Q: So, Russell, what inspired you to start Cleartec? What was the problem you saw in the market, and the opportunity to do things differently?
A: Good question. Being in sales and in the tech and hardware space for over 20 years, and dealing with people, the one thing that stood out, and the gap I saw in the market, is that too many businesses are trying to sell at people, rather than actually listening to what their challenges are. This is the feedback we were getting from everyone. Too many flashy demonstrations and sales pitches. Not enough people listening.
Cleartec is on the side of the client. Listening, understanding, guiding, and doing what’s best for them. Connecting them with the right solution by getting them signed directly with a vendor who can help. So it was this shift for me, from starting and selling in hardware to a more consultative technology approach.
Q: And if you had to describe the original idea behind Cleartec in one sentence, what would it be?
A: I would say it’s to be that trusted, transparent technology partner that people can go to.
Q: Trust is so important, isn’t it? So then, what would you say makes Cleartec different from other tech?
A: It always comes back to that concept that I don’t have anything to sell the client. We are very authentic in our approach. We are very agnostic. What we say is what we do. We’re not a reseller. We’re not a managed service provider. But we can point people in the right direction and be that genuine support for our clients in that space.
Q: Speaking of clients, what’s the biggest problem you’re solving for clients at the moment?
A: There’s a lot of conversations around people-driven processes in businesses rather than automated, efficient processes that provide visibility across the whole business. Can operations still run if one person steps away? And of course, there’s also a big upturn in conversations around AI. For me, we have to start with the problem in businesses; we don’t start with the technology. That’s really key for us. Not enough people are understanding the challenge before diagnosing what they need.
Q: How would you say that Cleartec’s approach has evolved since day one, if it has?
A: Of course. In the beginning, we thought that white-labelling was the way to go when we started the business. But I soon found that that can have its own issues. It’s a lot clearer if people understand who everyone is in the situation; what Cleartec’s role is, what the vendor’s role is. When you’re white-labelling, it can tip into spinning too many plates, and even appearing to be something you’re not. Simplicity is absolutely key for us.
Q: What kind of trends are you seeing in the industry at the moment? Of course, we know that AI is big, but are there any other technology trends that excite you, and why?
A: The AI and automation side is massive at the moment; it’s key, it’s a buzzword, everyone wants to know about it. A lot of people are wanting to get it into their businesses and, again, I think it’s the approach to it which is key. It’s about understanding those use cases within businesses, being able to demonstrate proof of value, and actually showing people the power of something before they roll it out.
Aside from that, cybersecurity is always going to be a real key point. I think it’s really important for businesses to have regular assessments, checking in on where they’re currently at, where the gaps are, and what they should be doing.
Q: With cybersecurity, how would someone do that? Could they get in touch with you and ask you to double-check a few of their processes, something like that?
A: We work with trusted vendors who would provide a detailed analysis of their estate. That’s the approach with Cleartec. We’ll connect clients with the right vendors to help them achieve what they need to achieve. Often, you’ve got CEOs and managing directors who know that something needs to be executed, but they’re not tech experts; they need to be guided. If you can provide people with clear information about what’s needed, then they are willing to get on board.
Q: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice when you were starting the business, what would it be?
A: Back yourself. And only take advice from those that you’d actually want to take advice from. There are a lot of people with opinions out there. Listen to all of them, and you’re never going to go far. I also think that forging on with a business can be a lonely place, but it’s also made me stand on my own two feet. And when the chips are down, you know you can rely on yourself to bounce back. So always back yourself, that’s for sure.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not thinking about technology?
A: I really enjoy music. I do a bit of DJing. And then spending time with the kids and my wife, and managing my daughter’s football team. A pretty typical bloke, really!
Q: Is there a goal for Cleartec that you’re most excited to pursue at the moment?
A: Looking long-term, I’d say it’s bringing the right people into the business now to help grow the brand.
Q: And a last question, what would you say is your vision for Cleartec over the next five years?
A: We want to disrupt a little bit. We’re coming up on six years of the business now, and as with any business, we’ve had our ups and downs, and right now we’re in that growth phase, and we’ve got the momentum to disrupt the marketplace. I believe there’s a huge gap in the market for Cleartec, so I’m committed.