Dodwell, Bernie

A-List 2006

Job title: Security and mobility solutions manager.

Company: Westcon Group Europe.

Year of birth: 1954.

Place of birth: In sight of the twin towers in Wembley.

Career outline: I came into IT via the civil service 25 years ago. I then progressed through technologies such as Videotext, AI, CASE, 4GLs, safety critical systems into security 10 years ago. I’m now involved in voice over IP, mobility and security at Westcon.

What motivates you every morning to get up and work in the channel? The constant challenges and variety, no day is the same. Also, my dog has no concept of mornings, weekends or lie-ins: 7am on the dot he’s dragging me out of bed.

What has been the most over-hyped technology in the past five years? Without a doubt, public key infrastructure.

What will be the most underrated technology in the next five years? Wi-Fi. It will become all pervasive and taken for granted.

Which technology would you most like to have invented? Anything medical that resulted in improved health, and a surefire solution for stopping dogs waking you at 7am every morning.

Do you have any regrets from your time in the industry? Just one: don’t follow someone into another company because they asked you to.

If you could swap places with anyone in the industry, who would it be? I have no desire to swap with anyone. I have a role that is stimulating and the opportunity to make a difference to the future of the company.

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in your career? Getting into IT in the first place. In 1981 I wrote to 800 IT companies seeking employment. It worked.

What is the biggest success of your career? Being one of a team of three that set up Allasso and growing it in the UK from a £1.4m turnover to £56m in five years.

What piece of technology could you not live without? The microwave. It is a godsend when my wife is away.

What would be your advice to anyone starting a career in IT? Ensure you get exposure to as many technologies as possible to keep your options open.

What is your favorite computer game? Spider Solitaire.

What would you like for Christmas if you could have anything? I’m getting it this Christmas.

What is your favorite karaoke song? Something totally tuneless in keeping with my singing abilities.

What would be the title of your autobiography? How Did He Do That?

Do you have any phobias? No.

How many beers before you fall over? 3.

Number of staff you manage? 0.

What is your golf handicap? 99.

What car do you drive? VW Eos Turbo.

Number of air miles you have? More than 80,000.