Los empleados de Sage hacen un resumen de lo que para ellos han sido experiencias extraordinarias en todo este año, desde lo personal a lo profesional, para que podáis ver qué es importante para todo el capital humano de esta empresa.
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Experiencias Extraordinarias
1. Part of Sage Day 2010
lasting impressions
inspiring
experiences
places personal stories
Do something
extraordinary memorable
culture
moments in time
people
customer stories
2. The dictionary definition of extraordinary is ‘very unusual,
special, unexpected or strange’. It is a word that can
have many meanings and is very subjective, as what one
person deems to be normal, another person may think
is extraordinary, as it all depends on their own previous
experiences and expectations.
Bearing this in mind, for something or someone to be
extraordinary, it does not necessarily have to be grand,
unique or something that others could not also achieve.
1
3. extra
ordinary
encompasses the little things that happen every day all
across the world that may not seem special to one person,
but might make a lasting impression on someone else.
2
4. Here at Sage, we want to provide extraordinary
experiences for our customers and our people and to
understand what that actually means to each and every
one of them. For our customers, being extraordinary could
simply be a live person on the end of the phone making a
personal connection with them. For our people, it could be
receiving the right recognition for a job well done by their
colleagues and managers. Or it could be something else
completely different.
3
5. Places Moments
Experiences
People Quotes…
that have all touched people in some way and changed
the way they view the world. Some things are big, others
are small, but all are most definitely extraordinary.
Enjoy reading this booklet, we hope that it inspires you
to think about what extraordinary means to you.
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6. Alison Brooks
Service Development Administrator
Sage Australia
I have a quote at my workstation from Martin Luther King:
“Life’s most urgent question is:
what are you doing for others?”
Also, I had a wonderful uncle
who always responded to a
“How are you?” with a positive
“Great! How are you?” He even
did this when he was dying and
in much pain. In memory of my
uncle, I respond the same way,
and it is good to hear people’s
days improving with the
positiveness; much better than
the usual “Can’t complain”.
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7. Kathleen Pock
Office Manager, on behalf
of the Williamsburg, VA office
Sage North America
Front Row Left to Right: Jill Steward,
Mr. Jefferson, Lisa Jones
Back Row Left to Right: Al Ptasznik, Kathleen Pock,
Bobby Andrade, Jean Phillips
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
operates the world’s largest (301 acres) living
history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia –
the restored 18th-century capital of Britain’s
largest, wealthiest, and most populous
outpost of empire in the New World. This
extraordinary organisation recently selected
Sage Millennium for their donor management
software. Thomas Jefferson (centre), famous
Virginian and former President, is an inspiration
but not an actual member of the Sage
Millennium team.
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8. Peter Hutt
Corporate Development Manager
Sage Ireland
Truly a place to
inspire as well as
Nine miles off the Irish coast lies a small
island group, ‘The Skelligs’. On the largest
an experience out
of this group, ‘Skellig Michael’, in the
7th Century, a group of monks made their
of the ordinary.
home and monastery, a monastery that
was inhabited for over 600 years.
This monastery and island is one of the
most inspiring places on the planet, on a
still summer’s day, 230 metres high among
the rocks, looking back at the coast, you
can see how the monks thought that they
were closer to God.
On other days, with the fog making visibility
impossible, but still hearing the beat of the
waves, the cries of the gulls and the noise
of the puffins there is a sense of being in
another realm entirely.
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9. Eric Mueller
Developer
Sage Germany
Besides my parents
I consider the following people as really extraordinary:
to whom I owe my existence,
Albert Einstein because he managed to unify several
physical effects to a new understanding of space and time.
Lisa Sauermann because she is currently the best pupil
in mathematical competitions in Germany and is one of the really top participants in the
International Mathematical Olympiad.
Johann Sebastian Bach
outstanding and timeless music, which I enjoy very much.
because of his really
Martin Luther because many persecutions could not
stop him and his bible translation has been the first basis for a rather unified written
German language.
Jesus Christ because of his astonishing answers to questions
and reactions to problems and because I owe him very much in my life.
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10. Jesús Martín
Implementation and Support
Sage Spain
My favourite quote:
“It would be
better if we had
not built so
many walls and
so few bridges.”
To encourage collaboration between partners
(building bridges) rather than promote
competition, independence between them
(building walls).
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11. Nicola Kinsella
Internal Trainer and Coach
Sage Ireland
“I’ve learned that people
will forget what you
said, people will forget
what you did, but people
will never forget how
you made them feel.”
I have a quote that has popped up a few
times over the last month or so that I really
believe in, not just in life in general but I
especially believe in it because of the nature
of my role as a trainer here in Sage – it’s not
just about getting the information through
to a person, it’s more so about how you
make them feel when you are conveying
the information and helping them to learn.
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12. Liz Hickok
Director, Human Resources
Sage North America
One of my most extraordinary experiences of the students as they performed during
involved school children in Africa. During a school assembly. The children were thrilled
a Kenyan safari in 2002 with my husband to receive additional supplies and playground
and a group of friends, we visited local equipment and squealed with delight as we
community schools supported by the resort simply blew bubbles into the group.
(www.lewa.org).
