- As a child what job did you want to have when you grew up?
I wanted to join the Foreign Office and work in Embassies like my dad and travel the world. Instead I’ve found myself working in software for the last 30 years! I now look after the International Business operations (EMEA & APJ) for Progress, so not only get to travel around the world but get the benefit of being back home on a weekend to see my family.
2. If you had one business lesson to share with your younger self what would it be?
Just choosing one is tough. So the first part would be to believe in yourself and don’t doubt your ability to do what is put in front of you. The second part is just taking the difficulties that come at you – things will spoil your plans, people will try and stop you, all you can do is choose how to react. 95% of every situation is your own reaction to it, so have confidence in your choices.
3. Which Internet of Things (IoT) use case has recently fired your imagination?
I think the reality is I am still waiting for it. I really want to see business-to business applications developing faster than they are today. Britain became Great because of the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago. The next industrial revolution is about to happen and whilst IoT is not it, what it will be is an instrumental part of machine-to-machine applications such as predictive maintenance.
4. What lessons have you learned from doing business in other countries or organisations?
Life is one big learning curve … but it helps if you use your ears and your mouth in the right proportions!
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