Nick Madhavji

Founder and managing director, Joskos Solutions

What achievement are you most proud of?

Starting at Joskos Training at 19 years old, I fell in love with the company and the prospects it offered people who wanted a career in IT. In 2001 I walked into a school and saw how poorly they were being treated by their IT support provider. That's when the Joskos Solutions seed was planted. I shared the concept with the then owners and we started Joskos Solutions together, winning our first deal that year at the primary school I went to as a child. I frequently hear that things aren't possible, or that the larger players will chew us up. However, with a lot of vision, hard work, late nights and sheer determination, and by surrounding myself with excellent people I've built the business, to become a nationally recognised, multiple award-wining education technology and services company which continues to grow and thrive. I bought out the other shareholders in 2012.

What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?

It is almost unrecognisable. It is definitely more collaborative; the speed at which the channel changes and evolves is worlds apart - the internet/cloud fuelling a lot of that change. When I started in the channel, having a website was a luxury and having servers in the cloud sounded like madness!

What three things could you not live without?

Difficult, it's almost impossible not to mention people! Audible, meditation/yoga and coffee! With so much knowledge, perspectives and lessons to be shared, there is no better way that to take some time way and to get my head into a book. Not having completed any significant formal education, books and the experiences they share have added massive value to the way I think and learn. My car turns into a classroom when I switch to Audible for the two hours I travel every day. Meditation is a key part of my life. I have a morning routine which starts at 5am and ensures I start my day in the right way. People that know me well can usually tell if I haven't meditated in the morning! Coffee, because quite simply I love the taste of it.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?

I don't really get embarrassed very easily at all. At times, and it's definitely not often, I've been introduced to someone who I know that I know but I can't remember their name, or how I know them - it's a tough one especially when someone is speaking to you like they've known you for a long time. Perhaps that's saying something about my age and memory!

What do your family think you do all day?

It depends on who you ask. I have meetings, challenge people, spend time with my team and find better ways of doing the same thing!

What is your guilty pleasure?

McVities Chocolate Biscuits late at night after a long day!

Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?

Not good, bad or ugly: it's been phenomenal. Another record annihilating year for us with more growth, our people stepping up to the plate even more, and some new senior additions to my leadership team who are already making a huge impact. We've got big goals and the business is a hive of excitement, success and results.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do?

That's simple; I'd be spending much more of my time with children and those who are challenged by life's circumstances. There are a lot of people out there who either haven't found that inner motivation or are in positions of deprivation where it's difficult to get out or even get an education.