From COBOL Programmer to Global Business Leader: Terry Smagh on the Power of Continuous Learning

Terry Smagh never expected to build a career in IT.

He started out as a COBOL programmer and went on to build a global career spanning different markets, cultures and business environments. At 29, he became the youngest Regional Vice President for Qlik in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, growing the business from one to 300 people over six years.

Today, Terry leads a global business while remaining closely connected to Nanyang Business School (NBS) as an Alumni Advisory Board member, alumni speaker and mentor.

What are your top career achievements?

Growing a business from one person to 300 over six years was a significant milestone. I am also proud to have received multiple awards for business excellence while driving double-digit growth.

Another achievement that stands out was resurrecting a legacy business and turning it around, achieving double-digit EBITDA within 20 months.

What are some fun facts about your career journey?

I never thought I would be in IT. I started as a COBOL programmer, and today I lead a global business.

I have learned more than four local languages to date and am currently working on my fifth.

Travel has also been a big part of my career. I average more than 200 days a year on the road, meeting people across multiple countries, missing flights, and even learning which airports are the best to sleep in!

What are the most valuable lessons you have learned throughout your career?

Learn, unlearn and relearn – never stop.
The business environment is constantly changing. Staying relevant means being willing to learn and challenge what you already know.

Ask the question in real time.
There is no such thing as a silly question. If you do not know, ask.

Accountability and ownership.
You own it, you drive it, you succeed. Taking responsibility and seeing things through is critical.

How has being an NBS alumnus contributed to your career growth?

I have had two postgraduate experiences with NTU, completing an MSc in Knowledge Management and a Nanyang EMBA. Both exposed me to diverse thought leadership, faculty bringing deep industry knowledge, contemporary insights and a hands-on approach to learning.  

The NBS network has also connected me with peers across cultures and industries. These different perspectives, group dynamics and connections have accelerated my learning and broadened my worldview.

I remain actively connected to NBS as an Alumni Advisory Board member, speaker and mentor, as well as an overseas liaison for Europe and Germany. These opportunities allow me to continue learning while giving back to the NBS community.

Mr Terry Smagh (third from left) was one of the speakers at the NTU–TUM alumni networking event
held in Germany on 7 September, where he shared his perspectives on
“Germany and Singapore: AI and the Future of Work”.

What advice would you give to current NBS students and young alumni?

Try. If you do not try, you will not know. Fail fast, but give it 100% effort.

Make informed decisions. Do your research, then execute. There is nothing like practical experience, and there is no proven formula except effort.

And remember: “You either Do or DO.”

Build a sustainable, repeatable career. Rinse, repeat and improve.

How do you balance your professional life with personal interests and commitments?

Learn to compartmentalise.

Have a hobby that genuinely interests you, rather than doing something simply for the sake of it, and be good at it.

In a relationship, find a partner whose objectives, outcomes and aspirations align with yours.

For Terry, the career path may have started unexpectedly, but his approach has remained consistent: stay curious, keep learning and take ownership. It is a mindset that has taken him from COBOL programming to global business leadership, while keeping him connected to the NBS community along the way.