A chance to catch fire

Stuart Quinsey
24 January 2014

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What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
In my early 20s I was working as a rep for a courier company and a good friend of mine joined a company called Teksys. Soon after, he asked me to join him, despite my lack of knowledge or experience in this space. I accepted.

Should Prince William shave his head?
Yes, the comb-over has never been favourable. He should embrace the shaved look; it works for me.

Are you going to the next CRN Channel Awards?
Yes, when you send me my invite, why not? Great place to catch up with peers, and everyone needs at least one good hangover a year.

What never fails to make you laugh?
Other than the movie Anchorman, the fact that both my kids think I am either George Michael or Gru from Despicable Me.

What would you like to do next weekend?
Go snowboarding with my family, as it's one of our greatest passions.

Is charisma or brains more important for a great leader?
It's hard to pick one so I think definitely both. Truly great leaders need to be able to demonstrate their knowledge and inspire those around them with their unparalleled charisma.

Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
● Tim Berners-Lee, to find out how it feels to have influenced the most significant change in our history.
● Bruce Lee, because he was my childhood hero!
● Muhammad Ali aged 22, when he was on top of his game and inspired generations.
● Stevie Wonder, need I explain?

Do you or have you read Channelweb.co.uk on your mobile phone or other handheld device?
One hundred per cent! It allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of everything relevant in the channel. In fact, I don't know how I would live without my smartphone these days.

Your closest near-death experience?
I vividly remember the fear as, after one very cold winter's day of jet skiing, I struck a match in the back of my friend's car - only to realise I was sat next to two open petrol canisters. Phew.

What is one thing you miss as a kid but no longer do or can do?
Spending time with some of the greatest people I ever knew. Some sadly not with us at all now, and others now living on other continents.

What are you reading?
Ten Day MBA, yet again, because the first 10 times haven't made up for not doing one for real. One for the to-do list!

How far ahead should you plan for your future?
It's more important to ensure you aren't constantly looking behind you or you will miss all the opportunities in front of you. I like to have a clear five-year plan at all times.

How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down? Does it work?
Being the eternal optimist I seldom get the blues, but my family are a great remedy for anything if I do.

If you had your time again, what would have been your next choice of career?
Professional snowboarder by day, musician by night.

Stuart Quinsey is EMEA/APAC channels and business development director at LogRhythm