We should realise how much we have, says Xerox' Norman Richardson, and how lucky that makes us
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was as a production engineer with a company that manufactured a range of equipment from valves to aerospace engines. I decided to leave engineering to get into IT for two reasons: there was less money in engineering, and one of my bosses told me I would never be an engineer "as long as my backside pointed downwards!"
What will be the most important trend to follow in 2015?
"People never stop complaining about what they don't have"
The Saints (Southampton FC) qualifying for Europe, and Scotland winning a rugby match.
What never fails to make you sad or disappointed?
It saddens me to see the wealth we have in this country, but people never stop complaining about what they don't have and how tough things are.
Tea or coffee, and how do you have it?
Strong, black coffee.
What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?
Eating as many sweets, crisps and chocolate as I liked without putting on any weight.
Which is more important: a good leader, or the team as a whole?
The team is only as good as all the leaders who are in the team.
What was your most important lucky break in life so far?
My most important lucky break was getting the chance to move to Germany to live and work for five years. While I may not have enjoyed learning the language, at least I could order five beers fluently by the time I left.
Did you make the most of it? My move to Germany was the basis of my career at HP.
Is telling little white lies wrong? If not, under what circumstances?
As we have learned with our young son, the truth is always best. Even the smallest white lies come back to bite us, as he remembers everything and questions anything not understood or that doesn't add up to him.
These boots were made for walking. Discuss!
As I have said to a number of people I have come across during my career, the best protest in the world is feet. If you're really unhappy, get your boots on and walk.
Where would you like to go or what would you like to do on your next holiday?
Anywhere with sun, sea, sand, good food, good wine and a good babysitter.
Will there always be value in printed books and magazines?
I have built my last 10 years around the printed word so I believe wholeheartedly in consuming things that are printed. They will be around as long as I'll need them.
Would you rather draw up the plans, or carry them out?
I would much rather draw up the plans than have to worry about the detail of executing them.
What are your three greatest accomplishments (so far)?
Living and working around the world, spending seven years as vice president with a large American corporate, and having kids.
What are the traits of a perfect boss?
One who leaves you alone to get on with doing what's right for the business - that's all I need.
What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
I never manage to see a movie all the way through to the end - no matter what or where, I will fall asleep!
How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down? Does it work?
I think about what I have, what we have and how some people could only dream of having half of it. That always works.
If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
A landscape gardener. Getting paid to spend all day outside as opposed to in an office, a car, or an aeroplane sounds good to me.
