By Business & Finance 
Paul Toland is the Head of MX Sales at Samsung Ireland, and holds expertise in the latest trends in mobile technology, Samsung’s innovations in the Irish market, and how consumer needs are evolving in today’s digital-first world. Paul has over 25 years of experience in mobile technology and telecoms sales industry and offers insights on the future of mobile devices, the shifts in consumer behaviour, new technology, and global business trends.
By Rye Baker
What was your first job?
My first job after graduating from college was in the money transfers division of Ulster Bank in College Green in Dublin city, it was a great introduction to the corporate world and gave me a real insight into the dynamics of working in a fast-paced business environment. I was planning to pursue a career in Banking at the time, so I completed my banking exams within the first year.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time in banking I soon realised that I wanted to be in more of a customer facing role, so after 2 years in Ulster Bank I decided to pursue a new opportunity in the PC sales division of Siemens Nixdorf, It was a sales support role to one of the senior Public Sector sales managers whom I subsequently learnt a huge amount from and we are still in contact to this day. It wasn’t long before he gave me the opportunity to manage my own public sector accounts and the rest, as they say, is history. I spent 8 years in Siemens companies, ultimately moving into channel partner sales roles before then joining Samsung Electronics in 2008. Sales really is a career of highs and lows, but it makes you hugely focused on pushing yourself to achieve results and in turn enjoy the well-earned rewards.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
It has to be my family and my two fantastic boys, who have managed to teach me more about sport and stamina, in their 11 years, than I’ve learned in my previous forty!
From a work perspective it was being afforded the opportunity to lead the Samsung MX Ireland sales team in 2021, a fantastic team of high performing salespeople who are committed and focused on achieving the best possible results. I have had the honour of supporting and representing them over the last 4 years. A final noteworthy achievement was partaking in a building project with an Irish charity in Haiti in 2011, following the devastating earthquake the previous year. I was part of a team of 300 volunteers who travelled to Haiti to help build homes for those displaced during the disaster, whilst it was only a small contribution considering the adversity that they faced it was a privilege to be able to help those most in need during a devastating period in their country’s history.
Career-wise, would you do anything differently?
I have no regrets on my actual career path, but I do regret not taking the time to travel and work abroad in my twenties, it’s a great opportunity to experience new cultures and broaden your horizons before settling down to a life with real responsibilities.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is being happy and healthy in your professional and personal lives, for me it’s goes beyond just achieving your goals.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up and keep pursing your goals, despite the many inevitable setbacks that you will face during the course of your career.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I strive to ensure that everybody is enjoying and being sufficiently challenged in their roles in order to enable them to continue to progress in their careers. It’s also hugely important to take the time to regularly recognise the individual contributions of the team and of course celebrate the big wins together.
What is your approach to overcoming challenges?
Staying positive is the most important thing, then break down the problem into manageable parts and ensure you’re clear on the desired solution. The rest should fall into place.
How do you relax?
I like to spend quality time with my family, and I also hugely enjoy travelling, whether that’s a city break over a weekend or a longer family holiday, I am always looking forward to the next adventure. I equally enjoy a pint of Guinness, when I get the chance.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
To continue to enable people to benefit from the innovation that Samsung consistently brings to the market, whether that be foldable technology, our ever-growing portfolio of connected devices or Galaxy AI across our wider eco-system and ultimately ensure that our Irish customers are getting the most out of their Samsung products.
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Vaunnie McDermott, Managing Director of Connelly Partners
