I think we’re becoming dumber, for want of a better word. You ring up an antivirus vendor and ask why their antivirus product is better than another product, and they can’t tell you anymore. It’s become a lot about brand power and marketing dollars, but in saying that, this year might be different. I’m already seeing clients becoming more careful in their decisions since the spend is tighter – they’re taking more time to compare and question the merits of a product.
What will be the next big thing in the industry?
I think it’s customer service and getting back to the point where people want to spend time with people. For the most part, people will not just buy a gadget because it’s cool.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
It would look really bad if I said “work” right? I’ve learnt to appreciate my children a lot more. That really was the changing point for me – when you have kids, lots of things change and you make some smart decisions and you make some bad decisions. I try really hard, but I look at my kids and the fact that they both have notebooks and are aged five and six, and I think a soccer ball might be a better gift.
What are some of the best places you’re travelled? I think New York would be one of them – that place has got everything. I also love Colorado; every time I can get an excuse to go to the states during the snow season, you’ll find me up in the Rockies snowboarding. That said, Melbourne is Australia’s New York – some of the best places I’ve travelled are in Australia.
Do you like gadgets?
I do. I had the first version of the iPhone as I was in America when it launched, so I got caught up in the hype and brought it back, unlocked it, and used it for a while. But I’m not obsessed – as long as it’s practical and I’m not giving something up.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
For some reason I thought I was going to be a doctor, but I’m happy with where my career is at now. I’m still studying – I’m enrolled in my masters for IT, and I’ve been asked if I want to do a doctorate.
