Readers' lives: Keep your eye on the ball

Doug Rudolph finds focus paramount in the channel and also when watching tennis

Rudolph: It is all about focus

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My studies were focused on information and computer science and my first job out of college was selling the newly released IBM Personal Computers for ComputerLand. I guess I am good at it as I have been in the field ever since! I used to sell 5.25-inch floppy disks.

Planes, trains or automobiles?
Whichever gets me to my destination fastest! My job requires worldwide travel and I use all three on a regular basis. Recently I passed the 3.5 million mark on my preferred airlines, so I guess I travel more by plane.

What sport should be in the Olympics?
I am not sure it is a sport but golf is global and would be ideal in the Olympics.

“In my dreams …”
... In my dreams I know the perfect answer to every question and issue. If only I could remember them when I wake!

What was your best business trip or junket ever?
I’m a big tennis fan and my travels have allowed me to attend key tennis events including the Grand Slam. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I have attended Wimbledon three times and am looking forward to going again next year.

What was the best holiday you ever went on?
My daughters are old enough now to travel and appreciate different countries and cultures. Seeing the world through their eyes is allowing my wife and me to see the world differently. The next step is to get them to enjoy the variety of food we encounter. I am trying to avoid going to McDonalds in every city.

If you had a week to live, how would you fill it?
I love to cook. I would spend as much time with my family and friends as possible and make all their favourite food.

“I always…”
... In business, two words that should never be used are ‘always’ and ‘never’. People try and make grand statements but there are nearly always exceptions.

Print or online news?
Both! I get most of my news online but I do like the feel of a newspaper especially when sitting on a plane. I will always buy a paper or two at the airport and read during the flight.

Do you use social media?
I am on LinkedIn and look forward to the weekly updates to keep up to date with friends and business acquaintances I have worked with over the years. Beyond that, I do not have time for any other social media.

What does the channel most need to learn this year?
Focus. I have worked as a solution provider and as a vendor for almost 30 years, and witnessed the best success when a company narrows its focus to become subject matter experts on technology it provides.
Doug Rudolph is general manager of EMEA marketing at PFU Imaging Solutions