Ding Without Borders: Meet Stephen!

'Ding Without Borders' is a series where our team share their experiences of life abroad, and how they stay connected with loved ones back home.

 Like many of our users, a number of our team at Ding also know what it's like to move overseas for work, and the challenges and rewards that come with it!

Meet Stephen 👋 Our Vice President of Business Development in America here at Ding!

Where did you grow up and where are you now living?

I grew up in Portmarnock, in Dublin, Ireland. I live in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, USA

When did you join Ding?

I joined Ding in July 2010

Why did you choose Ding?

Before joining Ding I had always worked in international markets and I had just returned to Dublin (from stints in Northern Ireland and China) so I wanted to keep working in international business. When I joined Ding, there were about 30 employees and we were very much in a Start-up mode, we had a growing network of distributors and mobile operator partners and I wanted to help grow that. There was also an opportunity to join the team in Dubai and I enjoyed 7.5 years growing our business in The Middle East and Africa. There are not many Irish companies that provide this opportunity to do business globally.

If you could help our customers in one way what would it be?

Continue to offer Ding service in as many stores, kiosk, apps as possible, help make Ding accessible to everyone, everywhere.

What challenges did you face moving abroad?

Moving away from family, friends and colleagues is always difficult. My last move from Dubai to New Jersey was difficult as Dubai is an amazing place to live. Thankfully I find it easy to adapt and I feel like New Jersey is now home.

Home is now in New Jersey, however I feel part of me is here in the US and one foot will always be in Ireland.

What do you miss most about home?

My Nephew!

What do you love most about living in the country where you're based currently?

There is a positive energy and outlook here that I have not seen in other countries, even with all the current challenges. Also, cycling along the Jersey Shore is fantastic, you get a great view of the NYC Skyline.

Do you see yourself moving back home?

I stopped asking this question many years ago. I will always have one foot in Ireland, whether that is listening to Irish radio, reading the news, and of course, visiting a few times each year. I think it is possible to have multiple homes.

How do you stay connected with family and friends back home?

Skype and WhatsApp

What do you love most about working at Ding?

The global teams and partners. Also, there has always been a proactive approach to visiting our partners, no matter where they are; there has never been any issue just jumping on a plane. Looking forward to being able to do that again soon.