While this school building does not compare
It was incredible to see the extremely poor at all with the typical new U.S. schools, it
condition of one particular school and lack definitely is an improvement and provides
of supplies for teachers and students. Yet, more opportunity for the children to learn
it was amazing to see the students’ joy and and improve their future conditions. This
excitement to attend school, even as they whole experience made us realise how
had to walk as far as three miles one-way. very fortunate we and U.S. children are
to have such excellent educational facilities
After our return to the U.S., one of our safari and opportunities.
members involved her company, Pfizer, who
matched funds to build a new school. Upon
our return to Kenya in 2007, we visited the
school again and were delighted to see the
change, the pride of the students and
community, and the excitement and smiles
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13. Rachel Wallace
HR Generalist
Sage North America
“Do at least one
thing every day
that scares you.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Recently I received a birthday card that
had this quote I’ve really taken to heart.
This quote is a great reminder of how easy
it is to become complacent in our daily lives
– and it’s just the encouragement I need to
get out of my comfort zone!
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14. Emma Nixon
SalesLogix Support Analyst
Sage UK
In 2007 we went to Hua Hin in Thailand for
our honeymoon. I had never been to Thailand
before, but the memory will stay with me forever.
It really is the ‘land of smiles’. The people are
warm and friendly, the country is beautiful, and
food is delicious. Sitting on the beach, over
looking the sea watching the sun set was so
peaceful and beautiful. Now I just have to get
my husband to take me back there again!
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15. Debra Larkin
Professional Services & Education Co-ordinator
Sage Australia
In 2003 when my son was 13 and in high This information led to the removal of
school, he complained of not being able my son’s bowel at the age of 14, which
to see the blackboard at school. I took him was a terrible shock, but I am thankful that
to the optometrist to get his eyes checked. an optometrist picked this up early.
The optometrist said there was nothing
wrong with his eyesight but there were What stands out for me during this awful
some marks on the back of the retina that time is the support I received from
he didn’t know what they were and would HandiSoft management and staff.
it be ok if he referred me to a specialist.
I was able to take extra time off work to stay
I took him to the eye specialist, who told me in hospital with my son for a few weeks.
that there was nothing wrong with his sight
but he then started asking questions about The day before I left I was presented with
whether I had bowel cancer in the family, a parcel of things that my work colleagues
apparently the marks on the back of the eyes had put together for me for the stay i.e.
are a sign of hereditary bowel cancer. My son magazines, sample sized toiletries and lollies.
was then referred to the Gastroenterology This gesture was overwhelming and made
department for a colonoscopy which me realise that people genuinely cared about
showed up hundreds of polyps that were me, it changed the way I viewed my life and
pre cancerous. the impact I have on others.
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16. Jennie Han
Senior Accountant
Sage Australia
I have been living in Australia for 15 years. disappointing afterwards is that I did not have
I love this country and I always feel privileged a chance to express my gratitude over the
to live here, not only because of the beautiful phone to some of them because they were
environment but also the many wonderful no longer working in the same position.
people; people who can make a difference
in the lives of others. As a result, my nephew was granted a
permanent visa just 3 months after we lodged
Two years ago, I invited my nephew Jiapeng the application! This meant so much to a
to come to Australia to study in high school young man at his age. We are just ordinary
as an overseas student. He was 16 years old immigrants with few connections. It was the
at the time, and he was playing table tennis enduring support from those many kind
in the Chinese national youth team before he people that ultimately made my nephew’s
came to Australia. Soon, some friends realized dream come true. The immigration office held
his talent and invited him to compete in some a special citizenship ceremony for Jiapeng on
table tennis competitions. He surprised the 29th June 2009 in Canberra. When the
everyone when he started to win regional and immigration officer announced Jiapeng’s
national competitions. Then we had a dream citizenship, I could not hold back the tears...
for him to represent Australia in table tennis. That was my extraordinary and
My nephew had never thought to immigrate unforgettable moment; a moment and
since it is very difficult to meet the criteria to experience that I shall cherish forever.
qualify for the immigration.
People can really make a difference.
I thought that we might just give it a try to My nephew is now training hard in
lodge a PR application. While I was preparing preparation for the 2010 Table Tennis
the lodgment documents, I became Australian Open Championships in June.
overwhelmed by the generous support from This is one of selections in the lead-up
many people around us. They gave up their to the Australian national team competing
own time and energy to compose and post at the Commonwealth Games to be held
me the recommendation letters. I was so in New Delhi in October this year.
grateful and indeed surprised, as I had never
even met some of these people. What is
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17. Alexandra Ferrero
Marketing
Sage Spain
My favourite quote is Nietzsche’s phrase:
“Everyone thinks
that the principal
thing to the tree
is the fruit, but in
point of fact the
principal thing to
it is the seed.”
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18. Ken Prokopec
Sales Manager – ACT!
Sage Australia
After a particularly painful time in my life, Sure enough our table started talking to the
I decided to head overseas for a little solo people at her table. Turns out she was called
trip with the desire to use the trip as a time Kristy and from Australia. We invited her along
to reflect and find out who I was again. with us that night for some drinks and we
were inseparable. During the conversation,
I was in the great Italian city of Rome and it turns out that she first saw me in the
visiting the Trevi Fountain. They say if you restaurant and decided to also eat there
throw three coins over your shoulder into the as a result. The waiter had intended to sit
fountain and make a wish, it will come true. her elsewhere, but she asked if she could
So when in Rome, do as the Romans do. sit at the table right next to mine.
