That oceanic feeling

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was building PCs when I was at university. I would sell them to my friends so this ultimately led me to IT. The man with the bag full of computer parts.

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
Q: What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror?
A: Halloumi.

Should Prince William shave his head?
He is going bald anyway. To be honest, I think it would look better, although I'm not sure he will actually go ahead and do it.

If you had to choose just one leisure activity, would you choose an art or a sport?
This is tough because art is one of my passions and swimming is also a very big part of my life. I used to enjoy swimming when I was younger, and when I was at college I joined a team competing nationally with other colleges in Quebec, where I grew up.

I love to swim in the sea and go to the Mediterranean most summers. You can't do that in the UK as the water is too cold.

What never fails to make you laugh?
It has to be Mr Bean. I've seen every episode and film. I would watch it every day if I could.

What has been your toughest moment at work so far, and how did you resolve the situation?
When you have to lay people off. This is always extremely tough because your decision affects people. I always try to add value where I can, whether it is providing a reference, writing a LinkedIn recommendation or advising them on their next career move.

Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
Audrey Hepburn, Phil Collins, Tony Blair and David Cameron. You can't just invite everyone you like; you need to have someone there who you're not so keen on. You need to be able to engage in good conversation, including topics that make you think. Even if you don't agree.

What would you like to do next weekend?
Have a barbecue. I am determined to beat the weather even if it means having one in the rain.

What will be the most important trend to follow in 2014?
Follow the customer! In a number of industries there is a lack of focus on the customer.

Your closest near-death experience?
I went bungee jumping in South Africa. OK, it might not have been a near-death experience for some people, but to me it definitely felt like one. Never again.

What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?
Enjoy the monkey bars and the slide. I was always pretty good on the monkey bars when I was younger, and with the slide I am too big to sit on one now.

If you were king or queen, what would you do first?
Simple: I would fire the government. Cut out the middleman and let the people rule themselves.

What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
Gravity. Excellent film; a joy to watch. Top production, with passion behind it, plus great dynamics and character relationships. Films that make you think are always good.

How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down?
Meditation always works for me, but I also go swimming as that chills me out.

If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
It would be what I do now, and I would choose this career over and over again. I just love what I do.

Rami Houbby is UK managing director of Nconnect