Sean Royce- Episode 3

On today’s episode of The Route to Networking podcast we are joined by our host Head of RF and IP Louis Parratt and special guest Sean Royce, CEO of Quickline Communications. During this episode they dive into Sean’s three-decade-long career in telecommunications, the valuable insights he’s picked up along the way, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. With a wealth of experience, Sean is a leader known for his strategic vision and commitment to a people-first mentality. 

Sean started as a graduate at KCOM Group PLC (formerly Kingston Communications), where over thirty years he ascended to the position of Managing Director, leading on many industry firsts,  before joining Quickline Communications as their CEO on May 21. At the time Sean joined Quickline, the company had just been acquired by Northleaf Capital Partners to transition from a primarily legacy wireless-focused broadband business to one that has a next-generation 5G wireless technology blended with a full fibre capability to create a unique hybrid network model. 

Challenging moments

The COVID-19 lockdown posed a significant challenge for Sean's business, as it did for many others. However, providing an essential service for all during this time put extra scrutiny on his business and his leadership. Not only were KCOM unable to operate normally, but they also had to prioritise the well-being of their customers, the local community and employees. As a company with a long history of giving back to the community, they quickly developed a plan to support their most vulnerable customers. This included waiving data caps for all users, benefiting an estimated 250,000 customers, and offering flexible payment options to anyone struggling financially. Getting engineers into people's homes to fix internet problems and continue installations proved to be the most difficult aspect. However, by explaining the safety measures they were taking and highlighting the importance of staying connected during the pandemic, they were able to reassure the local community that they were providing a key service during this challenging period.

Leadership 

“People don’t work for a business they work for a purpose”. 

Through his leadership experience, Sean has come to understand that people don't get behind a business, but they will rally for a purpose. He calls this the 'flag on the hill,' a guiding principle, or the north star. At Quickline, the mission is clear: connecting communities to a world of possibilities. Connecting the unconnected. By providing reliable internet access, they are truly changing people's lives, and livelihoods, and creating life opportunities. 

His advice 

He advised aspiring individuals aiming to enter the telecommunications sector to fully immerse themselves in the environment. This involves familiarising yourself with industry-specific acronyms, reading relevant books, and acquiring as much knowledge as possible. Being well-informed not only earns recognition but also positions you favourably for future opportunities. Reflecting on his career, he expresses no regrets and emphasises the value of learning from mistakes. Throughout his journey, he found anticipation to be the most powerful asset someone can have. The ability to anticipate future market changes and the needs of investors, peers, customers, and line managers is crucial. Understanding the repercussions of change allows you to navigate challenges proactively and prepare effectively.