Feeling lucky, I took a look around at my
surroundings and then I found myself staring Unfortunately, our travel plans were in
at beautiful young lady posing for a photo separate directions and we were only able to
with the fountain in the background. I was meet up that night. I remember heading back
mesmerized. However, this came to a sudden to our hostel and one of my friends teasing
halt, as my travel companions were ready me about Kristy – I responded by saying that
to move on. she was the girl I was going to marry. Thanks
to e-mail we kept in touch and eventually, she
We carried on sightseeing and found a spot came over to Canada to see me.
for lunch down a side street. Out of the corner
of my eye, I spotted that same girl from the After an amazing extended trip to Canada,
fountain. Luckily for me, she was going to eat I ended up moving to Australia. We then got
at the restaurant as well and was seated at engaged in the Greek Islands, got married in
the table next to me. the Yarra Valley and now have 2 beautiful kids
and are building our home in the country just
outside of Melbourne.
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19. Marion Streiss
Sage ERP X3 Consultant
Sage Germany
Travelling is a great pleasure for me. That’s
why I have already seen a lot of nice places.
But the loveliest place I’ve ever seen are the
falls of Iguaçu in Brazil and Argentina. It’s
amazing to see the tonnes of water which run
down the falls. In my opinion, it’s much better
than the Niagara Falls, which are in the middle
of a town. The falls of Iguaçu in Brazil and
Argentina instead are surrounded by pure
nature. You can see a lot of plants, trees,
beautiful birds, colourful butterflies and last
but not least there are no crowds of tourists.
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20. Claudia Temmen
PA to the CEO
Sage Germany
I really like the story of The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).
The story shows that it is great when people use their imagination.
Everything is possible and
sometimes it makes life
easier. Don’t lose your
imagination. It will enrich
your life.
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21. Harsha Kandemulla
Support Consultant
Sage Australia
In January 2010 this year, I went to East Timor We also went to some nearby villages to
with 8 other young people for the three and teach English. I remember teaching them
half weeks, teaching English to young children the alphabet with great joy, as they were very
and organizing prayer meetings. Our first trip innocent. This was the highlight of my trip
was to Ainaro, a five hour drive up the to East Timor. What I noticed most about the
mountains from Deli (the capital). We went students, was their eagerness to learn, they
to a seminary, where boys and girls from ages were so attentive, and they were hanging on
12 to 17 were studying. We spent around a every word that you spoke.
week in Ainaro, teaching English to the junior
and senior boys. We moved on to Eraulu, for about a week,
staying at local houses. I stayed with a family
We would prepare for the lessons during that had ten children, and they were very
the day, and then teach the children in the hospitable. What struck me was the fact that
evening, and night. Preparing and giving the people were very happy. Being a third
teachings was a new experience for me, and world country, they didn’t have much
I found it a bit challenging at first, but after the materially speaking, but one thing they did
first lesson it became easier. We used a lot of have was a great connection with each other;
sign language and pictures in the teachings, and I believe this was one of the main reasons
which worked really well. I recall a memorable contributing to their happiness. Overall I found
lesson; I was teaching the senior boys an this trip to be a very rewarding, inspiring and
English song, and I asked them to sing it very a humbling experience.
loudly with their hearts, and they did; I think
the whole seminary heard them that night.
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22. Sue Worth
Customer Experience Manager
Sage UK
Someone once said to
me that we always regret
the things we don’t do far
more than those we do.
As an indecisive person, this has really helped
me when I’ve had to take a decision and I
must admit, it’s true! As far as I know we only
live once and so you should really go for it
whenever you can. And you can also tag onto
this that its easier to beg forgiveness than ask
permission. Go on – just do it!
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23. Stacey Rogers
Test Technician
Sage UK
Some people will know already of my The origin isn’t all that philosophical (it’s a
passion for this one – I’m not shy about it, once used strap line from a Nike Advert) but
though I haven’t quite got around to getting I feel the meaning I take from it is. It goes
it tattooed just yet! a little like this...
I live my life by the quote: If you want to run a marathon – you train like
a marathon runner not a sprinter. If you want
to be a cyclist – you’d ride a bike, not a horse!
If you want to work in XYZ field, then you do
your research and you ‘train’ to be XYZ. If you
want the big house, the nice car, the 3 kids
and the perfect married life – then there are
things which you’ll need to factor into your
world in order to achieve that dream.
Otherwise it’ll never be anything more than
“Training is simply a dream which you’re living in hope
that one day you’ll achieve, as opposed to
taking the reins and ‘training’ for it.
the opposite What does this mean in terms of Sage? For
me, if we ‘train’ by demonstrating our guiding
principles, leadership standards and delivering
of hoping.” an extraordinary experience, then ultimately
we’ll achieve our vision and be as successful
as we all want to be – if not, then we’re just
living in hope that one day we’ll get there.
