As a successful managing director, Gerald Holler wonders about the road ahead for the EU and Europe as a whole
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
I worked in sales at a forklift company. I decided to go into IT because I found the forklift industry very boring. I feel that traditional industry is not challenging enough for me. I joined the IT industry as a channel sales representative at HP and never looked back.
If you had to choose just one leisure activity, would you choose an art or a sport?
A sport. Physical activities give me enough energy and power to get through the day and cope with my very busy schedule.
What never fails to make you laugh?
When I forget my wallet, leaving it in the car time and time again. I like to laugh at my own mistakes - especially if I make them repeatedly.
What are you reading?
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. In my job and my industry, you need to think very fast, but sometimes you have to take time to make decisions. At times it is important to slow down to get a better perspective and make the right choices.
Is charisma or brains more important for a great leader?
You would need both. You need brains to understand complex processes, especially in the fast-changing IT industry, to be able to make the right decisions. However, without charisma you will never be able to show the people what really matters, and inspire them, and lead by example.
What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?
The perfect channel partner has a proven business model with best-case support for customers. The company will understand the market and customer needs. The perfect channel partner talks about solutions not IT, fits the IT to customer needs - not vice versa - and can adapt to changing customer expectations and requirements.
Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
David Cameron - to discuss his European strategy and to understand what would happen if the UK left the EU.
Angela Merkel - to talk to her about the future of Europe and the EU.
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo - I am interested in art, and would like to talk to them about the finer things in life.
If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
I can see myself choosing a career as a racing cyclist. Perhaps in the Tour de France - especially as it begins in the UK this year.
How far ahead should you make plans for the future?
As a managing director I have to plan for the next 10 years. It is important for my company and its prosperity to have long-term, medium-term and short-term plans.
Gerald Holler is managing director of Compris Channel Management