What do you see as the biggest challenge or ‘next big thing’ for ITSM professionals over the next couple of years and what do we as ITSM professionals need to do to address these challenges/opportunities?
IT itself is ever changing and our ability to adapt to this change is what sets us apart. I live by the motto ‘every day is a learning day’ and strongly believe that in order to rise to the challenge, we must be prepared to learn. Sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes we get it right first time, but we can always learn and become a better version of ourselves.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
“Love what you do; Do what you love”
You spend a large portion of your life at work, so make sure you enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, find something you do enjoy.
What advice would you give young people who have chosen a career in technology?
Well done! Enjoy all the luxurious technologies you have available to you, and know that someone, somewhere came up with that idea! If it wasn’t for people like you, we’d still be using VCRs, CRT monitors and Windows ME! Challenge, create and enjoy it!
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I practice bikram yoga (yep, that crazy 40 degree/40% humidity yoga) and I enjoy camping and travelling. When time allows, I also enjoy a spot of Netflix/Stan binge-watching and recently completed all 100 hours of ‘Friends’.
What was the title and author of the last book you read?
Turia Pitt’s ‘Unmasked’ which I picked up at the 2017 itSMF Conference – she is incredibly courageous and inspiring and it was wonderful to meet her.
One word that could describe your experience of itSMF Australia?
Outstanding.
The speakers, members and committee are all such a wealth of information and so willing to share their knoweldge and experience. It makes for an outstanding experience – highly recommended.
Have you ever been to an itSMF Conference, if so what was your conference experience like and do you have a lasting memory?
I have attended the last 2 itSMF conferences and the notable highlights were the calibre of speakers!
After both conferences, I have quoted multiple speakers and used their ideas in my work, especially Colin D Ellis’ ideas on building a great team and Dave O’Reardon’s customer focus.
Having said that, the lasting memory for me was the awards ceremonies. Hearing the achievements of other teams and individuals, especially the lifetime achievement award, was so inspiring and drives me to continuously improve.
You never know, maybe one day you might see my team up there as a finalist!