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24. Dave Jones
Product Manager
Sage North America
I live in the northeast portion of the USA. Facing this unwelcome predicament,
Winters in this area often include heavy what the Sears representative did next was
snowfalls of 12"-15" (28-30cm). As EXTRAORDINARY. She checked with her
such, owning a snow blower is almost a management and they agreed to replace my
requirement to keep your driveway clear of mid-priced unit with one of their top-of-the-
snow. I also use my snow blower to keep the line units that same day. When what ultimately
driveways of several of my elderly neighbours ended up being over 27” of snow fell I spent
clear. In February 2010, a particularly large over 3 hours working to get my driveway
snowfall of 24"-36" (60-91cm) was predicted. cleared as well as those of 13 of my elderly
neighbours! I sent a note of thanks to the
My snow blower had broken the week before Sears store manager with my thanks for the
and repairing it was going to take several EXTRAORDINARY Customer Experience
weeks. So I went to the local Sears store I had with them.
to purchase a new snow blower. I purchase
a mid-priced snow blower and after getting As a footnote, several weeks ago I needed
it home, I started it up and began clearing to purchase a new vacuum. While I was
some of the snow that had already begun to initially tempted to go to the local discount
accumulate. After just 5 minutes of operation, retailer, I decided to head back to Sears and
the snow blower stopped working. check out their offerings for vacuums. The
competitive pricing, informed sales staff and
I called the Sears store and after speaking to my past experience with Sears were
their technician, we determined the unit was compelling arguments as I made my decision
a total loss. The Sears representative told me on where to buy my vacuum. What was the
that there were no additional units of that outcome? My extraordinary customer
model in stock. She searched other nearby experience with Sears has paid dividends for
stores but the prediction of snow meant they me as well as for this trusted local retailer!
had all sold out. I told the Sears representative
of my concern of not being able to assist my
elderly neighbours.
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25. Klaus Lewalter
Logistics
Sage Germany
“Life is like a box
of chocolates – you
never know what
you’re gonna get.”
(from Forrest Gump)
This is my life motto
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26. Patrick Lange
Telesales Account Manager
Sage Germany
My favourite inspirational quote, from a And since that day I live this quotation.
German Actress and Chansonette called The more kindness I give, the more I get
Georgette Dee, is “Some people think ‘less back. The more service I offer to the
is more’. That’s rather nonsense! Because customer, the more satisfaction they have.
‘more is more’.” The more satisfied customer we have, the
more references we get. The more references
My whole life I heard the phrase “less is we have, the more orders we receive.
more”. My parents told me. My grandparents, As you can see:
aunts and uncles also told me. One day when
I came home feeling really upset because
I got some disappointments at work and also
in private, I heard the song “all of me” by
Georgette Dee on the radio, starting with
the quote named above. And suddenly
I thought: Yes, that’s it! She’s right! More
is definitely more.
MORE
IS
MORE!
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27. Xavi Solà
R&D
Sage Spain
This picture shows an example of a Spanish tradition
in which I participate: Castellers, which happens at
a number of local festivals. This is a perfect example
of what can be achieved with teamwork in a
business that does not concern itself with age, sex,
religion or social class, demonstrating values we
would all like to be more present in our society.
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28. Tania Schulz
Customer Experience
“People may forget
Consultant
what you said, but they
will never forget how
you made them feel.”
Anon
In the Customer Experience Team, we often All the crew on the Liner made the non fare
have to explain what ‘Extraordinary’ is in the paying passengers feel special and did not
workshop we deliver, not an easy one to let them feel any differently from those who
define as this is unique to each person’s own normally pay thousands of pounds for the
experience. l can draw on many moments privilege of staying on the luxury liner. It was
of my own that l could easily categorise as extraordinary because in today’s tough
‘Extraordinary’ but it is always interesting to economic climate to put humanity before
hear what delegates have to say. profit is rare and so wonderful to see.
Mainly this is about service which has been There are actually little moments of
exemplary. For me recently it was the cruise ‘Extraordinary’ through out life, singling
liner Eclipse which ferried stranded passengers one out is harder than l thought, which
to and from Spain during the ‘volcanic ash’ is a positive thing.
drama at no cost to those rescued.
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29. Chris Gotts
Operations Consultant
Sage UK
I believe the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt are Not only that but, in this room there was a
truly extraordinary. These two magnificent statue of Ptah, the god of the underworld and
temples, originally carved out of the mountain his statue always remained in darkness, even
side in the 13th Century were constructed in on these two days.
tribute to the then pharaoh Ramessess II and
his queen Nefertari. However due to rising When the huge move was undertaken in the
water levels they were taken block by block 60’s, the entire site was carefully rebuilt piece
and relocated to a man made hill above the by piece, however regardless of how they tried
Aswan reservoir in the 1960s. to reposition the temples they were unable
to pinpoint the exact positioning for the sun
What makes these so inspiring, is not the to light the rear sanctuary on those two days.
sheer size and beauty of the workmanship The closest they managed was a day later.
but something else even more special,
the engineering. Of course for the pharaoh, this would not
have been good enough so for the architects
Consider what tools and engineering skills and engineers of the time I assume the
were around 800 years ago. However, when inspiration behind it was don’t give up, do or
they were first constructed, the Egyptian die, literally.
architects positioned the axis of the temple
in such a way that on two days in the year, So for me, it’s hard to find a more inspirational
the pharaoh’s birthday and his coronation place. And for anyone who is planning a trip
day, the sun would reach the far sanctuary to Egypt, maybe to Cairo to see the pyramids
and light up his sculpture so that he would or Luxor for the valley of the kings, you really
forever be allowed to take his place next should make the effort to visit these wonderful
to Amun Ra, father of all pharaohs’, king temples just south of Aswan.
of the gods of Egypt.
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30. Javier Mora
Implementation and Support
Sage Spain
In this life everything is earned by demonstrating
every day that you deserve it, but there is nothing
more pleasant than the personal satisfaction for a
job well done. It’s you who wins through your own
effort and dedication. You have to recognise this first
as this helps you to move mountains.
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31. José Antonio de la Cruz
Technical Support
Sage Spain
People that inspire
me are my wife and
daughter, as they
make me able to face
each day as a very
lucky person.
