Integrity and thinking long term about strategy are the most important things in business, according to Andrew Farmer
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My father worked for a small software start-up called Oracle. However, despite his advice, I joined the industry myself, working in infrastructure support for a large Scottish bank from 2004 to 2008 - there was plenty of budget for many, many toys there.
What sport should be in the Olympics but isn't?
Darts. It's a physical skill, and I'm clearly not the only person who thinks so. I saw people in official-looking Team GB darts uniforms at the Athens Olympics.
In my dreams…
My opponent at CRN Fight Night, James "Streaky" Blackman from AMD, would have been a lazy beanpole scared of loud noises.
What was the best business trip or junket you have ever been on?
A high achievers' trip in the days of banking excess. We sailed in a race across Barcelona harbour, drank the local cava estate dry, and stayed in the same five-star hotel as the Chelsea football team.
What was the best holiday you have ever had?
The Rickshaw Run, a 2,000-mile trip across India on a 150cc trike. It was two weeks of adventure with three friends, in one of the world's greatest countries and was so much fun! I would highly recommend this annual event to anyone who likes that sort of thing.
If you had a week to live, what would you do?
I would take my nearest and dearest for a tour of New Zealand. It's such a great country to travel in and a place close to my heart.
Where did you get that hat?
Probably from a trashy hen party group in Newcastle.
I never…
Forget that success has to be earned. There are no shortcuts, in business, relationships, or boxing.
Do you or have you read ChannelWeb.co.uk on your mobile device?
Yes, it's a great way to catch up on news during the daily commute.
Print or online news?
Print. We spend enough time using computers already, so print makes a nice change.
Do you use social media?
I use Facebook for personal stuff, and LinkedIn professionally. Who doesn't, these days? I suppose they are like address books in the cloud.
Is it OK to tell little white lies?
Lies are always wrong, but we can't always be right. Can we?
What does the channel most need to learn this year?
More efficiency and more automation.
How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down?
Exercise. It's a proven way to perk up both body and mind - although it can send me personally too far the other way and I have to curb my enthusiasm.
What is the most important thing in business?
Thinking long term and acting with integrity. It means you should do the right thing, and it facilitates long-term, sustainable growth.
If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
Rock star. Hard-working stars really do live the life - spending some time arranging their riders and after-show entertainment has shown me that.
Andrew Farmer is an account manager at Computacenter
