My Journey...

Welcome to my third blog in the series!

I can hardly believe it’s already been 4 months - filled with learning, collaboration, growth, and… eating… (wait for the picture!!).

I want to share a glimpse into the challenges I'm tackling, and what makes IJYI different.

Building New Relationships...

From the moment I joined, I’ve been struck by the energy and the sense of togetherness of the team at IJYI. They’re not just talented, they’re genuinely passionate about delivering solutions that drive business-value for our clients.

Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, diving into technical challenges, or celebrating success, the sense of collaboration is inspirational.

Image above: me, thinking about which platter of food to start on first…!!

The culture at IJYI is built on trust, innovation and fun (and food!), and that’s been a huge part of my journey. It’s been fantastic to connect with so many driven and inspiring people who have helped me feel right at home.

Tackling the Challenges Head On...

No new role comes without its challenges, and transitioning into a more technical role has required me to learn fast.

Image above: me, “learning fast”… i.e. how to build a bridge out of cardboard that holds 1kg (team building event!!)

One of the biggest lessons has been understanding how to bridge (no pun intended!!) the gap between technical solutions and real-world business value. It is important to make sure we’re not just delivering what a client asks for, but what they truly need.

A major milestone for me was completing and submitting my first tender. It was a steep learning curve, requiring attention to detail, clear communication, and a deep understanding of how IJYI’s expertise could meet the client’s goals. While I’m eagerly waiting for the outcome, I’m proud of the process and confident in the value we’ve presented. Submitting my first tender felt like a true test of my learning and adaptability in this role, and regardless of the outcome, it’s been an invaluable experience

I’ve also focused on re-engaging with opportunities IJYI pursued in the past but didn’t win. Reopening these doors has been rewarding, and it’s clear that our fresh approach and determination are paying off.

IJYI's Successful Event on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

IJYI’s recent event on AI in Ipswich was a true highlight, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore the potential of AI and its growing influence on so many sectors.

The event created a focused opportunity for discussing AI’s role in shaping the future, promoting new and exciting conversations around its applications, challenges, and ethical considerations.

Image above: IJYI’s AI-powered people tracker which monitored people as they entered the event's room (sci-fi music playing in the background)…!!

The event featured a keynote address by Professor Detlef Nauck, an expert in AI, who provided a deep dive into the current state and future possibilities of AI technologies. His talk captivated attendees with cutting-edge insights into how AI is being utilised across industries to solve complex problems, improve efficiencies, and create new opportunities.

In addition to Professor Detlef Nauck’s presentation, Asa Margetts and Ryan Klein delivered an engaging session on AI and deep fakes, examining the impact of AI-generated content on society, security, and the media landscape. The presentation sparked lively discussions on the responsible use of AI and the need for robust approaches to address emerging challenges in digital media.  Other team members Kevin Linsell, Gemma Ingham, Lewis Huxtable and Geoff Sanderson then went on to deliver eye-opening sessions on using AI in the workplace.

Image above: showcasing IJYI’s AI-powered spider-bot at the event's break time!

The event was designed not just to showcase the latest AI advancements but also to encourage networking and collaboration among professionals from diverse fields. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and discuss how AI can be used to drive innovation in their respective organisations. The atmosphere at The Hold venue, with its modern facilities and open space, provided the perfect zone for these inspiring discussions.

Image above: Professor Detlef Nauck’s keynote presentation on AI

Overall, the event demonstrated IJYI’s commitment to advancing knowledge in the AI space and underscored the company’s leadership in helping businesses navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking day, leaving people eager to explore AI’s potential in their own work and industries.

Reimagining our Cyber Security Capability

Our work spans diverse sectors, including education, public safety, and transportation, and every project highlights IJYI’s commitment to innovation and making a difference. One of my early goals is to establish IJYI as the go-to provider for Cyber Security Penetration Testing (amongst other key services, which I will also focus on).

Image above: part of IJYI’s Cyber Security team busy looking for cyber threats

With the rise in cyber security threats and high-profile breaches in the UK, there’s never been a more important time to help organisations protect themselves.

Our expertise in identifying vulnerabilities and protecting data puts us in a strong position to help businesses stay secure in an increasingly digital world. IJYI are industry leaders in this field and if you would like to have a chat about how we can support you, please do get in touch, as we have certified penetration testers.

Growing Business Opportunities

Reflecting on the opportunities I mentioned in my previous blog in the logistics and data analytics sectors, it’s been rewarding to see them progress. While one is still in the early stages, the other has moved closer to a proposal stage, and I’m optimistic about its potential impact.

These experiences have deepened my understanding of how IJYI can deliver real value across industries. Seeing these opportunities progress has not only reaffirmed my confidence in IJYI’s capabilities but also ignited excitement for the potential partnerships in the future.

Networking has continued to be a key part of my journey, and it’s been encouraging to see some of those initial conversations evolve into deeper discussions about potential partnerships. For instance, the people I have met who were keen to explore cyber security solutions have since engaged in follow-ups to understand how our penetration testing services can address their unique challenges.

Head Coach for University of Suffolk Men's Football

One of the most exciting developments in my personal life recently has been taking on the role of Head Coach for the University of Suffolk Students Union Men’s Football Team. I love local community engagement.

Image above: me, as I take on the new role of Head Coach!

This is a responsibility that’s close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be shaping the team’s strategy, encouraging player development, and creating a strong sense of togetherness.

It’s a great way for me to stay connected to my passion for football while helping to mentor the younger generation. The opportunity has helped me further develop leadership and team-building skills, which I know will benefit my professional journey as well.

Christmas Break and Looking Ahead to 2025

As the year drew to a close, I took some time off to enjoy the Christmas break with my family. We had plenty of quality time together, though I’m convinced we could have opened a battery shop given the number of toys and gadgets that needed them! It was a much needed pause to reflect on the year and recharge for the exciting challenges ahead.

After a food-and-drink filled break with family (and a mountain of batteries for all the new toys!), I’m feeling recharged and ready for the exciting challenges ahead.

Wishing everyone a happy and successful 2025! I’m eager to continue this journey with IJYI and see what the year brings. We’ve got a lot of exciting projects lined up, and I’m confident that with the team’s expertise and dedication, we’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.

Connect With Me!

If you're interested in discussing potential collaborations or would like to connect over a coffee to chat about your business, I’d love to hear from you!

Craig Parry,

Business Development Manager
Tel: 01473 558748
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-parry-255397103/