Tractor beam

Fond childhood memories of racing tractors always bring a smile to Roger Harry's face

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was on a youth training scheme, working as a chef at a top restaurant in west Wales.

After that, I worked for the Ministry of Defence at a weapons testing facility where I started getting more involved in IT. I got still more involved in technology when I was working at Dyfed Magistrates Courts and from there I got a job as a programmer at Pembrokeshire Council.

Planes, trains or automobiles?
Planes. When I'm flying, it normally means I'm going somewhere sunny or somewhere I can go out and have some fun.

What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?
Nothing would do that. I'm not a great believer in revolutions.

What would you like to do next winter?
Retire to Dubai - at least for the cold months, anyway.

If you were teleported to another planet that could support human life, how would you try to communicate with the locals?
I'd attempt to speak Welsh. I think I know five words; yes, I know, a pretty poor show for a Welsh bloke.

If you were the newest crayon in the box, which colour would you be?
Black, so I could colour over all the other colours!

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
Q: Two teddy bears are in the airing cupboard. Which one is in the army?
A: The one on the tank.
Sorry, I know it's terrible. I only hear new jokes from my kids these days.

Are you going to the next CRN Channel Awards?
Yes, I always go with Dell as it's a great event for a celebration, but hopefully next year we'll be shortlisted as well.

What never fails to make you laugh?
My mates verbally abusing one another; it's the best form of wit.

Your closest near-death experience?
I was once walking through Cardiff, and a massive plant pot fell from the fourth storey of a nearby building and landed next to me. It was less than six inches away.

What is one thing you miss from being a kid that you no longer do or can do?
Tractor racing on the farm. I can't do it any more, unfortunately, as I no longer live there.

Which is more important: a good leader, or the team as a whole?
Both. One is no good without the other.

How far ahead should you plan for your future?
Only ever a week - planning any further ahead is cheating.

What was your most important lucky break in life so far? Did you make the most of it?
When I was interviewed for one of my first jobs in IT, it turned out that both interviewers knew my dad really well from rugby. It certainly helped - as I had no qualifications and the minimum requirement was a degree.

These boots are made for walking. Discuss!
Austin Powers - quality.

Is nature or nurture more important when it comes to the work or business environment?
I always thought it was nature - but I have been proven wrong so many times that it has to be nurture.

How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down? Does it work?
A cheeky beer always seems to perk me up.

Roger Harry is chief executive of Circle IT