Nick Madhavji

Owner, managing director, Joskos Solutions

What was the worst job you have ever had?

I don’t think I can say I’ve ever had a ‘worst job’. Difficult ones? Yes, definitely! If you know me then you’ll know that I’m the kind of person who looks for the best in most situations - something you learn how to do well when you’re working on cars outdoors and in all sorts of weather as my father’s assistant from a very young age!

Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie of your life and why?

I’d want to play myself – why miss out on the fun and excitement of being in a movie? If that wasn’t a choice, I’d have to convince Jackie Chan – simply because he has enormous talent and charisma and is known as one of the hardest working performers around.

What do you do as your party trick?

Make things disappear! (I’d need an invite to a party to disclose more).

What is your favourite chocolate bar?

I’m a fan of variety – so, it has to be a box of something like Celebrations.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Getting our first order in 2000 will always be a difficult highlight to top. Joskos was an unknown entity in the education sector back then and we had two of the biggest names in education technology bidding for the same project – Joskos won. That deal planted the seeds for the many successes we’ve celebrated since. The best part is that 14 years on we continue to be the partner of choice for that school. Other highlights include winning our first seven-figure deal in 2012 and a string of service awards, something I always enjoy celebrating with the team.

Has 2014 been a good, bad or ugly year? Why?

Phenomenal – in 2013 we grew north of 20 per cent. I wanted to grow in double digits again in 2014, however more importantly, I wanted to make it a year of focused investment in our people, systems and platforms. The goal has been to ensure that we safeguard and develop on the gains that we have made and to continue to build on the foundation of the Joskos business – service excellence to education. We have done exactly that.

How would you explain the IT channel to a complete stranger without boring them to death?

The IT channel is an opportunity in the IT marketplace geared towards servicing the needs of an end-user. The links in that supply chain are catered for by manufacturers, distributors, resellers, integrators and consultants coming or competing together to drive best value for the end user.

Aside from the channel, my dream career would be…

The world is full of hungry minds, untapped talent and under-valued entrepreneurial spirit. I’d love to spend much more of my time working with and nurturing that talent, especially with those children that are able in other ways – it’s a work in progress!

What major issues will the channel face in 2015?

Responding to change, or a lack of response to change could prove to be an issue for some organisations in the channel. For example, the cloud will continue to be both an opportunity and potentially a threat to those that continue to shun or underplay the possibilities and potential risks that it may present. Some see securing the cloud and their data a risk, however that in itself is another opportunity to do more and deliver a deeper level of service for their clients.