Adam Cree is Chief Revenue Officer at 3EN, which solves business efficiency problems through cloud technology, with the core aim of providing sustainable growth and success for its clients worldwide.
What was your first job?
I started helping my grandfather with brick work during the summer when I was 14. He was a bricky by trade, so insisted on doing all his own work around the house. My first legitimate job was at the local Spar garage, aged 16, where I worked for about three months before signing for the Belfast Giants.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Overall, having the wife and kids that I have been blessed with – I couldn’t have planned that part better if I’d tried! In my professional life though, I would say it’s been keeping the culture and team as great as it is at 3EN, even through the growth we have experienced.
In three words or less, how do you define success?
Balance.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Good listening isn’t planning how I want to respond. This hit me hard and has really shaped how I manage and lead. Thankfully, it has stuck with me and is something I enjoy passing on to others as it really changes how you interact with people and build positive relationships.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
For me, it’s seeing all the businesses that we have helped succeed. It’s a real buzz to see how impactful the work we do is to most organisations, then to see them grow and succeed off the back of that gives me motivation to get up and do it again. For the team, it’s the big picture stuff. Ensuring that the 3EN ethos and mission are clear is something that excites them.
How do you relax?
I love music. I can’t imagine a world or a day without it. I play guitar, and “dabble” on the piano. But at times I just find myself lying down listening to music to unwind – anything from classical to classic rock. Led Zeppelin always comes out on top though!
What’s your motto?
“I can’t” is just an easier way of saying “I won’t”. I don’t always succeed, but I’d hate to look back and realise I never even tried.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
To build a large, sustainable business, with all the perks of a small family business for our staff. This harks back to maintaining that great company culture we have. In my mind, there is no point in growing if we can’t sustain that environment for our team. The two must go hand in hand. With the team we have now though, I believe we can do it!