On a different track
Why be limited to planes, trains and automobiles, suggests Quinton Watts, when there are boats - and speed golf?
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
Road sweeper. I got into IT with Eset, which was looking for someone to build its UK marketing team.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
You haven't included them in your choices, but boats. They're a great way to leave the world behind.
What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?
I spend a lot of time going round and round - which is a revolution of sorts - so I'm already there.
What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
It involves a small cat, an ostrich and a man with limitless money, but it is unprintable. Sorry about that.
If you had to choose one leisure activity, would you pick an art or a sport?
Sport. Because I'm a fighter, not a lover.
Are you going to the next CRN Channel Awards?
Yes. To collect our award for Best Security Vendor.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Monty Python. Because it is irreverent yet full
of meaning.
What would you like to do next weekend?
Take my family shopping.
If someone shrank you to the size of a pencil and put you in a blender, how would you get out?
I'd turn into Splinter and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would rescue me.
Golf is a good walk wasted. Discuss!
I couldn't agree more. However, with some slight changes it could be made to work. Such as speed golf played on mountain bikes with one driver and a putter. Last person to the last hole loses, and getting caught en route is an immediate disqualification.
Your closest near-death experience?
Catching a rather unsavoury bug while travelling across Africa. Thankfully a holidaying doctor recognised what it was and advised on the right medicine in time.
What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do
or can do?
Being able to touch my toes.
What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?
Loyal, trustworthy and good fun. Because people like that are a pleasure to work with.
What would you like to have as your epitaph?
The possibilities are endless. The rest is just logistics.
Is charisma or brains more important for a great leader?
Definitely charisma. Leadership is not about being intelligent; it is about getting people enthused, and having them believe in a common goal. The loyalty required for this would not be inspired by a learned yet uncharismatic person.
If you have a good team, there will be a number of strong people in it; it takes diplomacy, strength - and charisma - to keep them all working towards their common goal.
What are you reading?
Emails. Because there is no time for anything else at the moment.
What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
The World's End. Brilliantly entertaining.
How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down?
Decades ago I remember bemoaning a minor injury that had stopped me windsurfing, and then saw a fantastic windsurfer with only one arm flying past. At that point I realised it is all to do with mental attitude. When I'm feeling down I think back to that point and remember it's best to just get on with it.
I love the original "Keep Calm and Carry on" poster and have a small copy on my desk. This too reflects the need to just get on with life.
Quinton Watts is UK vice president of sales and marketing at Eset