30
32. Hazel Van Der Lith
Group Marketing Manager
Softline, South Africa
I believe that these two quotes are truly extraordinary!
“I learned that courage was not the absence
of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave
man is not he who does not feel afraid, but
he who conquers that fear.”
Nelson Mandela
“What we think,
we become.”
Buddha
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33. Jennifer Gibson
Operations Team Leader
Sage Australia
It was June 2002, I was 22 having just compassion towards the patients. I remember
finished my degree at Dublin City University sitting in the hospital wondering how I could
I headed off on an adventure to the wonderful ever repay them for their utmost care and help
Land Down Under with my four friends. during these tough times.
Having travelled the beautiful Australian
outback for six months we finally settled in It was late August 2005 when I decided I
Sydney and I began working for Timberline would run the Dublin Marathon in a way of
Software Asia Pacific (now Sage Timberline). thanking the wonderful hospital staff who
Everything was perfect, I was sponsored by cared so much. Let me tell you, I am no
Timberline and loving my new life in Sydney. runner and the thought of 42km was a little
frightening. I had just under two months
In April 2004, I received news my father was training and on the 31st October having
ill so without hesitation I returned home not raised over 6000 Euros, I set off on what I can
knowing what lay ahead. Over the next year only explain as ‘hell’ and finished the Dublin
my mother also took ill, so with hospital Marathon in aid of St James Hospital
appointments and treatment dates I resigned Oncology Unit in 6 hours 21mins.
from Timberline and knew I wouldn’t be back
in Australia for a long time. I became full time I remember seeing a t-shirt which on it had
carer for both of them. My parents attended printed “Marathons make you walk downstairs
the oncology unit at St. James Hospital in backwards” and how true was that, I actually
Dublin. The hospital staff, doctors, nurses, slept in the lounge the night I finished.
professors, cleaners were just outstanding!
I was blown away by their care and
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34. Francisco García Fernández
R&D
Sage Spain
My extraordinary moment was when I was That is over 5 years ago and fortunately I am
in the office and found a lump in my throat. now recovered. For me every day is special.
I did not think much of it, but still went to I come to work and try to give everything,
the doctors to have it checked out. They because I’m living on my extra time and
concluded it was harmless but still probably I give thanks that my angel was watching
best to operate. When I was in the operating out for me.
theatre, they discovered the reason behind it
was thyroid cancer. When I woke up the My old boss told me I was a happy man
doctors told me I must have had a guardian because I was always smiling. I believe I have
angel, as they would otherwise have never plenty of reasons to smile or laugh out loud.
found the cancer early enough to treat it..
Life has given me
another chance.
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35. Andrés Martín
Business Services
Sage Spain
The person who inspires me is Jesus Christ.
I believe in his values and his dedication to and
for others. There was talk of him even before birth,
and even today people are still mentioning his
achievements and miracles, millions of people who
follow his doctrine, and try to be good people.
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36. Mike Präg
Senior Product Development Manager
Sage UK
This isn’t probably isn’t a quote as such, but What I personally find extraordinary about
it’s a little note that my best friend from school this country and culture is it’s amazing
had hanging in his parents’ house and which capacity to make me smile. I freely admit to
I’ve always loved. I always say my wrinkles are being a lover of London even though I now
actually laughter lines, so it’s probably why live in the Midlands. Whenever I’m arriving into
I like the note! Waterloo on the train I always remember to sit
on the left hand side so I can glimpse the Tate
gallery through the office blocks and across
the river, down past the Houses of Parliament,
Big Ben and St Thomas’ hospital and finally
arriving alongside the London Eye.
“If your face wants I always walk over the river via the
Hungerford bridge and glance down to
St Paul’s Cathedral whilst looking ahead
to smile, let it, if it to dodge the people of all shapes & sizes
rushing towards me. The countryside is
stunning, as is the coastline, and in the main
doesn’t, make it.” people are friendly and welcoming (Even
those from the South, honest).
I love the cultural diversity and influences from
around the world that make us the country we
are today, which is perhaps unsurprising given
my own English/Irish/German heritage, and I
passionately believe that all of these influences
teach us to be more understanding and
tolerant than more insular countries. We’re not
perfect, but to use a political analogy, we’re
certainly not broken!
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37. Judith Desporte
Internal Communications
Sage France
An extraordinary place is Delphos in Greece. The spirit there
is so strong that you can feel ancient gods around you and begin
to believe and trust. It’s also very peaceful.
One extraordinary moment I treasure is when I walked past
Pierre Hermé while I was eating one of his delicious macaroons.
This is less spiritual but more about the creator and his creation
at the same time.
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38. Tara Caldwell
HR Manager
Sage Australia
In 2006 I was lucky enough to take 6 months were at different placements, from time with
off work. Deciding I needed to do something kids who had recently been displaced (found
useful with my time (besides sunning myself on the streets, or taken from their homes) to
with cocktails in hand) I signed up to spend a camps where underprivileged kids went once
month in a village in Russia volunteering in the a week.
orphanages. I had a lot of self doubts – was
I going to achieve anything from only being Saying good bye to my ‘babies’ was not a
there a month, shouldn’t I be doing this in good day; there were a lot of tears. I taught
Australia, was I mad to head to Russia in the the kids to play peek-a-boo, saw one of
middle of winter? them have his first smile at the age of one,
and taught them to blow kisses and high five.
