From the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to the sunlit shores of Sydney, Darren Noche’s journey to Convera has been as dynamic as his approach to sales. Darren brings a unique blend of financial acumen, global experience, and relentless drive to his role as a Senior Partnerships Manager, qualities that have made him a standout contributor to Convera’s growth in the APAC region.
A global journey fueled by curiosity
Darren’s professional story began in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, pursuing the profession for a few years before finding his calling in Sales. After a brief stint in the U.S., he and his wife settled in Cape Town for over a decade where he worked at a remittance company before making the leap to Australia and Convera.
“We arrived in Sydney not quite prepared for how culturally different life would be here,” Darren recalls. “I needed something familiar to help anchor me, and the chance to work at Convera, which had only recently been born from the acquisition of Western Union Business Solutions, felt like a great fit.”
Convera gave Darren the opportunity to make use of the skills and knowledge he’d accumulated working in the remittance space, but it was the people that sealed the deal for him. “My interview experience left a lasting impression. I sensed that the people here would be the real drawcard, and three years later it’s clear that I was right.”
The art and science of partnerships
As a senior partnerships manager, Darren’s role is about building and nurturing relationships. He partners with organizations that refer clients to Convera, ensuring those leads are qualified and guided through the sales process.
“A typical day starts with the numbers,” he says. “I check performance, review and maintain pipeline hygiene in Salesforce, prospect for new opportunities, and make sure my calendar is packed. An empty calendar is a surefire way to failure in sales.”
He’s also a firm believer in staying sharp, in a role that involves lots of making conversation with people. “I read the news every morning, especially the currency markets, to stay informed and help with my CPD hours. You never know when a nugget of news will spark a great conversation with a client.”
So far in his Convera journey, one of Darren’s proudest achievements has been the design and implementation of a third-party settlement model for non-bank lenders.
“This partner needed assurance that their funds are settling with us for payment to overseas suppliers and not being used for any other purpose. It was a complex challenge that required cross-functional collaboration and multiple consultations with the partner, but we got it done. It’s a model that’s now been rolled out to multiple partners.” Darren explains.
Sales with soul
For Darren, his role is about far more than transactions. It’s about trust and his approach to sales is refreshingly human. “You need resilience,” he says. “Sales is a full-contact sport. You’re going to hear the word ‘no’ a lot, and you can’t take it personally.”
When asked about the skills required to succeed in his role, Darren swears by the ‘persistence over pester’ model. “There’s a fine line between being determined and being annoying. You’ve got to be able to read the room and have the EQ to know when to push and when to pause.”
And while a sense of humor isn’t commonly listed as a sales skill, Darren says it’s a crucial part of his success. “Sales can be a real emotional rollercoaster; you’ve got to be able laugh your way through the tough days. It keeps you grounded.”
Beyond the desk: An ironman with iron skillets
Outside of work, Darren is a man of many passions. He’s completed a full Ironman and several Half Ironmans, which speaks volumes about his discipline and drive. “I’m a keen runner, swimmer, and cyclist,” he says. “There’s something about pushing your limits that’s addictive.”
“I also consider myself a self-taught home chef. Cooking is a creative outlet that I love sharing with friends and family, bringing people together for good food and a few laughs.”
And yes, he still keeps his Chartered Accountant credentials up to date, because why not?
A culture that fuels success
When asked what he appreciates most about working at Convera, Darren doesn’t hesitate: “The people. I’ve never worked at a company with such a great mix of individuals. Every win feels like a win for the whole team, and everyone is approachable, no matter their title.”
He also appreciates the company’s scale and market presence, in competitive industry with lots of players. “Convera has the size, the backing, and the experience to really deliver,” he says. “That gives me confidence when I’m talking to clients.”
And with Convera continuing to invest in systems, structures, and innovation he is optimistic about the future. “The changes we’re seeing now are laying the foundation for long-term success. It’s not always easy, but it’s exciting to be part of a company that’s evolving and growing,” he says.
As Darren continues to build partnerships and drive value for clients, his story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Whether he’s closing deals, designing new settlement models, or crossing finish lines, Darren brings his all and Convera is stronger for it.
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