In the high Flyers spotlight this week is Braj Srigengan, research and development director at B-Secur
What was your first job?
I started as a systems design engineer for Schrader Electronics in Antrim. We made tyre pressure monitoring systems for global car companies. I wrote the requirements for the engineers to implement, and then carry out test drives.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BA in engineering from the University of Cambridge, where I specialised in engineering for the life sciences
What do you attribute your success to?
My wife and my parents have been incredibly supportive, and I've had the privilege of learning from some incredible engineers. One of the things I've learnt from school and university is having a solid foundation when learning new information and making sure the basics are there.
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
A big nerd! I like to think I'm fairly easy going, and I don't like making detailed plans, much to the annoyance of my wife.
Who do you look up to in business?
I've had two key mentors who have been pivotal in getting me to where I am today - Graham Deane, who was the systems manager at Schrader, and Adrian Condon, the CTO at B-Secur. Neither pretend to know all the answers or force you down a path, but rather encourage you to make your own decisions.
How do you get the best out of your team?
I think giving people ownership and trusting them with responsibility is key. It's easy to be motivated when you've got control over what you're doing, and you know your work is having a material impact on the success of the business. Giving people the forum to ask questions and raise concerns is important. You can't always answer them, but I've found most people are understanding when you give them the rationale behind a decision.
If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland what would it be?
We have two great universities and a huge number of innovative companies. I would love to see more recognition of that across the world
Which website or app can you not do without?
Reddit as I like the mix of content.
What was the last book you read?
The Wheel of Time Book 2.
What car do you drive?
A KIA Sportage, it’s been a lovely car to drive!
Tell us something interesting about yourself
My wife and I are big Lord of the Rings fans and my first gift to her when we started dating was a necklace from the films. We’ve also named our two cats after the hobbits Merry and Pippin.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I started playing Dungeons and Dragons over lockdown. I've very lucky to have two great groups with some incredibly creative people.
