Q&A with Enzo Brienza
In this installation of our Q&A blog series, we talk to our Sales Manager, Enzo Brienza. Enzo talks us through his career path, his love of engaging new prospects and the interesting story behind his family name.
What’s your job role at InterSystems and what does it involve?
I joined InterSystems in May 2019 as Sales Manager for UK Channel Partners. The role really has two parts to it; primarily, I’m responsible for developing existing application partners, implementation partners and system integrator partners. The second part of my role is developing relationships with new partners for InterSystems.
Can you give a brief background of your career prior to InterSystems?
After gaining a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I moved into IT starting off as a Support Engineer before becoming a Sales Manager at Rapid Recall, which is where I first came into contact with InterSystems. I then moved into Marketing and Sales Director and Account Director roles, working alongside partners including Microsoft, HP and IBM and helping to grow revenue from £230 million to £300 million in just 18 months.
What attracted you to the role/business?
I was attracted by the prospect of helping to build InterSystems’ UK channel partners – I have a wealth of experience of working with partners and believe I can add significant value due to this and my understanding of the landscape and channels.
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy engaging with new prospects and sharing propositions, showing them how InterSystems technology can add value to their business and delivering against expectations. It’s great to meet new and existing partners and help them to evolve and develop. I also love working in such a supportive environment with a team of focused and dedicated people.
What is your main motivation in your work life?
I’m motivated by bringing out the best in the people I work with and sharing my learning and experience to bring out the best in them. I find delivering against key objectives and KPIs and helping the business to develop are also real motivators for me.
Why does data matter?
Data is the new horizon for business and corporate users everywhere. It’s so important, especially with the advent of AI and cloud technologies, for example. Businesses that can organise their data efficiently, can scale it and are proficient in this will ultimately lead in their industries. Data is the new frontier – people that get ahead here will be successful.
What’s your biggest frustration in the world of data?
One of the most frustrating things is getting people to appreciate and understand the value of data, the regulations tied to it and the penalties for failing to comply with them. It’s vital people prioritise what they’re doing with their data before they incur penalties. At InterSystems, we see ourselves not only as suppliers but also educators so are working to help people to understand these issues, which can be as rewarding as it is frustrating.
How do you see data and its uses evolving in the future?
There are limitless cases for data and we’re seeing this in the increasing use of voice apps, for example. As the use cases evolve, there will be more requirements for assessing, storing and managing data. We are also seeing an increase in the value of data driven by the use of video technology such as streaming and cloud applications. I believe there are no restrictions on the growth in uses of data.
If you could choose any job in the world, what would you choose?
My dream would be Manager of Chelsea FC – after Frank Lampard, of course.
Tell us something about yourself that your work colleagues wouldn’t know.
My family surname, Brienza has some unusual history, coming from the town of Brienza in Southern Italy. But that’s not all, I’m also descended from royalty as the Duke of Brienza, a naval officer who fought for the British against the Americans in the American Revolution (1775–83), was a distant relative.
