Straight shooter

A true, honest aim may take you far along the road of life and even in the channel, as Andy Grant knows well

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
I was a paper boy when I was 12 and growing up in Australia. I started out in IT as a Palm merchandiser for 3Com. I trained retail staff on how to use and sell Palm 3 and 5. After nine months, I took over management of the whole team, Australia-wide. I got the job as my brother-in-law's mother worked at an agency that was aiming to recruit young, tech-savvy staff.

Planes, trains or automobiles?
Automobiles, as I am always on time; I can't say the same for the others mentioned.

What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?
If I lost sight of what I was trying to achieve.

If you were teleported to another planet that could support human life, what would you do to try to communicate with the locals?
I would build a pub or a general store; it would be a place for exchanging ideas and communicating with each other.

What will be the most important trend to follow in 2015?
Differentiation. Who will have the most compelling story, but more importantly, who will tell that story the best and lead the market?

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
I am an avid Jimmy Carr fan, but none of his jokes is appropriate for this publication.

If you were competing in on X-Factor, what song would you choose to win over the judges and why?
Sweet Child O'Mine by Guns N' Roses. It is simply one of the best songs ever and the audience would love it; best to play to the audience to get the votes.

What never fails to make you laugh?
The honesty of older people; experience tells them to get to the point - and I totally agree with that approach.

What do you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?
Eating lots of sweets, crisps and chocolate and not putting on any weight. I don't play sport seven days a week any more.

If you were king, what would you do first?
Organise a massive banquet. I like getting people together for a celebration, to enjoy themselves and create some memories.

Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
Robin Williams - he was funny and kind of weird.
Kylie Minogue - she is intelligent and Australian.
Freddie Mercury - he was just Freddie.
Patrick Stewart - he's simply a great actor.
I think they would just be themselves and we would all have a great time.

How far ahead should you plan for your future?
Five years. Time flies, especially when you have kids.

What was your most important lucky break in life so far?
When I moved from Australia to the UK in January 2000: I emailed 3Com, which had been a client in Australia. The contact at 3Com sent my CV to its UK agency, MarketStar, to see if there were any relevant roles. They emailed me and subsequently offered me a job at Avaya in Farnborough. Here I am 14 years later.

What would you do or who would you be if you could be reincarnated?
I would be former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh. A great cricketer, great captain and a great bloke.

What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?
Open, honest and opinionated. Vendors are not always right and channel partners are exposed to all types of vendor programmes and processes. Who better to provide feedback than partners? But how many vendors ask for feedback before launching programmes? Not enough of them.

Andy Grant is channel marketing head at Bowan Arrow