session at their headquarters in Paris. There, we discussed how JRNI’s RESTful APIs and extensive knowledge about appointment scheduling would play a role in improving their customer experience.
This project has now transferred to our API support team members to prepare for their global launch!
What’s the most rewarding part about working at JRNI?
1. My role. My work involves problem solving and “mental exercise,” which I enjoy. I work with several different teams, so I’m constantly interacting with intelligent people.
2. The people at JRNI. They're very knowledgeable, open to suggestions, and friendly. I've made some great friends here!
What’s your favorite part of the culture at JRNI?
JRNI has great diversity and inclusion initiatives, and it's all about inclusion here. There's a strong effort across the company to ensure that everyone feels part of the team.
JRNI is not one of those places where I get up in the morning and think, “Oh no, I’ve got to go to the office.” There’s a great vibe here, and the people are great too.
What's one thing that people don't know about you?
I’ve been to a garden party with the Queen – I actually went as a plus-one with my mum!
Interested in working alongside Paul and the rest of the JRNI team? Check out our current open roles and #jointheJRNI!
