Collaboration is at the heart of strong customer relationships, helping teams keep information flowing, processes moving and customers supported. In this edition of Voices of Volatus, we introduce Tim Deakin, Internal Sales and Administration Executive based in Staffordshire, England.
Tim has been part of the organization for almost seven and a half years. He began his journey with Aerial Motion Pictures in early 2019 and became part of the Volatus Aerospace team following the company’s acquisition in January 2024. Throughout this period of growth and transformation, Tim has brought valuable experience, continuity and a strong commitment to collaboration, supporting both customers and colleagues across the organization.
In this Q&A, Tim shares more about his role, his career journey and how collaboration has shaped his experience as part of the growing Volatus team in the United Kingdom.
What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
We have a small team here in Staffordshire, but over the past 18 months we’ve become increasingly connected with colleagues across the UK and the wider international Volatus team. It’s been great to become part of something much ‘bigger’ with the international team sharing ideas and opinions from all varying perspectives. I most enjoy collaborative support and trust with my colleagues; it can be a challenging role at times so the mutual guidance helps us all remain at the top of our game.
What is one project or accomplishment at Volatus you are especially proud of?
The expansion project into training for the Emergency Services has been really enjoyable. We’ve now trained over 800 emergency service operators using drones for the police, fire services, search-and-rescue groups and security organizations. I’m also really proud of how we have maintained an almost unheard of 5⭐rating on TrustPilot with over 7,000 reviews. Delivering consistently exceptional customer service requires patience and experience so I work extremely hard to ensure our students have the best possible experience (which thankfully is reflected in their feedback).
What excites you most about the work you do?
Every day is different; I spend a lot of time talking on the telephone to our students about their vision & plans for their new venture so it’s always exciting to hear all the different ways people are using the technology.
What first sparked your interest in aerospace, aviation, drones, autonomy or technology?
Growing up I always had a fascination with technology & understanding how things worked. Being a late 80’s child we were the first generation to utilise computers in school & I quickly became the technology ‘problem solver’ for my social circle. There’s something very therapeutic about finally fixing a bug or issue after a long battle.
When I had the chance to work within the cutting-edge UAV industry I jumped at the opportunity having previously worked for traditional ‘Victorian’ companies established hundreds of years ago.
What skills or experiences have shaped your career the most?
Prior to my current role I worked for many years in international account management which really helped to build my communication skills. Working with clients from all continents requires constant adjustment and awareness of the language and tone used – especially when working on complex projects.
How would you describe the culture at Volatus?
In a word – collaborative. One of Volatus’ greatest strengths is its diverse workforce, in almost every project or task I’ll be speaking with people from 3 or 4 different time zones all working hard to deliver success.
What’s something people may be surprised to learn about you?
For someone who talks ‘drones’ 40+ hours a week with students I very rarely fly! I have a rather severe eye condition that limits long distance vision so flying has never really been a hobby I have taken up. I do have a go with the ‘Mini’ drones when I can but compared to some of my Volatus colleagues my ‘hands on’ flying skills leave a lot to be desired.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
“Never come with a problem, only a solution” is a mantra I follow both professionally and at home (so much so that the kids even repeat it!). An old manager of mine used to have a rule never to go to him with a problem only a solution so whenever I encounter a problem, I immediately try to find an appropriate solution to present helping ensure the issue is fixed ASAP.
Discover more stories from across Volatus Aerospace and meet the people whose expertise, dedication and ideas are helping move our organization forward. Explore more Voices of Volatus employee profiles.
