This issue we visit the life of Joe McCarthy, one of our illustrious IT Business Managers who works from Cheltenham office and looks after many of our IT clients.
"Thanks for agreeing to do this Joe, could you start by explaining your role within PSU?”
I am PSU’s IT Business Manager, which means I look after the new business sales for IT Support contracts. It is a National role that takes me across the whole of the UK visiting new clients to discuss their outsourced support requirements, disaster recovery plans and exact business operations.
“How did you get into this line of work?”
I got into the new business sales role via the fairly common route of doing telesales ten years ago. Technology seemed the way forward and a job at British Telecom in Warrington (designed to pay for three excellent years at Liverpool University) kicked off my career path. I started at PSU’s head office in Cheltenham in 2000 and worked on the portfolio of telecoms and IT systems before going on to specialise in IT infrastructure maintenance.
“What areas of your work do you enjoy the most?”
The variety of people and industries I am lucky enough to get an insight into. Requirements vary from industry to industry. PSU’s support function often acts as an extension to a company's in-house IT department so we can fill any operational gaps. This partnership leads to working closely with specific customers so it is nice to build up a strong working relationship.
“What areas of your work do you find the most challenging?”
Being patient!
“With the majority of the account management team having got married last year, are there wedding bells on your horizon?”
Funny you should mention, yes. I got engaged over New Years to end several years of living in sin….there must be something in the air conditioning at PSU.
“What does your partner do?”
She works in IT as well, but the sexier, creative side of graphics and web design.
“What sort of holidays do you enjoy most, culture vulture or worshipping at the sun altar?”
I am not very good at sitting still for long on the sun lounge. A good book (non fiction / biography) will keep me quiet for a couple of days but I like to explore, get a dose of culture or hit the water sports. Good food and wine is always high on my list of holiday priorities.
 “Where have you been in the world and where would you go back to?”
New Zealand, Thailand and Malaysia especially. Always fancied Canada but there are also loads of places in Britain that I think are the best in the world.
“What do you like to get up to in your spare time?”
I am quite domesticated now and tend to be pottering at home with renovations and DIY projects. I moved into an old school house dating from 1850 so there is always work to be done. I like to spend time with family, friends and a nice bottle of wine. (Not in that order.)
“Sports you’ve participated in?”
I enjoy most sports at a very amateur level – snow boarding, sailing, football, squash and seven-a-side indoor hockey for the “Sanchez Seven”.
“What cars have you owned during your life, and which was the favourite?”
The first is always the most special – a navy blue with beige interior ‘A reg’ Austin Metro. Following that in chronological order – Peugeot 205, VW Scirocco, Ford Escort Xr3i Convertible (…cringe, I was young and foolish) VW Golf, BMW 330 D Sport (favourite) and back to a Golf.
“What are your life goals? Where do you see yourself in 25 years time?”
I would like to run my own company from a big boat floating in tropical waters.
“If you had to choose a three course meal with wine, what would it be?”
Moule Mariniere, a nice steak, medium rare and Cheese to follow. |
