IN THE SPOTLIGHT – BRIAN CABLE: A Journey of Service, Humor, and Leadership

By Katja Kuivanen, Communications Officer, RSCE

Brian Cable’s professional journey began in the military, where he honed his skills as a telecommunications operator. Transitioning to civilian life, Brian embarked on a career with the United Nations, working with impactful missions across the globe. As Operations Manager at RFTS, his leadership style blends technical expertise with a vibrant sense of humor, fostering teamwork and overcoming day-to-day operational hurdles. As Brian approaches retirement, we contemplate not only professional milestones but also the lasting relationships forged along the way.

Early Beginnings and Military Career

“Brian Cable was a young lad from Dundee, Scotland who moved into international work,” the man before me recalls with a hint of nostalgia as he reclines comfortably in his office chair. For the last five years, Brian has been the Operations Manager at Regional Field Technology Services (RFTS), leading his team with characteristic wit and wisdom.

Brian recounts leaving Scotland at age sixteen to join the military. He credits the army with providing him with formative experiences and a doorway to an international career: “I did a two-year apprenticeship with the army and in 1978 I graduated as a telecommunications engineer, and then my world opened from there. You know, the army is such a wonderful thing for developing people.”

The diverse experiences: “I did everything from sailing, parachuting, orienteering, camping, mountaineering, all that sort of thing”, and extensive travel to far-flung locations, opened his eyes to the possibilities of working internationally.

Transition to Civilian Life and United Nations

From navigating bureaucratic hurdles to braving dangerous situations on the front lines, he learned valuable lessons about teamwork, and the resilience of the human spirit: “I was with MINUSMA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) for 3 years. It was a different mission: very hot and arid, but with a good bunch of guys and a very important mandate. It was a dangerous mission as well – even more so than MONUSCO, but I have a military background which has stood me in good stead.”

Dedication and Innovation at the RSCE

After leaving the military postGulf War in 1991, Brian faced challenges in finding civilian employment until an opportunity arose as a contractor with the United Nations in Bosnia. Tasked with overseeing telecommunications operations in a war-torn region, he embraced the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

Brian’s professional journey continued with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Bosnia, then back to the UK where redundancy led him to opportunities in Kosovo and an eventual return to the UN, but this time in Africa: “I went to Congo in October of 2001. It was not my first time in Africa. I’d actually trained the military in Botswana in the operation of radio equipment. In Congo I worked for MONUSCO (UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) for 15 years, before I was selected to go to Mali.”

From navigating bureaucratic hurdles to braving dangerous situations on the front lines, he learned valuable lessons about teamwork, and the resilience of the human spirit: “I was with MINUSMA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) for 3 years. It was a different mission: very hot and arid, but with a good bunch of guys and a very important mandate. It was a dangerous mission as well – even more so than MONUSCO, but I have a military background which has stood me in good stead.”

Dedication and Innovation at the RSCE

In 2018, Brian embraced a new role as Operations Manager at the Regional Field Technology Services (RFTS) in Entebbe: “I’m no longer a technician. I’m now managing the guys who are doing that,” he acknowledges, embracing the evolution of his role with characteristic humility.

I like to not impose, but rather get my staff into good spirits and good humor as well… Humor is important. It helps disarm people. It helps get them on your side.

Overseeing six crucial units— Video Teleconferencing, Infrastructure, Digital Solutions Centre, Networks and Service, Telecom, and Workshop—Brian and his team ensure failsafe systems and the seamless operation of internet connections, tech support, hardware, storage, and support for UN applications for everyone on the base.

Brian’s tenure has been marked by dedication and innovation in the face of challenges such as COVID-19, budget constraints, the looming downsizing of missions, and the limitations imposed by being in a less developed technological environment—”It’s not [very fast], we’re in Africa, you don’t get very fast internet speeds”. Despite these challenges, the team maintains high service standards, striving to meet Key Performance Indicators in the face of the ever-growing demand for tech support and connectivity solutions.

Brian reminds colleagues to appreciate the critical role of technology and infrastructure: “The only things that will stop you doing your job is if engineering cut the power or if we cut your Internet connection. Then you just can’t do your job,” he muses, illustrating the critical role his team provides in ensuring administrative operations and functionality.

Leadership and Laughter go Hand in Hand

By nurturing staff aspirations, driving collaboration, and implementing initiatives like the famous “Happy Hour”, Brian has done much to foster teamwork and morale. At the heart of his leadership philosophy, however, lies a simple yet profound principle – the importance of humor.

Drawing from his military roots, Brian infuses levity into even the most daunting situations: “I would say that I’m reasonably professional, coming from a military background. The next word I would use to describe myself would be fun, because I think that I have a good sense of humor and I like to not impose, but rather get my staff into good spirits and good humor as well…Humor is important. It helps you disarm people. It helps you get them on your side,” he explains.

Brian’s belief in nurturing both professional excellence and personal well-being has endeared him to colleagues: “The work is not everything and the staff nothing...they’re on the same level. I like to look after my staff, and to get work done at the same time.”

Words of Wisdom

When Brian talks about the standout moments in his career thus far, he doesn’t just focus on work achievements. He makes sure to highlight the meaningful connections he’s made along the way: “The people you meet - that’s what makes the memories, makes the career, makes you, you know, the memorable times that you spend with people. I mean, professionally, yes, I have done lots of things, but they’re not there in the back of my mind.” he muses, reminiscing about shared experiences from the attending 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a stint as Best Man at a friend’s wedding, weekly golf games with buddies, to the camaraderie of old colleagues during his days in Kinshasa.

To end the interview, Brian leaves me with some final words of wisdom: “Always try to improve yourself, always try to do training, to do something, get an experience that brings you on and improves you. Don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. You’ve got to make things happen.”

As he sets his sights on retirement, his legacy continues to inspire.