Paul Ryken
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand-
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linkedin.com/in/paulryken
Summary
I'm a grandfather, a husband, a practising minimalist, values-oriented, quality over quantity, marathon-running
Kiwi. I choose experiences over material items. I value my friendships and close family. When I travel, I travel light
- only a carry-on bag - even for long trips.
My next role will be for a values-driven organisation. One that truly wants to make a difference in the world, not
just sell their products or services for the financial benefit of shareholders. My skills and extensive experience in
IT product and project management will be utilised, but my strategy and operational knowledge and foresight will
ensure I will truly help grow the organisation.
I offer real-world knowledge gained via the cut-throat corporate world and real-life experiences from being a digital
nomad for the past six years.
Experience
Co-Founder / Chief Operating Officer
Minimalist Journeys
Sep 2016 - Present (6 years 5 months)
As a digital nomad, I have no permanent home base, but work where there is safe, secure and fast
internet access. My role covers not just business operations, but also marketing and information
technology.
We provide simple, tested tools and practical advice that help people live happier, more intentional and
sustainable lives.
Product Manager
Dimension Data
Feb 2015 - Sep 2016 (1 year 8 months)
I was responsible for a number of Dimension Data Australia’s Managed Services. The role covered the
spectrum of product management from new product initiation through product development and ongoing
product lifecycle management. It included both commercial and technical product management, taking
ownership of driving the services through internal and external marketing, the sales process and
ensuring delivery alignment.
I worked closely with a number of areas of the business including Business Units, marketing, sales,
service delivery, finance and legal. In addition, as the representative of the Australian region, I liaised
with the global product manager and my peers in other regions.
I analysed market trends and opportunities for the development and sale of Dimension Data’s
communication services.
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Within the role, I owned:
• Developing service budget and costing models
• Developing effective Go To Market strategies
• Development and maintenance of all product elements including sales and service definition
documentation, delivery procedures and contracts
• Planning and carrying out effective and timely product updates and launches
• Supporting sales teams in initial or complex sales of developed managed services
• Managing and monitoring the financial and market progress of products and portfolios
• Driving action throughout the organisation and building shared accountability across all contributing
functions.
Cloud Services Program Manager
Dimension Data
May 2012 - Jan 2015 (2 years 9 months)
My achievements included:
- Enabling the Australian region to sell, activate and operate new global cloud-based services
- Planning and establishment of cloud services for multiple clients in the region
- Developing the schedules, scopes, and quality plans for the region to sell cloud services where none
existed before
- Managing the development of 700 individual deliverables to support the cloud services
New Business Program - Manager
Dimension Data
Apr 2011 - May 2012 (1 year 2 months)
I was responsible for developing and delivering the planning of concurrent Transition and
Transformation projects for multiple clients within the ITO team. This involved development of the
schedule, scope, budget, and quality plans, using an approach consistent with Dimension Data
methodologies. I ensured that the new business program(s) meet the client’s business objectives and
Dimension Data's business sign-off governance processes.
Transition Program Manager
Dimension Data
Aug 2009 - Apr 2011 (1 year 9 months)
My achievements included:
Developing the ITO transition management framework that transformed Dimension Data from a product
centric organisation to enterprise service centric model.
Developing comprehensive business collateral for the planning of costs, resources, timings,
dependencies and deliveries for transition and transformation projects.
Successfully project-managed implementation of managed services for a significant call centre within
the banking industry
Successfully managed/rescued four red projects that had a high risk of failure
Mentored and managed graduate project managers.
Project Manager
Aug 2008 - Jun 2009 (11 months)
My achievements included:
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Successfully scoping, planning and implementing several million dollar managed services projects
Implementing new PBX and network systems for multi-site locations projects
Managing the delivery of complex projects including the designing, programming and post-cut support
of client solutions on VoIP and TDM Telephony products.
Operations Manager
Regal Information Technology
Aug 2007 - Aug 2008 (1 year 1 month)
My achievements included:
Successfully project managing 15 x Citrix implementations in one year (under budget, on time and to
agreed scope)
Implementing standardised documentation, templates and project management within the first three
months of employment
Implementing Microsoft Gold Certification for the organisation
Providing strategic consulting services in the area of system integration, advanced network
management solutions and application delivery strategies
Developing the 360-degree performance review policies, processes and templates for the business
Program managing multiple projects simultaneously for multiple clients
Line managing 8 Technical Consultants, 3 Service Desk staff, 1 Project Administrator
Managing Director
Global Timing Services Limited
Jan 2004 - May 2007 (3 years 5 months)
My achievements included:
Ran a private company with global shareholders. Implemented a Project Management Office including
the development of templates, processes, systems and KPIs.
Developed many of the key process tools, procedures and standards used by timing companies through
New Zealand and Australia
Developed the requirements, testing and business analysis necessary for our online sports registration
site
Increased sales of EnterOnLine for three years running by 30% annually
Project and programme managed the timing aspects of 500 significant deadline-driven, budget
conscious sports events including four World Championships.
General Manager
Pop Runner Promotions
Mar 1990 - Jan 2004 (13 years 11 months)
Race Director for 1992 and 1993 Citibank Auckland Marathon - an annual sports event with $450,000
budget, 120 accredited media representatives and 3000 athletes from 45 countries.
Implemented and managed timing and results solutions for Life Saving World Championships and
Olympic Games Marathon Test events.
Implemented the first transponder-based timing system into New Zealand and Ironman Triathlon
events.
Planned, built and deployed the IT and results infrastructure (hardware, software and processes) for a
World Championship sports event that required live results to be sent to television broadcaster.
Key note speaker at various event management conferences.
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Soldier
New Zealand Defence Force
Aug 1984 - Mar 1990 (5 years 8 months)
Education
University of Auckland
Graduate Diploma of Business, Information Systems
1999 - 2000
Completed courses in Information Systems Engineering, Information Systems Analysis and Design,
Project Management, Electronic Commerce, Data Security, and Data Communications.
Auckland Grammar School
School Certificate
1979 - 1981
Licenses & Certifications
Certified Product Manager - AIPMM The Association of International Product
Marketing and Management-
Project Management Professional - Project Management Institute
Issued Jul 2008 - Expires Jul-
Certified ScrumMaster - Scrum Alliance
Issued Jul 2014 - Expires Jul-
MCPS: Microsoft Certified Professional - Microsoft
Graduate Diploma in Business (Information Systems) - The University of Auckland
Lean Six Sigma Foundations - University of Technology Sydney
ITIL V3 Foundation - Examination Institute for Information Science
Skills
Product Development • Product Management • ITIL • PMP • Service Delivery • PMO • Program
Management • Change Management • Process Improvement • Integration
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