An Interview with Colm Duffy, National Sales Manager at CPM #IWD21

Colm Duffy, National Sales Manager in our Vodafone Business account, shares his thoughts on what #ChooseToChallenge means to him

1. Tell us about your role within CPM, your career progression and how long you have been working in the company?

I’ve worked with CPM for the last 13 years. I first started in residential field sales and developed a career in management since then. CPM is a company that provides opportunities and has supported me over the years to become the manager I am today. I’ve had the pleasure of working within teams over the years that support women in the workplace and will go out of their way to promote women’s rights. Today, I’m the National Sales Manager on the Vodafone Business account.

2. What is the most challenging thing about your job? What is the most rewarding?

My role as a Manager can be challenging when you deal with so many different types personalities. We are all built different and part of my role is understanding how to support and motivate everyone in their own way. You have to be flexible with people and solution minded giving. The rewards for me are seeing our people develop their careers within CPM and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

3. What does the 2021 International Women’s Day slogan, #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?

In my opinion it means personal responsibility for standing by all my female colleagues in CPM to support them with the challenges they face in the workplace. I also want to challenge more women to join our growing business team as we have a proven record that women in our business have become one of the most successful sales people.

4. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome in your career?

Convincing myself that I can always do more and change my believe that I can actually do IT. These are challenges we all face in some shape or form and for me it was important to encourage myself if I was going to further my career.

5. What are the current challenges for women in your sector?

We want to change the mindset that sales is more male oriented and encourage more women to join sales teams like ours. On the team currently we have 2 women and both ladies are leaders in their own ways. I have worked with them both for a number of years in CPM. Between them both they have management and trainer experience and are valuable to the success of our team.

6. Which woman do you admire the most?

My Wife, Laura is from Spain and moved to Ireland almost 20 years ago. I admire her the most because she is successful professionally in her job. I look to her for advice and can always count on her. One truth I think is never said enough for many women who are mothers that work full time and do incredible job balancing their family life and work together. We have seen the impact that Covid has had on us all, but my wife and like many other mothers who have had to work and balance their family have taking the lead at home and supported their families in ways that should be more recognised. I feel like Laura is one of those incredible women.

7. What action or decision have you taken that you are most proud of?

One action I’m proud of is always asking myself: what is the right thing to do? I think if you can ask yourself that question and commit to doing the right thing, which is not an easy path sometimes, but it will stand to you and the people around you.

8. What advice could you give to young women on how they can #ChooseToChallenge in their workplace?

Pursue your goals with confidence and without fear of speaking up against discrimination.

9. What is the best advice you have received to help you progress on your career?

Building strong relationships with your colleagues and clients. This is something I want to better myself with. Sometimes it requires you having to take to first step in situations to build those relationships. These types of relationships can build teams and empower us all to do better for each other.