My Career Journey: Paul Smolyk, Chief of Delivery Operations

Introduction

Q: Paul, you recently stepped into the role of Chief of Delivery Operations after three years as a Chief Customer Officer. Can you give us some insights into this transition and what led to the change?

Originally, Service Delivery had two CCOs handling the same tasks, which meant two people always prioritizing client communication over operations, process optimization, and automation. To streamline our approach, we decided to divide the zones of responsibility and restructure the department into two — Service Delivery and Delivery Operations. 

Service Delivery remains focused on client relationships and team management, while Delivery Operations takes charge of processes, automation, simplification, and cross-department communication. Divide et impera strategy allowed each Chief to focus deeply on their responsibilities rather than juggling everything at once. 

Q: And how do you feel about this change and your new role?

I am beyond excited! This shift finally gives us the time and space to focus on both big-picture processes and the small details that truly enhance our operations. We’ve also introduced a new role to our department — Client Experience Director, who will focus on enhancing client satisfaction, improving service quality, and ensuring smooth communication. I am thrilled to see how Delivery Operations can make a real impact. 

Let’s Reflect

Q: What inspired you to join SupportYourApp, and what were your first impressions?

I spent 13 years at my previous job, working my way up to a managing role. But at some point, growth opportunities stopped, and the logistics industry itself felt stagnant. It started to feel monotonous, and I knew I needed a breath of fresh air. That’s when I was suggested a place at SupportYourApp.

My first impressions? A complete culture shock! The onboarding was amazing, the communication was open, and the atmosphere was friendly and respectful, quite a contrast to the strict and formal world of logistics.

Q: How has your role at SupportYourApp evolved over time?

Initially, I was suggested a role of Affiliate Partnership Manager, even did onboarding and training on one of our projects. However, very soon the company signed one of our key clients, and the project urgently required a Key Account Manager to set everything up. Given my experience with such responsibility, I stepped in and stayed there for two years.

Q: And after two years as a Key Account Manager, you were promoted to Chief Customer Officer, right? How did it feel like?

Many CCO responsibilities aligned with my previous experience, so the role itself wasn’t entirely new to me. However, the challenge was the lack of a structured training process. I had to dive straight into the tasks and learn on the go. Still, I saw opportunities in chaos, embraced the challenge, and pushed even harder to make it work.

Marathoner, Not Sprinter: Career Insights

Q: What skills are needed to join Service Delivery department?

Service Delivery is all about communication with clients, consultants, management, and other departments. So, the most important quality isn’t even a skill but something programmed in a person’s DNA: a genuine love for working and interacting with people. 

Beyond that, we require respect and tolerance for different cultures, along with a strong commitment to inclusivity, since we collaborate with people from different backgrounds. 

Resilience and adaptability are also essential. We’re looking for marathoners, not sprinters: people who focus on long-term impact rather than just quick results or bursts of effort.

Q: What makes the role of a Service Delivery Manager so unique?

Being a Service Delivery Manager at SupportYourApp means overseeing a wide range of responsibilities, much like managing your own business. Alongside other departments, SDMs manage hiring, integrate new clients, ensure retention, implement processes, monitor scheduling, handle legal requests, process invoices, and even sell internal solutions.

Very few companies provide such a broad scope of tasks within a single role. It’s a unique opportunity to gain leadership experience and understand the mechanics of a business from different angles. 

Outside the Office

Q: Now it’s time for a round of personal questions. If you weren’t in this profession, what career would you have pursued and why?

I truly love what I do. But if I had the chance to choose another path, I’d want to combine my passions with business. For example, I love music, so running a guitar production company sounds exciting. Basically, anything that allows me to monetize my hobby would make me absolutely happy.

Q: This sounds exciting! What other hobbies or passions do you have?

Sports and music are a big part of my life. I love playing and watching football, jogging, and playing the guitar. I’m also a huge fan of rock music: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Metallica, Queen, Nirvana, and many more.

Q: And our last, and probably most fun, question: can you share an interesting fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

Oh, I have a story! Before I officially joined the company, I decided to put our Security team and office residents to the test (with the CEO’s approval, of course). Since I already knew some of the management team and had even visited Family Day before, I managed to “trick my way” into the office, casually wandering around, chatting with everyone, and even asking about confidential projects. I somehow made it all the way to the Finance team before anyone started questioning who I was. Let’s just say, when I did join the company for real, Security already knew my face!

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