In this edition of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we go down under with Reuben Manning, Managing Consultant at Xperate. Reuben will be leading our exciting expansion into the Australian market. We discuss his goals for the expansion, what motivates him to make this a success, what he is looking forward to most in Australia and more.
Describe your current role and previous experiences.
I joined Xperate in January 2022, and my main role revolves around designing, discussing, and delivering custom development and integration work for our clients. My expertise is particularly tailored to IT Vendors in Legal Tech and Law Firms.
A typical day for me involves diving into API documentation to understand existing capabilities, analysing data structures, consulting with clients about their integration goals, and assessing the feasibility of these goals. I communicate closely with our development team to estimate time and costs, then compile this information into statements of work. During the development phase, I provide ongoing support for domain expertise, offering technical breakdowns and clarifying project objectives. Once a build is complete, I assist or manage the deployment with the client.
One of my unique specialities is conducting niche engagements focused on Microsoft SQL Server and SQL performance. I liaise with client SQL teams, reviewing their servers and custom code to maintain high system performance. I'm proficient with Power BI, building visuals and data models, collating data, constructing views from complex schemas, and creating reports. Additionally, I work closely with our COO, Mark Garnish, evaluating new ideas and determining if Xperate can take on these projects.
Why did you decide to take the challenge of leading Xperate into the Australian market?
The decision to lead Xperate's expansion into the Australian market was an exciting opportunity that aligned perfectly with both my professional ambitions and personal circumstances. Discussions began during our company's half-yearly get-together, shortly after we had expanded into North America. At the time, I was in the middle of a project with an Australian client, which had opened my eyes to the potential in that market.
As we started working with more clients in Australia, CEO Simon Hill and COO Mark Garnish recognised the need to establish a presence there sooner rather than later. They approached me with the idea of leading this expansion, which I was open to explore further. I've always been trusted and loyal to the company, so this felt like a natural progression.
The timing couldn't have been better from a personal standpoint as well. My wife is half Australian, which provided us with a route into the country for a long-term working opportunity. This made the decision not just a career move, but a family adventure.
It's a great opportunity to grow professionally and to be at the forefront of Xperate's international expansion. Of course, taking our two young children (aged 3 and 1) adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the move.
It's a big step, but one that I believe will be rewarding both for myself and for Xperate as we establish our presence in the Australian market.
What are your goals and objectives for Xperate in Australia?
Our primary objective for Xperate in Australia is to replicate the success we've achieved in the UK. We aim to offer the same comprehensive range of services, including development, integration, and other specialised offerings that have made us successful.
A key focus will be on extending our support and expertise to firms already established in Australia. We see great potential in helping these companies enhance their technological capabilities and streamline their operations.
Building a strong customer base is crucial to our strategy. We'll be actively engaging with potential clients, introducing them to Xperate, and demonstrating how our expertise can add value to their businesses.
One of our unique selling points is Xperate's global presence. We plan to leverage our resources in India, the UK, and North America to support our Australian clients on various projects. This global network allows us to offer round-the-clock service and tap into a diverse pool of expertise, ensuring we can meet the specific needs of the Australian legal tech market.
Ultimately, our goal is to establish Xperate as a trusted partner in the Australian legal tech landscape, known for our innovative solutions, reliable service, and global perspective. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and confident in our ability to make a significant impact in this new market.
What motivates you to achieve success?
What truly motivates me to make this expansion a success is a combination of personal ambition and professional growth. Throughout my professional journey, I've found myself naturally gravitating towards improving processes, taking on challenging tasks and taking ownership of multifaceted projects. This expansion into Australia presents the perfect opportunity to take leadership and put my expertise and skills to the test.
Leading a major project like this has been a long-standing aspiration of mine. It's a great chance to demonstrate my capabilities, take on substantial responsibility, and really prove myself. I'm excited to make an impact in a new market and leave my own distinctive mark on Xperate's growth.
Successfully spearheading this expansion will not only contribute to Xperate's global footprint but also significantly advance my own career trajectory.
What are you most looking forward to in Australia outside of the office?
I'm incredibly excited about the move to Australia, especially as this is my first time ‘down under’.
One of the aspects I'm most eagerly anticipating is the opportunity to meet my wife's family, who all live in Melbourne. It'll be wonderful to give our children the chance to know their Australian family.
Australia is renowned for its iconic landmarks, and I can't wait to explore them. The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island with its penguin parade, and the Melbourne Zoo are all high on our list of places to visit. We're also planning a trip to Noosa, where my wife's aunt has a holiday home, to experience the beauty of northern Australia.
As someone who loves the outdoors, I believe the Australian lifestyle will suit us perfectly. I'm particularly excited about the sports culture there. I'm an avid tennis player, and I've heard the facilities are excellent. We'll definitely be attending the Australian Open in January, which has always been a dream of mine.
A few years back I picked up Pickleball, which is quite popular in Australia. And of course, I'm looking forward to immersing myself in uniquely Australian sports like Aussie Rules Football.
While some people might worry about the wildlife, particularly the snakes and spiders, I've been reassured that encounters are relatively rare in urban areas like Melbourne. It's all part of the Australian experience, and I'm ready to embrace it!
Connect with Reuben on LinkedIn here.