CyNam's Community Catch Up

Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability in Tech SMEs

Daisy North Season 1 Episode 6

In this episode of CyNam's Community Catch-Up, we're thrilled to dive into the critical topics of collaboration, emotional intelligence, and adaptability within tech SMEs, with insights from Sarah Bell and Tracey Geoghegan Smith, Founders and Executive Directors of Clarion Insight.

Join us as we explore how these elements are essential for building healthier, more innovative teams focusing on tech SME’s . Sarah and Tracey share their journey in founding Clarion, their approach to fostering strong team dynamics, and the importance of understanding and engaging people to drive sustainable change.

Throughout the discussion, we cover the benefits of collaboration, the role of emotional intelligence in team success, and strategies for thriving in a rapidly changing environment. We also delve into practical examples and insights from Clarion's initiatives, including their Thrive program and a collaborative leadership event that empowered leaders across government departments.

Tune in to learn how fostering these qualities can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance well-being within your team. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation that’s packed with actionable takeaways for leaders and professionals in the tech industry.

Links and Resources:

Sarah’s Bio: Sarah worked as a Systems Engineer for [] years, focusing on the front end of the lifecycle before she founded Clarion with Tracey and David in 2015. During her [] years in the public sector, Sarah was fundamental in delivering many projects; from scope, to design, to making it stick. These projects and outcomes remain foundational to the client's current ways of working.  

Throughout her career Sarah has tried to ensure that everyone gets a fair shot. For Sarah, fairness is a fundamental value; taking care to extend it to herself as well as those around her. She encourages others to do the same, using the analogy, ‘putting your oxygen mask on before helping others'. Sarah is incredibly proud of her part in Clarion, especially now, as she can see the three founders’ original vision materialise.  

Tracey’s Bio:

Tracey began her career as a PA in Eagle Tower, (where Clarion is currently based). Tracey has had a diverse career. She's worked at Industrial Society, Capita, and she launched her own business during maternity leave. Her work in the public sector began at Worcester County Council, before becoming a contractor for Clarion’s current client. Here, she specialised in stakeholder management and business change activities. This is where she crossed paths with Dave and Sarah, leading them to establish Clarion in 2015. 

Colleagues would describe Tracey as chatty, sociable, and someone who gets things done. She thinks that most things can be solved with good communication, and if people talked more the world would be a better place. Tracey places great importance on people. She cherishes thank-you letters from colleagues at the client because it allows her to see how her work is making an impact on individuals.  

Tracey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-geoghegan-smith-a9a06523b/