Vive la revolution

Andy Elliott
25 January 2013

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What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?

I was in a graduate marketing programme run by Philips Electronics. I knew all about the TVs and shavers, and thought that a career in consumer electronics marketing would be exciting. Little did I know they also did business communications.

Planes, trains or automobiles?

Automobiles. I like to be in control of my own destiny. Trains are great everywhere except the UK. Commercial air travel has had all the enjoyment stripped away over the years and it’s quite hard to enjoy being trapped in a large metal tube packed with fuel and several hundred other people at 35,000 feet, even with a gin and tonic.

What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?

A Euromillions win. I would enjoy being a champagne revolutionary from my revolution base camp somewhere hot. With a revolutionary swimming pool.

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?

My daughter’s Halloween joke (she’s six): “What do ghosts say to each other?” Answer: “Do you believe in people?” She’s very proud of her joke, so I have to be too.

In my dreams…

…Ally McCoist steps up to lift the European Cup for Rangers. After I’ve scored the winning goal. This is going to happen, you know.

What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?

Skyfall, the latest Bond film. I loved it. It was good to see some of Bond’s trademark humour and British identity back. It was also my son’s first foray into the Bond world too, so I consider that another thing ticked off the “fatherly duties” list.

If you had to choose just one leisure activity, would you choose an art or a sport?

Sport, probably football. I support the national game in Scotland. Well, someone has to.

What never fails to make you laugh?

The film Blazing Saddles. A film displaying political incorrectness at its best, as well as ridiculing the racial stereotyping rife in Hollywood at the time. Try to watch it and not laugh.

Your closest near-death experience?

A frighteningly rapid turnaround and descent when a flight to Milan developed a serious rudder problem. Alton Towers had nothing on this experience, and I remain traumatised.

What are you reading?

A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. I was impressed with the Game of Thrones series on TV so bought the book box set. It has fantastic characters, great storylines and true escapism into a different world.

Which is more important: loyalty or morality?

Morality every time. Blind loyalty is a tool that can be used and abused.

What are the traits of a perfect boss?

Honesty, integrity, open communication, professional expertise and a desire to work for the team, not the self.

If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?

My father was in the RAF, and I was very close to joining to become a pilot or navigator.

I accept that this does not align with my general dislike of flying, but I reserve the right to be contradictory. Anyway, I reckon I’d cope far better in a Eurofighter Typhoon than in an Airbus.

Andy Elliott is EMEA marketing director at Mitel