Through our monthly KORE Connections blog series, we put faces to names and showcase some of the remarkably innovative minds who work daily to bring you groundbreaking IoT solutions. This month, we shine the spotlight on Sally Rutter, KORE's Senior Director of Account Management.
Originally from Gloucestershire, England, Sally has called The Netherlands home for the last 22 years, recently becoming a Dutch citizen. With a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science, Sally brings 15 years of experience in MVNO solutions and IoT, backed by a strong telecommunications background. Sally joined the KORE family in 2018, working in project management and account management roles. Today, she leads our account management team in the EU region, focusing on supporting our installed customer base.
Q: What is a dream you have had ever since you were young?
A: When I was younger, I always dreamt of winning the Wimbledon Women’s Final, I played tennis for years but nowhere near a standard where I would be winning a Grand Slam! When I was really young, I idolised Stefi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini. I used to play at my local tennis club with my friends, but as we got older our lives moved in different directions and consequently, I never got to fulfill my Wimbledon dream. I do, however, still enjoy following the competition.
Q: Are there any skills or hobbies you would like to learn?
A: Having lived in the Netherlands for 22 years, I enjoy going to the flower market on a Saturday in Utrecht where I live. There is such a wide variety of flowers, plants and bulbs. Every season there is something new to enjoy. I love to recreate the impressive displays I see at the flower market in my own green space at home. I would say that a skill I would like to improve on is my knowledge of flora and fauna.
Q: How do you get into work mode? Any routines?
A: Most homes are a hive of activity first thing in the morning, including ours. Once the kids are on their bicycles to school I take Betty our family dog around our local park for a walk. Getting into nature is a moment of relaxation and a time when I can gather my thoughts and get clarity for the day ahead. Once at home, I make a cup of strong English tea with milk (I still cannot get rid of my Britishness) before firing up the laptop to start the working day.
Q: What do you enjoy most about customer engagement, and what have you learned in this line of work?
A: Customer engagement is where I get the most job satisfaction. It is a privilege to be invited to the customer site and be part of their business plans and engage on how KORE can best support by providing a great product or service.
I have learned over the years that every customer engagement is invaluable. You should never miss an opportunity to engage with a customer even during challenging discussions. Customers, in my experience, appreciate you setting the right expectations. Being consistent helps build credibility, which always leads to long-standing relationships. We have customers who have been with KORE for over 15 years. In such a competitive marketplace, this is something that we should all be proud of.
Q: If you could go back and relive one happy memory, what would it be?
A: My happiest memories are always spending time with family and friends. My happiest memories would be a traditional British Christmas. I would be travelling back to the UK to spend Christmas Eve at the pub with friends followed by my Mum’s Christmas dinner on Christmas Day with the extended family. I am lucky; I still get to relive this memory at Christmas time.
Q: What in life brings a smile to your face?
A: In my work life, winning a deal, building strong relationships, watching a customer account grow, customer engagement, adding structure to accounts, adding value to a customer’s business, and working with like-minded colleagues always boosts my mood and puts a smile on my face.
Learn how you can make a difference #AtTheKORE by visiting our careers page.
In a world obsessed with connections, from fast streaming services, to building personal networks, to even connected cities and homes, it is the personal connections that matter the most – that is why we are proud to introduce KORE Connections. This forum is a Q&A series where our thought leaders and innovators can share their perspectives on life, innovations, and business which could help you in building your own connections.