In this month’s team spotlight we sit down with Product Owner in the bus division, Tom Birkin, who has worked here for 5 years, working with clients to optimise the use of technology to solve their operational issues.
How would you describe a typical day in the life of a Product Owner?
There isn’t really a typical day as I have the opportunity to work on a lot of different projects! I get the pleasure of speaking with our customers to discuss their day to day problems and work with them to utilise new technologies to provide solutions that will resolve those issues! It’s an incredibly satisfying feeling to see a product develop from an idea to a finish product. If I had to sum it up I’d say there is a lot of talking, thinking and most importantly, listening!
How does your role contribute to the company’s overall success?
It’s an important role to listen and understand the needs of our customers and to be a step ahead of the competition to provide market leading software solutions that provide insight and solutions to the issues that they are experiencing.
What do you most enjoy about working at EPM/Omni?
My favourite things about working here are the people I work with and the opportunity to leverage my experiences in my previous roles to drive the technology for our customers, whilst also continuing the develop new skills.
What is the biggest achievement of your career here?
Becoming Product Owner – cliché, I know!
As we continue to expand the team, what advice do you have for someone joining the team?
Most importantly, be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help/questions! I’d also encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone.
How do you anticipate the industry may change over the coming years?
There is a lot of government investment going into the industry and I think that, paired with the innovation in technology is driving a big changes. The introduction of multi-Operator Tap-On-Tap-Off ticketing will change the way that we travel and make travel a lot more convenient. There is already a emphasis on EV fleet at the moment and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon but what I’m most excited about is automated vehicles – just not any from SkyNet!
Outside of work, how do you spend your spare time?
Before / during lockdown you’d usually find me at home on my PC but nowadays I try to be a lot more active and outside!
Who is the person who inspires you most?
I’d have to say my parents which feels like a really cheesy answer! If I have to choose one then my Dad. Sorry Mom!
Tell us a random fact about you – the silliest, most daring or spontaneous thing you have ever done you’ve ever done is?
I’m a triplet and I once accidentally ran through a glass door.
