The days of selling hardware to multiple CEOs might be over for now as the future is software-defined, suggests Paul Lockley
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was as an insurance claims clerk. I got into IT when I joined the same company's IT department as a mainframe operator.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Trains. It is so much nicer to arrive at your destination relaxed and on top of things.
What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
Q: What do you call a three-legged donkey?
A: A wonky.
If you were competing in the X-Factor, which song would you choose to win over the judges and why?
Going to California by Led Zeppelin. It is my favourite.
What was the best business trip or junket you have ever experienced?
We did an HP factory visit to Grenoble and as part of the visit we got to hang-glide over Lac Annecy. The most outrageous thing I have ever done.
What never fails to make you laugh?
The Darwin Awards. It is proof that some people just don't have a clue.
What has been your toughest moment at work so far, and how did you resolve the situation?
Working with a manager who thought it was an achievable metric to meet three CEOs a week to sell them hardware. I left shortly thereafter.
Is too much truth-telling bad for human relationships?
Is any non-truth telling good for a relationship?
Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
Sherlock Holmes - makes for a great game of murder in the dark.
Jimmy Carr - he is just funny.
Elvis - great karaoke.
Prince Harry - he is always game on.
What would you like to have as your epitaph?
"A body well used and a life well lived." It means I wouldn't have wasted time.
What is the best way to get UK plc growing quickly again?
My soapbox is staying firmly in the cupboard on this one.
Your closest near-death experience?
Falling asleep at the wheel of my car and waking up on the wrong side of the opposing traffic, driving along the kerb.
What is the most important trend to follow in 2014?
Commoditisation. This concept is driving companies to think outside the box about how to overcome issues. It will be a springboard for the software-defined ecosystem.
What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?
Going and playing hide and seek at the end of the road. It just looks wrong when grown-ups do it.
Is charisma or brains more important for a great leader?
Charisma. Big brains make great product but fantastic marketing is what sells them.
What are you reading?
Six Days by Jeremy Bowen. It is an interesting view of what shaped the modern-day Middle East.
Where did you get that hat?
Where did you get that hat? (I presume we're singing)?
Golf is a good walk wasted. Discuss!
A true belief of people with no hand/eye co-ordination. Golf is a great lesson in humility.
How do you cheer yourself up?
I remember what it was like selling hardware for a living and then, boom, I'm all happy again.
If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
Sitcom writer. I see so many funny things in life that make me chuckle; I think people could benefit from sharing them.
Paul Lockley is UK sales director at PernixData