Dealing with all these issues, I decided it was All things that we teach our babies as a
still a great opportunity for me – after all, I had matter of course. I did crafts with a little boy
the best parents ever, and these kids didn’t that was in a home as his dad has been put
have anyone. My days were spent going to into jail for murder. He had never used
“The Nursery” in the mornings. In a room with scissors before and as I was leaning over him
12 kids aged from about 1-4 years old. I showing him how to use them, he looked up
would take a couple of them outside to play and wrapped his arms around my neck. So
to give them some one on one time they much to give and showed me that kids just
wouldn’t normally get, and then come back to want to be loved.
help out for the lunch feed. The afternoons
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40. Leigh Thompson
CSR Consultant
Sage UK
Crazy as it is, I’ve agreed to do the Coast to (from IS) are my absolute heroes! They’ve
Coast bike ride in aid of Cancer Research UK been there to advise, coach, motivate and
for our Annual Sage Day. A gruelling 135 miles inspire me since the minute I signed up. With
in two days, on a bike, up and down some everything from ‘pearls of wisdom’ of how
really big hills (in fact, I’m sure some of them to cope with the mental challenge of the ride
are mountains), probably in the wind and rain to helping me understand what kit I’ll need
– well, this is England and we’re doing it over during the two days or simply being that quiet
a bank holiday weekend – you all know what voice telling me “Come on Leigh, you can
the weather’s like over bank holiday weekends do it, you know you can do it” as I’m telling
– all to raise money for a great cause. myself “I can’t do this, I can’t do this, what on
earth am I doing?” climbing up an awful hill
So, I’ve bought all the kit, including a new somewhere in the middle of nowhere – all I
bike – my first bike since I was about 14 – know is that it was close to Allenheads.
and I’m ready to go. Well, you’d think I would
be ready to go wouldn’t you? But there’s Anyway, I suppose all I’m trying to say is,
the little question of the training and gettingonce I get to the end of the ride, I know I’m
both physically and mentally ready for the going to feel amazing and like I’ve conquered
challenge ahead. the world but without people like Phil, Andy
and Colin being there to help me believe I can
This is where my Extraordinary People come do it, I’d never even contemplate getting on a
in – thank goodness for the Sage Cycle Club bike, let along doing the Coast to Coast
team and the practice rides they’ve organised. Challenge. How fab are they?
Phil Healey (who works on our IPT team in
Customer Services), Andy Palmer (from our
Shared Services team, soon to move to
Commercial Development) and Colin Edgar
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41. Jeff Piper
Support Technician
Sage UK
Holy Island off the Northumbrian Coast is Holy Island is a beautiful place visited by
such a beautiful place. Lindisfarne Priory, on many thousands every year and many feel
the island, was a centre of Christianity in the the same peace and tranquility of the island.
North East and was home to many of the It is a must visit for those exploring the Ancient
Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert and Kingdom of Northumbria.
Eadfrid and the spirituality and peace remains
from that time.
Whenever I go there I always feel that spiritual
presence and walking round the island which
teems with wildlife is so relaxing.
Whenever I go I always come away with a
feeling of contentment and awe at the lives
of those Saints who trod the land before
me. Who focussed their lives on God and
beauty. I think of the work done to create
the Lindisfarne Gospels and am amazed
at its beauty.
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42. Natalia Zamora
Technical Service
Sage Spain
My favourite quote:
“Loving life through work, is intimate
with the innermost secret of life.
Be glad of life because it gives you
the opportunity to love, work, play
and watch the stars.”
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43. Juana Martin
Technical Services
Sage Spain
A beach near Tarifa, whilst I cannot remember its
name, I do remember seeing kitesurfing for the first
time and thinking this was an amazing sport. It was
extraordinary to be there watching and seeing the
jumps they can perform.
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44. Xavi Toha
R&D
Sage Spain
A poem called The wooden plate.
The message it gives us is
“How you work,
will work with you.”
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45. Charles Pludthura
Marketing Manager
Sage Australia
I once got a booking at El Bulli – regarded by many as the world’s
best restaurant. Open for only 6 months of the year, El Bulli, located
north of Barcelona, only takes 8,000 out of 2,000,000 booking
requests a year. I wrote a sob story in Spanish for my booking
request, explaining that I was willing to come all the way from NZ
if they gave us a reservation.
Surreal is an understatement for this place. I enjoyed the most
extraordinary dinner of a lifetime, experiencing a 30-course
degustation meal right out of the Willy Wonka book of tricks.
I also got to meet and chat with Ferran Adria – El Bulli’s Head Chef,
who gave me and my wife a personal tour of the kitchen and a few
minutes to hobnob with his cooking staff. There were some
seriously mind blowing eating experiences that night – from
popcorn air and melon caviar to chocolate bonbons that changed
flavour with each different bite. As if that wasn’t enough, we also
got to sit at the table next to Hugh Laurie.
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46. Oscar Gil
Technical Support
Sage Spain
People that inspire me are my colleagues
in Sabadell (Barcelona). Each person has a
different quality that sets them apart from the
rest and makes us all learn from everyone.
Everyone has contributed something, both
professionally and personally. It is a singular
team that makes my working day more
pleasant and enjoyable. Actually I can only
give thanks for the almost three years I’ve
been with them as since the first day I was
made to feel welcome. In short, they inspire
me to continue improving every day. To all
those who are and have been a colleague,
thank you very much for being as you are.
