In this ’employee spotlight’ we sit down with Software Director, Nick Brookes who has worked for Velociti Solutions for 20 years.
Undertaking a range of roles from BSOG auditor to concessionary fares consultant, Nick uses his wealth of bus industry knowledge to help shape products and services; staying at the forefront of passenger transport technology.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Challenging, fast-paced and interesting.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are typically spent talking to customers about our products to identify new requirements and ways that we can add value for our clients. I also work closely with our Product Owner and CTO around the development programme and our Service Delivery Manager.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have a black belt in karate – well I did when I was 13 anyway!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Probably Australia – I like the good weather, but my foreign language skills are not up to much!
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Friends – I think we have all missed the opportunity to go for a beer with friends in recent months.
Do you have a favourite book?
Probably more of a guilty pleasure but I always read a John Grisham book when I am on holiday!
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Do you have any hobbies?
I like going to the gym and running. Not so much my hobbies but my children are both very active, so I enjoy watching them take on a range of activities from the side-lines as well.
If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
My son plays the guitar, which looks pretty cool – fortunately for him he has inherited his mother’s musicality not mine, which is non-existent.
Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
I recently watched the Last Dance and played lots of basketball when I was younger – so maybe Michael Jordon at his peak or any professional athlete just to experience what it would be like to be that good for a day!
How do you think the industry will change in 10 years?
The vast majority of vehicles will be zero emission as the investment that our clients have started making in alternative fuel vehicles continues. Autonomous vehicles will still be a little way off, but integrated transport networks in major towns and cities will be the norm.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just started their career?
Work hard and take on the responsibility as it is offered to you and be prepared to learn from both your successes and failures!
Read our Employee Spotlight with BSOG Manager, Sarah Bayliss
