By Business & Finance 
Wisetek CEO Sean Sheehan takes the Business & Finance 60-second challenge.
Q. What was your first job?
I was born into a farm, so from the first time I could wear Wellies there was always something to be done. Farming was not as automated as it is now. Hay had to be saved and the shed had to be cleaned out. We had pigs, hens and vegetables that all had to be tended to seven days a week.
My first real paying job was driving a tractor for a silage contractor. It was tough work and we worked daylight hours and were under pressure to keep moving, so if there was something slowing me down like narrow gateways, I would take the pier out.
Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Working as part of a great team and been able to deliver a global solution. Managing redundant IT equipment is a nuisance for companies and Wisetek manages this service through resale, recycling and refining all the way to precious metals.
This generates financial return while offering the highest level of sustainability.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
As part of our Lean Six Sigma training we were always told: ‘In God we trust; everybody else brings data.’
This highlights the importance of research and having all the facts before making an important decision.
Not to forget the adage ‘Fail to plan – plan to fail’. You have to look to the future and, in particular, your customer strategies and expectations.
Q. If you could step into the shoes of one businessperson for the day, who would it be and why?
Denis O’Brien. I believe he is an incredible businessman.
Denis started in telecommunications and has diverged into many types of business, including news and media and now Topaz energy. I have had the opportunity to meet Denis and found him to be very friendly and courteous.
Q. In three words or less, how do you define success?
Teamwork, network and delivery.
Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I like to have people feel part of a team. I also allow individuals to make decisions through delegation and responsibility. It is important to promote internally where possible.
Q. How do you relax?
Watching the news – especially since Trump was made president.
I’m an avid Munster rugby and Cork GAA fan. I recently moved from playing contact sport to tennis. I enjoy meeting up with the lads for a few pints and the occasional game of golf.
Q. What’s your motto?
Expand your mind; change your world.
Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business?
To excite our customers with our business offerings and continue to improve on these services.
I like to have people feel part of a team. I also allow individuals to make decisions through delegation and responsibility
WISE UP
Sean Sheehan is CEO of Wisetek, a global provider of end-to-end IT asset disposition services operating from bases in Ireland (Cork and Dublin), USA (Massachusetts and Texas) and Thailand (Laem Chabang).
Sean possesses over 24 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, including global corporations EMC and Wang Labs.
An advocate of manufacturing Lean Sigma methodologies, Sean holds a MSc in Professional Practice (Operations Management) and a Diploma in International Selling.