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47. Maria José León
Customer Satisfaction
Sage Spain
My favourite quote is:
“When life hands you a thousand
reasons to mourn, prove that
you have a thousand and one
reasons to smile.”
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48. Michael Kunz
Head of Product Marketing Small Business
Sage Switzerland
My school friend Claudio Castagnoli is an inspiration.
In 2004 he won a green card and took the decision
to become a professional wrestler. He moved from
Switzerland to the USA to live his dream and he is
very successful now. He even had a short spot at
the movie “The Wrestler”. His drive and will to live
his dream is an inspiration to me. He does what he
always wanted to do and he is a very happy man!
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49. Piotr Durski
PR Manager
Sage Poland
I receive many different newsletters
throughout a week on various subjects and
usually, I move these emails to one folder
which I then browse at the end of a day.
One day I received a completely new
newsletter – unknown to me before – from a
service I wasn’t subscribed to. It came from
a brand new analyst agency, and it was quite
interesting so I read it there and then. A few
minutes later my phone rang and the person
on the other end knew my name and asked
me if I had liked the newsletter and did I find it
valuable. The person on the phone was fully
aware of my role at Sage and my interests
and responsibilities.
I was stunned how fast I was contacted after
clicking on an email. I didn’t purchase any
reports or research from this agency at that
time, but some time later, when looking after
some specific data, they were my first choice.
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50. Ryan Moore
e-Marketing and Communications Consultant
Sage Australia
I was hiking on Mt. Roland in Tasmania with We chose the cliff face. We lost the path,
my girlfriend, and in our eagerness to get to and were forced to fumble our way down the
the summit and enjoy the views, we’d not mountain in total darkness. We had no idea
prepared very well. We only had the clothes whether the next foothold was 1 foot below
we were wearing, and my camera. We left at us or 100 metres, and I’ve never been so
about 13.00, figuring it would be a four hour scared of heights in all my life. When we finally
round trip, getting us back to base at about reached the tree line, we fumbled our way
18.00. It was the middle of winter and through very dense forest and across a few
snowing, so camping at the summit wasn’t icy streams, and after five hours of incredibly
very tempting. hard yakka, we found the road. We walked for
a kilometre or so and found a ranger’s hut,
The going was much tougher than we and got a lift back to our motorcycle.
thought and the afternoon passed us by.
By the time we reached the summit it was What I think is relevant about this story is that
17.30, which was fantastic for the view but it’s easy to get into tough spots when you’re
we only had half an hour of daylight left! less prepared than you thought you were, and
the “moral of the story” is that when things go
We had three choices — take the long bad you get two choices: give up or suck it in
sloping path up the ridge we’d just climbed and get through it. The other moral of the
for 4½ hours; stay up there in the snow for story is that you shouldn’t be an idiot and go
the night with no protection from the elements climbing mountains in the dark with no lights
or try a “path” on our map that ran down the or equipment. :-)
almost vertical cliff face. A guy had died that
very week in the same area, and Tasmania
can be a fairly dangerous wilderness if you’re
not prepared.
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51. Alan Osrin
Managing Director
Sage Australia
Sometimes it is the simple things that make a difference…
My mother had been visiting from South Africa, and before I knew
it, her trip was over and it was time to take her to the airport. It is
always hard to say good bye to my mum. I love my life in Australia;
it is home and the best country in the world. My children are lucky
to be growing up in such a great country. However, having family
so far away is always a bit sad.
After taking mum to the airport, I had mentioned to a mate that
I was going to clean up some stuff around the house and hire a
trailer. While I was dropping my mum at the airport, my mate not
only arranged the trailer, but picked up the rubbish, and took it to
the dump. When I tried to reimburse him for the hire of the trailer,
he refused.
Immigrating to a new country is always hard, and you tend to rely
on your friends and colleagues more than when you are living in
the same place you have grown up. Friends become extra special
and in fact, friends become your family. I know that if I ever need
anything, that this mate will be there, and to me that is extra
special. It doesn’t take much to make a difference and this really
made my day.
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52. David Grieve
Technical Writer
Sage Australia
Way back in 1990, a colleague and I went
on a lecture tour of Paris, Antwerp and
Munich, preaching the gospel of Distributed
Queue Dual Bus broadband switching.
My family had only been in Australia for a year,
so I was travelling on South African passport,
which made the trip even more stressful
because every country demanded a Visa.
After delayed fights and lost baggage, we
finally got to Paris to present our first class.
Needless to say we were both extremely tired
and nervous. For a moment, I wished that I
had rather taken up plumbing as a career.
The lecture theatre was very nice, and
even had a man in a box at the back who
controlled the sound and dimmed the lights.
When my laser pointer gave up, he ran to
the front to give me another one.
At the end of the session, we sat down to
gather our books together when we were
startled by what sounded like an earthquake.
There must have been about 100 people in
the lecture theatre, and they were all knocking
on their desks. We found out that that was
the way many Europeans showed their
appreciation for a good class.
They were probably just being polite, but it
meant so much to me. All the stress of getting
visas, missing flights, lost baggage and
sleepless nights became worth it.
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53. Günther Strauch
Key Account Manager Sage CRM
Sage Germany
This is how Gypsy Cob horses are described
in their native country of Ireland. Peace,
dignity, honesty and good nature makes this
breed very special. To me they are a source of
power and energy and constantly provide me
with enthusiasm and inspiration for my career.
We breed horses to fulfil a dream and being
able to do this means I really do enjoy my life
with these wonderful animals.
