Another Brilliant Bio, with Martin Walters!
Welcome back for another Brilliant Bio!
Today we’re excited to share a little more about our fantastic Technical Account Manager, Martin Walters. From sales to technical engineers, we’re covering all areas of our talented team and providing a little behind the scenes peak into what makes them tick. Enjoy! 👍
Introduction
I grew up a country boy in Warrnambool/Koroit Victoria. I started my work life at the age of 14 in a little IGA supermarket, eventually becoming an assistant store manager. These early experiences laid the foundation for my strong sense of customer service.
Moving on to my education, I attended Ballarat/Fed Uni, where I studied a Bachelor's in Information Technology. During my 4 years there, I was fortunate to secure a placement at IBM, which had a call and data center right on campus. This exposure polished my customer service skills further and developed my technical expertise. Working with user account management and access control for large customers, handling active directory and midrange computing (AS400) systems all added to my skill set.
Post-graduation, I joined IBM as an Associate Project Manager. But instead of starting small as a post-graduate normally would, I was thrown into large transition and transformation projects for IBM clients like BHP and NAB. I had a number of great mentors at IBM. They guided me through various aspects of IT delivery, ranging from documentation writing and procedural transitions to data centre infrastructure deployments.
After my time at IBM, I went into telecommunications, joining Telstra for the first time. I became part of a team tasked with developing and commissioning a new application to recalculate data usage and billing charges. This role exposed me to the application development processes, agile project methodologies, and cyber-security requirements, setting me up for future roles in cyber-security.
My journey brought me back to Telstra a second time, this time through their acquisition of VMtech, where I served as a Technical Project Manager in the Melbourne office. Here, I had the opportunity to work on Network (Cisco), Cyber (Palo Alto Networks) and data center projects. This further enhanced my skills in managing smaller, more agile, and frequent projects. It was during this period that I got to experience the sales and pre-sales components of project delivery, connecting me with numerous professionals, including Murdoch Webster’s Senior Sales Executive Leanne Taylor.
As my journey progressed, I took on a leadership role as a manager at Telstra, leading a team of Project Managers. It was shortly after this that I left Telstra and eventually became a part of the Murdoch Webster team!
What were some significant life experiences that led you to where you are now?
My decision to go to Uni, it 100% changed the course of my life.
Career defining projects at IBM & Telstra. One of these involved being a Project Manager for the first phase of the Wireless and Core Network upgrade at Marvel Stadium, in 2021/2022. Managing the roll out of hundreds of Cisco AP's and network switches.
Working on Leanne's projects (7-Eleven) with the opportunity to build relationships with her and the customers. I got to demonstrate my customer service, even as a Project Manager. I would be up at 3am to solve issues with the project technical team who cared just as much as I did.
Insider Insights
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I went to Uni. I met some amazing people who are lifelong friends to this day! 💯
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(And another time..) I'd be a medieval knight - I don't know why, just a deep feeling I have. ⚔
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Party with friends and family, I would also buy an expensive car! 🎉 🏎
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Spaghetti 🍝
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I don't have to invent one but maybe I'd make it more known & celebrated!
April 12th - Yuri's night to celebrate space exploration when Yuri Gagarin first launched into space. 🚀
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I'm allergic to both but I prefer Dogs 🐕 🤧
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I would be working at SpaceX or NASA helping to launch rockets or further humanity's exploration of space. 🚀
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Working with the great MWTG team and making a difference for our customers! 🥳
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I wanted to grow up, adults always had more fun than kids did!
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I'd be the MC or help run it.. I like to support the team but not be the visible/showcased talent.
Alternatively, something unique that comes to mind is my time as a CFA (Country Fire Authority) volunteer at 19/20 years old. I was fortunate enough to get my Heavy Vehicle Truck licence through the CFA. 🧑🚒
Life at Murdoch Webster
Q: What's your favourite office snack, and how does it fuel your cybersecurity success?
Chocolate! It gives me a sugar rush, I’m not sure it fuels much though. 🍫
Q: What's the most memorable team outing or event you've had at Murdoch Webster?
Our 2022 Christmas Party! 🧑🎄 I got to celebrate with MWTG for the first time, it was even better as 2022 was a transformative year for MWTG. We also have a volunteer day coming up which I'm looking forward to.
Q: How do you think cybersecurity experts will work together with artificial intelligence in the future to tackle cyber threats?
AI will give Cyber experts and organisation managers a greater view of probabilistic risk and should help organisations make decisions. I also think AI is a big risk area for Humanity in general as it'll move too fast for humans to react or intervene. 🤖
Q: Imagine a day in the life of a Murdoch Webster employee 10 years from now. How do you envision it?
Working on great projects to deliver outcomes for customers while continuing to build great relationships with customers, partners and future employees! 🎉
Q: What do you value most about being part of the Murdoch Webster team?
Making a difference for our customers and helping them to achieve their business outcomes. Building relationships with customers, partners, and rest of the MWTG team. I mainly value helping Murdoch Webster to continue expanding!
Q: What's the go-to playlist or song that gets your team in the zone for tackling cybersecurity challenges?
Haha! I use music to relax, not to pump me up. I think the answer you want here is "Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins" 🎵