Ben Wai: Leading Microsoft 365 Collaboration Services at McLaren Automotive
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for business success in today’s fast-paced digital world. As the need for seamless interaction increases, so does the demand for experts to manage the complex systems that facilitate this. Ben Wai, an M365 Collaboration Services Manager at McLaren Automotive Ltd, is at the forefront of such expertise. With over 15 years in the Armed Forces and three years of experience in the automotive industry, Ben has become a key figure in managing Microsoft Teams, Power Platform, and change management strategies. This article dives deep into his career journey, highlighting his skills, achievements, and contributions to digital collaboration at McLaren.
Who is Ben Wai?
Ben Wai is an accomplished Microsoft 365 specialist known for his leadership in managing collaboration tools within McLaren Automotive Ltd. His extensive background, which includes a 15-year career in the Armed Forces, provided him with valuable experience in IT support, network management, and collaborative strategies, which he now leverages at McLaren. He focuses on improving communication platforms like Microsoft Teams and managing cloud-based solutions, helping businesses streamline their internal operations and enhance productivity.
Early Career and Armed Forces Experience
Before stepping into the corporate world, Ben had a distinguished career in the Armed Forces, where he honed his IT support and management skills. He led teams to provide desktop user support, manage IT projects, and implement technological changes across networks. During his time in the military, he was also a SharePoint SME (Subject Matter Expert), designing and managing collaborative systems that improved digital operations for over 1,500 users. His ability to lead and innovate in high-pressure environments set the foundation for his future roles.
Transition to the Corporate Sector
After serving in the Armed Forces, Ben transitioned into the corporate sector, bringing his vast IT and communication systems knowledge. He joined McLaren Automotive in June 2022 as the M365 Collaboration Services Manager. Ben manages the company’s Microsoft 365 ecosystem in this role, ensuring employees at all levels can effectively use tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for enhanced communication and collaboration. His leadership in this area helps McLaren maintain a competitive edge in the automotive industry by fostering a culture of digital innovation.
The Role of an M365 Collaboration Services Manager
As the M365 Collaboration Services Manager at McLaren Automotive Ltd, Ben Wai’sWai oversees Microsoft 365 collaboration tools. This includes managing applications like Microsoft Teams, Power Platform, and SharePoint to ensure employees can work together seamlessly. His responsibilities also include training users, troubleshooting system issues, and implementing governance frameworks to ensure that these tools are efficient and secure.
Microsoft Teams and Power Platform Expertise
Ben’s expertise in Microsoft Teams is particularly notable. He has conducted numerous in-person and online training sessions, helping employees understand how to use the platform to its full potential. His role in managing Power Platform ensures that McLaren employees can create and deploy low-code applications that streamline various business processes. By fostering a collaborative digital environment, Ben has helped McLaren improve its internal communication, which is crucial for an industry as fast-paced as automotive manufacturing.
Change Management and Governance
Beyond the technical aspects, Ben’s role includes significant change management responsibilities. He ensures that new digital tools or processes are implemented smoothly, with minimal disruption to the company’s operations. His governance framework for the Power Platform ensures that applications developed by employees follow a lifecycle that promotes sustainability and security. This level of oversight is critical in ensuring that McLaren can continue to innovate while maintaining high standards of operational excellence.
Certifications and Education
Ben’s commitment to ongoing education and certification is one key to his success. He holds multiple Microsoft certifications, including Microsoft Teams Administrator Associate, Power Platform Fundamentals, and Azure Fundamentals. These certifications testify to his deep understanding of Microsoft’s cloud-based tools and his ability to apply them effectively in a business context.
BSc (Honours) in Environmental Studies
Ben Wai’s educational background includes a BSc (Honours) in Environmental Studies from The Open University. While his degree is in a field seemingly unrelated to IT, it has provided him with a broad perspective on problem-solving and systems thinking. This educational foundation and his technical certifications enable him to approach challenges from multiple angles and develop creative solutions that benefit the entire organization.
Continuous Professional Development
In addition to his formal education, Ben has completed numerous professional development courses, including certifications in Change Management and ITIL Service Management. These certifications demonstrate his commitment to staying at the cutting edge of digital transformation and his ability to manage complex IT infrastructures effectively.
Contributions to McLaren Automotive Ltd
Since joining McLaren Automotive, Ben has significantly contributed to the company’s digital transformation efforts. His management of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem has helped the company improve its internal communication and collaboration capabilities. He has played a vital role in migrating employees from traditional network drives to SharePoint Online, ensuring all staff members understand the benefits of cloud-based collaborative working.
Enhancing Digital Collaboration
Ben Wai’s most impactful contribution has been his ability to enhance digital collaboration across the company. By implementing Microsoft Teams and Power Platform solutions, he has enabled McLaren employees to work more efficiently, whether in the office or remotely. His focus on user education ensures that all employees can make the most of these powerful tools regardless of their technical expertise.
Streamlining Operations with PowerApps
Another notable contribution is Ben Wai’s work with PowerApps, part of the Power Platform suite. He has implemented a governance framework that ensures all PowerApps developed within the company follow best practices for security and lifecycle management. This has allowed McLaren to streamline various business processes, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks and improving overall operational efficiency.
Future Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Digital Transformation
Ben Wai is well-positioned to continue leading digital transformation efforts at McLaren Automotive. The automotive industry increasingly relies on digital tools to remain competitive, and Ben’s expertise in Microsoft 365 will be crucial as McLaren continues to innovate. His ability to manage large-scale collaboration tools and his focus on user education will help the company stay ahead of the curve in an industry where speed and efficiency are paramount.
The Growing Importance of Microsoft 365
As more companies adopt hybrid working models, the importance of Microsoft 365 and its associated tools will grow. Ben’s role in ensuring that McLaren stays at the forefront of this digital shift will be critical in maintaining the company’s competitive edge. By staying ahead of the latest trends in cloud-based collaboration, Ben will continue to provide McLaren with the tools and strategies it needs to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Conclusion
Ben Wai’s journey from the Armed Forces to his current M365 Collaboration Services Manager role at McLaren Automotive is a testament to his expertise, leadership, and commitment to digital transformation. His ability to manage complex collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Power Platform has profoundly impacted McLaren’s internal operations, making the company more efficient and innovative. As businesses continue to embrace digital solutions, professionals like Ben will play an increasingly important role in shaping the corporate world’s future of collaboration and communication.
