PJ Byrne, CEO of flexifi Europe
PJ Byrne is Chief Executive Officer of flexifi, a consumer finance company whose parent company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Starting his career as an engineer, he pivoted to the hospitality industry before ending up in financial services where he has demonstrated his entrepreneurial ability, scaling companies in domestic and international marketplaces.
Strategic and driven, when he is not managing the Irish operations for the FlexiGroup, he can be found supporting his local GAA Club or helping out with charity initiatives.
Tell us about your current role and what you like about your career or areas of focus.
I am CEO of flexifi, a consumer finance company providing solutions to retailers through a multichannel offering in-store and online, which helps them increase basket sizes and sell more. This appeals to customers as they get to "buy-now and pay-later" using our products.
We are an Australian-owned company where the business is listed on the stock exchange. We are undergoing significant online growth, notwithstanding the challenges facing bricks and mortar businesses. This is a trend we see continuing, but physical premises will always be in demand for those consumers who like human to human contact.
What inspires you, motivates you, helps you to make each day count?
It differs all the time! Reflecting on the recent challenges with the pandemic I have been blown away by the dedication of my team in turning things around and enabling a succession of retailers to utilise our products which are helping to keep their models sustainable.
Outside of your professional work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love sport, and when I am not in the office, I can be found on the side-lines of a football pitch cheering on my local team.
I also look to support worthy causes which is something that's really important right now given the times we find ourselves in.
When it comes to your life or chosen career is there a phrase, quote or saying that you really like?
Don't leave it until tomorrow, if it can be done today. I like action, momentum and solutions and will always work to close out things even if it means my free time might be compromised.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I'm really proud of the great team I have built up at flexifi. They have demonstrated their unconditional commitment to our business and partners over the years and more crucially throughout Covid-19.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Life has many twists and turns, but things always turn out for the best.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles?
Andrew Abercrombie, the founder of the flexifi Group, is a particular inspiration for me. He brought the company from an idea to a leading brand in Australia.
While our company has made significant inroads in Ireland, it is my ambition to replicate what he has done here and indeed further afield.
What companies, brands or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Any retailers that are embracing online are on the curve because despite their physical premises being temporarily closed over the pandemic, they have a platform that they can sell and transact on which helps retain their customers.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don't be afraid to try something that you believe will and can work. If it doesn't work, learn from it and try again. Never stop trying and always be yourself.
What drives or motivates you each day in a work environment?
I enjoy reaching goals. So, every day I strive to out-perform the targets set for us. Ensuring the team is fully behind what we are doing is a crucial part of that.
The reward for me is the satisfaction in seeing operations running seamlessly, and our partners satisfied with how we help enhance their business.
What are your thoughts on the future of social media?
Our digital team use it to maximum effect, and it really has made a discernible difference to our brand. From a business perspective, I think it is a positive development, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves over time.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I like LinkedIn and am an avid user of it. It's peer to peer social networking and a good reference point for business news stories.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever been a mentor to anyone?
I sure do, and he has been a great support for me as I climbed the ranks over the years. While I don't formally mentor anyone, I always find myself providing advice to people.
How do you network? What is your preferred way to network?
My job is very busy and given flexifi is located across two continents that has its own unique demands in terms of management engagement, so I don't really get a chance to network.
We do, however, have our own continuous engagement with partners, and I like to play a pivotal role in those relationships.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work?
There are no easy paths in life. Keep working, striving and performing, and rewards will ultimately come your way.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience?
Success comes in many guises but ultimately if you can sleep well at night because you're doing a good job that's a really positive indicator.
What skills do you feel have helped you to become successful?
Hard work, commitment and endeavour. There is no substitute.