Start-Up Speed for Enterprise – A Career in Agile Transformation
Background: Gerald O’Connor hails from Dublin, Ireland, where he graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a major in computer science and a Master of Computer Applications from Dublin City University. His journey took him from the Emerald Isle to the bustling streets of Hong Kong, and along the way, he left his mark on the product development landscape.
Early Career: Before arriving in Hong Kong, Gerald was the software development manager at Wealth Track, a start-up that experienced not one, but two acquisitions: firstly, by the largest company in its UK industry, and then it caught the attention of Applied Systems—the world’s largest software company in the same field. During his tenure, Gerald played a pivotal role in implementing a new business model that fuelled rapid growth.
His focus? Enhancing client experience by involving them in the innovative process of creating software.
Hong Kong Adventures: A few years back, Gerald found himself in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. There, he joined forces with PayMe, HSBC’s mobile payment service. As the user base skyrocketed from zero to 2 million, Gerald led a team in creating the Point of Sale API—an innovation that allowed users to make purchases seamlessly at retail outlets across the city.
Agile Transformation Expertise: With nearly two decades of software development experience under his belt, Gerald now dedicates his career to driving both start-ups and large organisations toward their business goals with start-up speed. He’s not just about code; he’s about putting in place ways of working that generate amazing client experiences and where staff can bring their full selves to work. Gerald has successfully trained, coached, and rolled out OKRs (goal-setting framework) across Asian countries for heavyweights like The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sun Life, and HSBC. Recently, as an Agile Transformation Coach at HSBC, he crafted a goal-setting framework that empowers teams worldwide to achieve greater speed and laser focus—resulting in improved client experiences.
Pursuing an MBA as an Experienced Professional
Why an MBA? Having dipped his toes into various aspects of business and navigated the start-up scene, Gerald realised the need for formal business education. Large enterprises operate differently, and agility is key. Thus, he set his sights on an MBA to deepen his understanding of corporate dynamics.
Choosing the Right Path: When selecting an MBA programme, Gerald had specific criteria. He sought a widely respected institution—one that attracted the best and brightest minds.
Enter the HKU MBA. With its reputation and focus on Asia—an exciting market with boundless growth—it became Gerald’s top choice.
Beyond Graduation: Post-MBA, Gerald plans to leverage the skills he acquires. But he’s not stopping there. Driven by a hunger for knowledge and a desire to stay ahead of industry trends, he intends to return to HKU for elective courses—an alumni perk that keeps the learning flame alive. Gerald eagerly anticipates making a lasting impact in the business world and witnessing the unfolding journeys of his fellow classmates as they ascend in their careers.
