In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Roy Kerley, founder and chief executive of Synergy Learning, the provider of world-class learning technologies services catering to a global customer base.
What was your first job?
My first job, prior to moving into tech, was in intensive fish farming operations. The convergence of science and business that the role offered really appealed to me, and the fact that it allowed me to spend so much time outdoors was a bonus.
What qualifications do you have?
I am a nomadic learner, having studied at Cardiff University, taken MBA courses with the Open Business School and leadership training at Harvard Business School.
What do you attribute your success to?
Much of my success lies in my ability to build winning teams. I enable people to do their best work and create the ideal team environment for them to function and develop. I see my success through the exceptional work of Synergy Learning’s exceptional people.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I’m people-focused and family-centred. I value trust and openness, and I admire when people have interests outside of their careers. Pre-pandemic, I travelled extensively, and when possible, pursued a passion in wildlife photography. I hope to be able to do that again soon.
Who do you look up to in business?
Tony Hsieh, the late-CEO of Zappos, was an incredibly interesting character. He turned stale business models on their heads and made a huge success out of Zappos by challenging the norm and bringing freshness to the way we do business, transforming hierarchical business organisation and building a truly values-lead company with customer experience at the centre.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
Synergy Learning is built on foundational values that prioritise the individual, in our collective effort to be one innovative, passionate, committed, fun team. These values are central to how I work, as I want my team to thrive, both personally and professionally.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
There are significant challenges for anyone hoping to do business effectively and competitively in the European market, given Northern Ireland’s current political situation. Northern Ireland has a unique opportunity to drive forward and excel post Brexit, but it’s tricky at the moment.
What website or app could you not do without?
Asana, for moving tasks out of my head into a system.
What was the last book you read?
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.
What car do you drive?
I currently drive a Range Rover but am switching to an electric car soon. I’m also the proud owner of a beautiful Land Rover Defender called Delilah.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I once played a part in a TV advertisement for American Express alongside the famous flautist James Galway.
What’s your greatest passion outside of work and family?
Natural history and wildlife photography. I’ve had to swap photographing hummingbirds in Panama for birds on Strangford Lough during lockdown, but it’s helped me to see the beauty on our own doorstep.
