Welcome to our latest meet the team blog

Welcome to our latest meet the team blog. Today we introduce Chris Brooks who joined Bedford in May 2021. Chris is a Solution Architect with experience implementing FP&A and S&OP projects within the Insurance, CPG and Telecoms industries. In his spare time, Chris enjoys going to the gym, watching classic films and cooking.

What made you consider joining Bedford?

I was an Anaplan user at a customer and really valued and respected the impact it had on my job, when I came to look for a new challenge, Bedford and Anaplan was an intriguing opportunity. I liked the idea of being able to help others get that same value out of Anaplan, doing that with the leading EMEA Partner for Anaplan was the icing on the cake.

What are you most proud of?

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to guide and mentor colleagues who are at the beginning of their Anaplan journey.

I feel a special kind of reward when I see someone doing and being better and knowing I was a part of that transformation.

What’s your favourite part of working at Bedford?

The people. It sounds cliché but everyone at Bedford is really great, I feel supported in all areas of my job as a Solution Architect and a People Manager.

Describe Bedford in 3 words

Community, Intelligent & Focused.

What’s the company like? How would you describe the team culture?

The team culture is very collaborative & supportive at all levels.

How would you describe a typical day?

My morning will normally start with a daily stand up and any preparation required for the stand up, the rest of the morning will be spent catching up with the build team and reviewing what has been built. Once I’m happy, and everyone has the answers they need I’ll work on items needed for the more complex requirements on the horizon or pick up some of the build. Around all of this I will normally have some face time with the client which could cover a range of topics on the project.

What’s the most important skill that someone will need to succeed in your role?

Outside of the obvious skills I think being able to articulate your vision to others, the better you can articulate the easier it is for stakeholders to input or deliver it.

What is the biggest challenge that someone in this position would face?

Working across multiple engagements at any one time can be a challenge. Making sure you are on top of actions, and you manage time well is pivotal. I have a whiteboard set up to help with tracking of actions and meetings.

What have you learned in the last six months?

There is always something to learn and to never see that as a weakness.

Why do you stay at Bedford?

The daily variety keeps everything fresh and the reward in helping customerss and colleagues is really motivating.

To meet some other members of the Bedford team, click here.