I'm lovin' IT

Peter Godden began in IT by writing a programme for the machine that makes McDonald's burgers

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

My first role in IT was as a software programmer. My claim to fame is that I programmed the machine that makes McDonald's beefburgers.

Planes, trains or automobiles?

Trains, definitely. Planes are too much fuss with all the security requirements and so on, and automobiles involve traffic jams.

Which sport should have been in the Olympics but wasn't?

Margin negotiation! The reason is that the UK would win. I have met many gold medal prospects in the channel for sure.

In my dreams…

…Bristol City FC get into the Premier League. I am a lifelong season ticket holder and still have this dream at the start of every season.

What was the best business trip or junket you have ever experienced?

There have been too many to mention. I do enjoy meeting people and exposing them to a different way of doing things…

Oranges or bananas?

Oranges for sure. I don't ‘get' bananas - I never have and never will.

I never…

…give up without a fight.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to see into the future, and know that the decisions you are about to make will turn out for the best. And also the lottery numbers, of course!

Do you or have you read ChannelWeb on your mobile phone or other handheld device?

I have now.

If someone shrank you to the size of a pencil and put you in a blender, how would you get out?

In slices.

Print or online news?

It depends on the occasion. There is nothing quite like sitting down on a Sunday with the papers in a nice country pub with an open fire.

Would you rather draw up the plans, or carry them out?

Both. There are few things more rewarding than executing your own plan.

What does the channel most need to learn in order to succeed and grow?

Well, in storage, "large data" is here to stay. The channel needs to help customers deal with the issue of expanding data in an economic way that allows them to gain a competitive advantage.

Traditional ways of dealing with such issues just will not scale. Cloud storage will need to be embraced.

What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?

Loyalty, integrity and honesty.

What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?

Eating whatever I want, whenever I want. Unfortunately, I can no longer do that without having waistline issues.

Do you choose soaps or body washes by their colour or their scent?

I'm a true bloke - I choose them by which one is the nearest to hand.

What are the traits of a perfect boss?

Leading by example, respect and honesty. A good boss is only as good as the people around him (or her).

What is the most important thing in business?

Integrity. Storage is such a small industry that it is essential.

If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?

I would be an actor. It would be great to be part of something that lasts for years and is remembered as a classic.

Peter Godden is senior director for EMEA at Coraid