Bouncing back up

What goes down must then rise once more, says Mike Green

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?

My maths teachers kick-started my interest in IT, so I did a year at college and then started as a junior systems architect for Alpha Business Computers (now part of ANS Group).

Planes, trains or automobiles?

Planes - they take me to warmer climates in hours.

What sport should be in the Olympics, but isn't?

Golf. If baseball, showjumping and synchronised swimming are allowed, I don't see why golf should be excluded.

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?

A priest, a rabbi, and a duck walk into a bar, and the bartender says: "What is this? A joke?"

Should Prince William shave his head?

No, he doesn't have any hair to shave.

Oranges or bananas?

Bananas. Oranges are messy.

What was the best holiday you've ever had?

The first time we took the family to Florida for Christmas eight years ago. Watching my daughter have breakfast with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck was priceless.

If you had a week to live, how would you fill your time?

Great white shark diving and scuba diving in South Africa.

"I never…"

…take people for granted.

What would your superpower be?

Flying, because I am northern and it means I wouldn't have to pay for any more airfares.

Do you or have you read ChannelWeb.co.uk on your mobile phone?

Yes, it gives access to brilliant information on the road.

Print or online news?

Online for two reasons. I am on the move all the time, and it's greener. I can keep adding more news titles without wasting more trees, which is a similar philosophy to ours - you can keep on adding without having to throw anything away.

Are little white lies wrong?

No, it's just being economical with the truth.

Will the economic recovery continue?

It has to; the only way is up. It's like anything; if you reach the bottom you either flounder or you bounce back.

Is IT well taught in schools?

It wasn't when I was at school. But, for my children, I think today's technology is a key part of school tuition and second nature for anyone under 20.

What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?

I love working with people who have a sense of fun and who are also looking for long-term vendor relationships.

What is one thing you miss that you did as a kid but no longer can?

Playing football. I am too old, too busy and too frightened of hurting myself now.

What are the traits of a perfect boss?

Dutch humour.

Are IT skills shortages best filled by on-the-job training or formal education?

I'm ‘old school'; on-the-job training through apprenticeships is the best. I learnt far more from working on the job than on my course. It's good to have a bit of formal training, but it's vital to have an interest. You will learn so much more if you like it!

Your closest near-death experience?

Abseiling down a quarry for charity where I relied on the wrong equipment. I got a bit too brave and nearly fell thousands of feet.

How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down?

It depends what the problem is, but quiet time helps me clear my head, or spending time with my family.

Mike Green is UK and Nordics regional sales manager at Nexenta Systems