5 minutes with: John Merle, Business Development Manager - finova Broker CRM

We recently caught up with John Merle, our Business Development Manager for our Broker CRM Solutions. He shares insights into his daily responsibilities, his passion for software, and what motivates him in his work.

Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like?

Apart from saving the world? My typical day involves a combination of acquiring new business and managing accounts. Every day is different, which I find exciting. I talk to potential customers to understand how we can assist them in reaching their objectives, and I ensure that our current customers are maximising the benefits of our services.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

I have always been passionate about software. I love its forward-thinking nature and how it transforms ideas into solutions that help people.

What do you enjoy most about working at finova?

The people are great. I feel like part of a family here and we have some serious talent across the team, so it's inspiring to be in an environment like that it allows you to learn skills from people in different areas of the business.  

Can you share a recent project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?

I'm particularly proud of the recent launch of our enhanced customer portal. This new tool has significantly improved brokers’ client interactions by offering an intuitive, secure platform for seamless collaboration.

How do you stay motivated and productive while working on challenging tasks?

You have to trust yourself. Like most people, I’ve experienced imposter syndrome, but it’s a normal feeling. My senior colleagues give me the trust and confidence to overcome it. Besides, I think it’s about keeping your eyes on the prize and remembering the old Batman quote: ‘The night is darkest just before the dawn.’ What we do wouldn’t be worth it if it wasn’t difficult at some point.

What are some of the key skills you think are important for success in your role?

Being organised, good communication, and negotiation skills are crucial for success.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to relax and unwind?

Spending time with my family and friends. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a few BBQs and outdoor walks, as well as visits to the pub!

What’s one fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?

There’s probably not much they don’t know, to be truthful. But they probably don’t quite realise how much of a legend I truly am. Honestly, it’s impressive.

‍Are you interested in joining finova?  

We have great opportunities across the business. Check out our current role openings on our careers page: https://www.finova.tech/careers