Simone Horncastle, GCX’s Account Director, brings over 25 years of strategic sales experience from the telecom industry to the forefront of innovative network security and retail connectivity. In this feature, Simone explains how returning to the dynamic world of managed services—driven by both industry evolution and her passion—has reshaped her career.

Leveraging GCX’s pioneering GNSX Framework and the emerging Zero Trust SASE approach, she is transforming retail network strategies while building strong, collaborative relationships with key customers. With a direct, “head-on” approach to overcoming challenges and a deep commitment to team spirit, Simone offers valuable insights and advice for professionals looking to excel at GCX.

Could you share some insights into your background and how you came to join GCX?

I have worked in sales in the Telecoms industry for 25 years leading strategic accounts for some of the largest global network companies. In 2018 I was fortunate to take a break from the industry to pursue some personal business opportunities and focus on my young family which I will be forever grateful for the slower pace of life.

However, I had always maintained contacts and continued to stay updated with the industry via media sources and LinkedIn and it was at this time that I noticed that Lorenzo Romano was leading GCX Managed Services.  I had worked with Lorenzo some 15 years ago during our days together at Verizon and was generally motivated by the direction he was leading GCX in.

For this reason, I decided to step back into my “Old Shoes” and accepted a role working directly for Head of Sales Julien Nabet, leading Benelux Sales.

What motivates you in your role at GCX, and how do you maintain your inspiration?

What I found most motivating on my return was the progression of the industry in my absence. It was almost the perfect time to return. “Zero Trust SASE” was fairly new to the industry and GCX was also positioning itself as an innovator with the GNSX Framework.

Not only did GNSX give me a great opportunity to step back into known territory talking about networking but also further upskill and enhance my understanding of the security landscape and take our customers on a journey of learning and discovery.

However, whilst technology has evolved, my key motivation is dealing and working with new people, building relationships, and solving problems. For me, my motivation is to ensure I am constantly meeting and exceeding my customers and prospects’ needs and understanding their business challenges.

GCX is smaller than other organisations I’ve worked for and there is a definite place for entrepreneurial spirit, which suits me down to the ground as “No” is definitely not a word I like to hear. Whilst there are always challenges to overcome there is always scope to create and tailor requirements to my customers’ needs which keeps me in the driving seat.

Is there a specific project or achievement at GCX that you are particularly proud of?

Over my career, I have supported organisations within most industries, however, until GCX I was new to the Retail industry. During the last 12 months, I have been growing and transforming the networks of some of GCX’s key Retail accounts. Whilst managing these accounts I have gained great insight into the nuances and challenges specific to retail which has enabled me to build compelling strategies and opened doors with exciting new logos that will continue to keep me busy and motivated

How do you approach challenges and overcome obstacles in your work?

I think anyone who has worked with me recently would agree, I approach them “Head On”. I like to think I am straight to the point- whether that be good or bad. I’m not afraid to call out issues when I see them, but I always try and think about how to improve and learn from mistakes. Sometimes the best opportunities are “Grown in Chaos” so you should embrace everything with a “Can do” attitude.

What role do your colleagues and team members play in your success at GCX?

I think the main differentiator I have felt at GCX is the genuine “Team Spirit”. The support around has no hierarchy – every opportunity I have given has been met and built around strategy calls that include contacts from all across the business. I have been blown away by the help and willingness of the support within the business from the Executive team to new starters. There is a genuine want to succeed and support each other and there is a true collaborative approach.

Are there any mentors or individuals who have had a significant impact on your career here?

I think in all organisations I have worked within, there is an element of managing up and down but at GCX there is a genuine open dialogue with all of my team members. I could mention a huge list of names but specifically to list mentors:

Jonathan Wright, Head of Product and Operations, has been a great mentor to me. He not only challenges me but always gives great Insight with fantastic industry knowledge whilst giving continuous support on projects and proposals in his own time.   

Paul White is genuinely one of the most switched-on technical brains I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He is always able to break down any idea I bring to him and provide a solution. He has also been a great personal support and advocate and I feel that collaboratively we really complement each other’s skillsets which is invaluable to get things done!

Sushil Patil, our pricing analyst is always available when needed regardless of time and will always meet the brief set and find a way to tailor proposals to meet the customers’ requirements.

Steve Lovegrove, Head of Service Management, always goes above and beyond with both customers and internal support. His attention to detail is invaluable and more recently giving his time and support with new opportunities I’ve been working on, always hitting my deadlines and providing excellent content and information.

How has your role evolved since joining GCX, and how have you grown as a professional?

I feel that my confidence has grown considerably since joining GCX, not only with my industry knowledge but with so many touchpoints to the key areas in our business, it has enabled me to understand the business from the inside out.  Not only am I continuing to manage my existing customers but more recently building a pipeline of new Logo opportunities and splitting my time with leading new opportunities in the UK.

What advice would you offer to new employees or those striving to excel in their careers at GCX?

I would say if you see an opportunity, don’t be afraid to challenge if it can be done as there is always a willingness from those who can make it happen for you. So build your team and lean on your key support.

For more insights into how GCX Managed Services is transforming network security and retail connectivity with innovative solutions like the GNSX Framework and Zero Trust SASE, please visit our website or contact us directly.