Managing director, Bamboo Technology Group
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
I don't really have one. This is largely because the most notable ones are those who have in the past disrupted technology but then by the very nature of success gone on to become mainstream - I'm not a fan of mainstream. So, who amazes me? I met a software developer some years ago who sat in front of me and talked about his latest (incredible) project while I could see that his brain was floating another 20 ideas while he was talking to me - these are the types of tech people I admire.
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
The change required by people and society to accept the technology changes that are coming. Even with those we can imagine and aren't ready for, we fail to discuss the human implication to quality of life, social economics, personal interaction and simply being. What will become of us and our behaviours when those that haven't yet been deemed plausible start to take place?
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Queen Victoria, Bob Hoskins and Alan Turing - challenge, fun and intelligence.
How has 2017 been for you?
Progressive! Repositioning a business is no mean feat and the previous two years took every ounce of effort to turn the ship, but this year the engines are back up and running and we are stoking up for full steam ahead in 2018.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?
I don't generally do extravagant lunches for business so I'd have to go with the outcome of an incentive. The Armani restaurant in the Burj Khalifa.
Which global city best matches your personality?
Dubai, because it's constantly developing and changing. As it progresses, it learns.
What would be your super-hero power?
Assuming that I can already fly because I am a super-hero, I would like to have the ability to bend minds and thoughts!
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… they appear to believe that trying to professionally discredit us to prospects/partners is a sound way to sell - and they also think those prospects/partners don't tell us when they do it. Wrong! It completely goes against our way of doing business, which is to champion integrity.
What makes you nervous?
The first five seconds of presenting to a crowd. And animals - all animals make me nervous.
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rare roast beef sandwiches in thick, white farmhouse bread with lashings of horseradish, with pickles, chips and coleslaw on the side. Yum!
Sum up the channel in three words
I can't do three words! Respected, intelligent hub of economic and technology progressives.
