Meet the Ripplers: Alex Byrne

Meet Alex

Meet Alex Byrne, Account Executive, Mid-Market Sales—one of Rippling’s first UK hires. In just two and a half years, he’s thrived in a hyperscaling environment, helping to shape EMEA expansion while mentoring new hires and representing the company through webinars. Learn about the mindset he takes to build a successful career in a fast-paced environment while also building a family at home.

Driving results

I’m definitely an extrovert. I’m very results-driven and also a pretty easy-going person. For me, being results-driven means striving toward results in work, but also getting the best out of all other aspects of life — family, friends, and everything else you want to accomplish.

I have a daughter now so family is huge for me. Outside of Rippling, the results I care most about are providing for them, being present, and staying ready for whatever curveballs life throws.

That’s what work-life balance looks like for me: when I’m not on the job, I want to make sure I’m fulfilling my life in every other way that I can.

Lessons from rugby

Rugby was a big part of my life—almost 20 years. It’s a pretty physical sport, but at the end of the day it’s all about the team. You can only succeed when 15 players are on the same wavelength, working with each other. That stuck with me. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing others succeed, and that’s carried through into how I work at Rippling. Growth here doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s about being in the right mindset and working well with others to get results.

The same things rugby taught me—teamwork, resilience, putting in the effort for the person next to you—those are the same things that make working at Rippling exciting.

Growing at Rippling

Being one of the first UK hires meant stepping into the unknown, but it’s been one of the best decisions of my career. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve seen firsthand what it’s like to thrive at a hyperscaling company. From speaking to ten people at demos, I’ve had the chance to represent the business through webinars in front of fifty. I’ve been able to help shape how we grow across EMEA and mentor new teammates — one of which I’ve seen get promoted already.

Mentorship has been a way to be exposed to that managerial aspect at Rippling—coaching individuals, training them up, and seeing if that side of leadership suits me. Like I said, I get a lot of joy in helping others win. When you’ve spent time guiding someone and then watch them hit their milestones, it’s a great feeling.

Ready for the ride

What I look forward to most is what’s still ahead. Rippling’s unique ability to operate globally through its EOR (Employer of Record) model gives us a huge edge. It opens doors for revenue growth and creates jobs in new markets. 

To me, EMEA is the region with the most potential outside the US. You’ve got France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands—so many different countries and cultures. When you get that right, the opportunity becomes really attractive. People want to get on that rocketship, and the question becomes: how much further can we go? 

The other side to it is that you've got to make sure you're ready for the ride. I’ve worked in sales for about eight years across different companies, and I’ve never been in such a fast-paced place. You want to be able to come in, give your best, and take advantage of the kind of opportunity you don’t find everywhere.