“The jingles of the gypsies
and non sparkling gold.
It shimmers in the sun
and neighs in the dark.”
(Author Unknown)
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54. Jay Taylor
Operations Consultant
Sage Australia
I’ve always been involved with music in one Not long ago I found a submission contest
way or another for much of my life, dabbling for the MTV network – being successful
in music composition and production for would result in having music published
some time, but not really being sure what on one of MTVs series as well as having
to do with it beyond an unpaid hobby a permanent contact in music publishing.
It was a great opportunity to get involved
A year ago I started researching music in the industry and earn some extra money
production for TV, film, wanting to make use from what I love doing.
of my music production knowledge, outside
of my time at Sage. Not having the contacts I submitted a song I had written and a
for TV & Film I did not know where to start. month later I received an email from the
I did find some paid freelance work mostly publisher informing me the song was perfect
for casual video games over the past year, for the show.
but the aim to have works published on
TV & Film was still unfulfilled. I was thrilled, certainly a big milestone in my
goal! The song is to be used in production for
the MTV series and I had the opportunity to
network with the publisher. I definitely gained
a lot out of this experience and hope to build
on it in future!
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55. Joaquim Machado
Sage Portugal
I am a client of Optimus Clix, one of the operators that provide
voice, data and television services in Portugal. Recently I realized
that my landline was not working and called Customer Services to
report the anomaly. Since my landline was not working I had to use
my mobile phone.
Once my call had been answered, the customer service person
asked me why I was calling from a mobile. I told them it was because
my landline wasn’t working! They asked me to hang up the phone so
they could call me back on my mobile, mindful of the cost to me of
speaking to them from a mobile. A few seconds later they called back
and I successfully reported the fault with my landline. A simple but
extraordinary experience from the Optimus Customer Service!
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56. Sérgio Braga
Sage Portugal
I love travelling and I wish I had more time (and money) to do that...
anyway, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know some extraordinary places.
Here are some less obvious suggestions:
Plitvica Lakes, Croatia
no words can describe such natural beauty...
Henley on Thames, England
a charming little town, where I had the pleasure to live and work for 8 months.
The riverside seems to have been taken out of a fairy tale.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
what a surprise it was! it’s lively, young, cool, clean, ..., just go there...
Minas de São Domingos,
Alentejo, Portugal
this is a hidden gem in Portugal. You’ll find a place which seems to have frozen
in time 30 years ago... By this time, maybe it’s not anymore...
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57. Michael Smith
General Manager
Sage Australia
As a child I befriended an old man who lived alone in a makeshift
shack. I had met him on my daily walk to school. He had meagre
possessions and made do with a measly pension that in reality
would not have remotely covered his basics. I’m not sure how he
made up any shortfall in his costs.
One morning he introduced me to his new friend; a scruffy brown
dog. Over the following months he cared for his friend better than
he cared for himself, often going hungry as a result. One day, as I
passed by on my way to school, his shack had been cleared away
and the old man and his dog had vanished. I was only 8 at the time
and was confused as to what might have happened. I never did
see the old man and his scruffy brown dog again, but I had been
taught the value of true generosity from an unlikely teacher.
We all get very involved in the challenge of “making money”, but
seem to be less enthusiastic about our plans to dispose of it, other
than by spending wantonly. What I learnt from that old man was
to question myself as to how many material possessions we really
need, and also whether I have enough resolve to give adequately
to the needy.
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58. Toni van Heerden
Operations Manager
Sage Australia
I competed and finished 2 XPD races. These
are expedition length, 10 day, adventure races
held every 18 months in Australia. Adventure
racing includes navigation, kayaking,
mountain biking, trekking and roping. We
loved these challenges and thoroughly
enjoyed spending time in the beautiful
outdoors. You just keep racing, sleep when
you want, where you want, but you are
continually looking for the next checkpoint.
These are found using topographical maps
and a compass and you basically plot your
course as you work out where all checkpoints
are located. Teams of 4 and you have to be We loved these challenges
within 100m of each other the whole time.
What a blast of a way to spend 10 days!!!! and thoroughly enjoyed
spending time in the
beautiful outdoors.
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59. Jorge Nobre
Sage Portugal
With all of the conversations going on I then decided to be more active, so I bought
about being environmentally friendly, I started a bicycle. I had to sell my beloved BMW
thinking about what I personally could do motorcycle, but it was worth the effort. The
to help save the planet and also make a first day I completed a sluggish 1.5 km trip
difference to my own life. Being a smoker, and finished completely depleted of any kind
the first obvious difference I could make was of stamina. Like an empty battery. Three years
to stop. After being a 30 cigarette per day later I enjoy each of my 125 km bicycle rides
smoker for 20 year, quitting was like a breath every Saturday morning. These rides are
of fresh air. completed in approximately 5 hours. As a
result I have lost 25 kg.
Quitting was excellent, not only for me, but
also my family, my friends, and the environment, I have now rode more than 10,000 km in
as well as giving less tax to the government. total. In just three years I have lost 25 kg,
became a nonsmoker and turned myself into
a sportsman. An extraordinary experience at
the age of 44.
Do you have a bicycle?
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60. Sue Moore
Principal Trainer, Learning Services
Sage North America
I’ve collected inspirational quotes since I was in high school. The
one that currently hangs above my monitor and I see each day is:
“Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.”
It really embodies how I was raised, how I saw my parents act each
and every day and how I try to practice what they lived.
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