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A lot of the basics – planning and more planning. It is amazing how so
many people struggle with it. The fun stuff though is the strategy and
architecture.
What was your first job in IT?
Programming a Digital PDP 11/70 on the gilts trading floor of a merchant bank
during the boom of the 1980s. The people varied from East End barrow boys to
those with a first class honours degree in classics, but they all worked
together well and they all tried to give me advice.
How did you get into IT?
I wanted to work in the City as a trader but at my first interview I
was offered a job "with the man in the corner who looks after the computer" to
gain market experience for a year. After a month I was hooked, and after nine
months I felt as if anything was possible.
What are the biggest IT challenges you face?
Getting as much done as I would like. IT still has an astonishing level
of DIY to it. For the same reason I drive an automatic car with automatic lights
and automatic wipers, I want IT to “just work” without the fuss.
Which IT qualifications have proved most useful to you in your
career?
The Itil Managers Certificate. IT is still
a maturing profession and best practice is certainly not ubiquitous. Itil
tackles that with a structure of best practice and a common vocabulary.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing. If you don't maintain a good work/life balance then you can't
step back and have the strategic oversight of your work that you need if you are
to make a real difference in the long term.
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