Chris Walsh always plays to win and would love his children to do the same
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
I began Saturdays selling fireplaces and then moved to the job full-time. I ended up selling a fireplace to a man who was setting up an IT department at the time. He was impressed by my sales skills and offered me a job.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Automobiles. I enjoy driving as well as the speed and feeling of being in control.
What is your favourite joke or one you heard most recently?
I could say, but you wouldn't be able to print it!
"In my dreams ..."
... my little boy becomes captain of the England rugby team and leads them in a series win against the Aussies. And my daughter wins Olympic gold, in anything.
What was the best holiday you ever went on?
My honeymoon. My wife and I spent six days in Vegas followed by two days relaxing in Miami. We then spent two weeks with our children at Disney World in Florida. It was great to mix quality couple and family time.
If you had a week to live, how would you fill it?
One night out drinking with my closest friends, then the remaining six days with my wife and children with no television, phone or any other kind of distraction. It's too easy to get distracted from family time these days.
"I never…"
... give up. I always strive to succeed in life.
Print or online news?
Online, as it's quick at reporting the latest news, effective at spreading it far and wide, and better for the environment.
Do you use social media?
Yes, it's a great way of keeping in touch with friends. We've also begun to embrace social media as a business, communicating with key audiences.
Do vendors do enough to help their channel?
Sometimes vendors tend to focus on those channel partners that need more help. What if vendors put more energy into making the successful partners even more effective?
Is IT well taught in schools?
Yes. My six-year-old daughter is a whiz with a computer. She came home recently having put together a presentation using a basic form of PowerPoint.
Chris Walsh is sales director at Exclusive Networks
