Mark Sweeney - Technical Architect

Contact Mark

How did you get where you are today?

My first introduction to computers came in the mid-1980s, when I did a conversion degree in computer science. I then worked at Sun Microsystems for four years, followed by Oracle, HP, Morse and CSF Solutions, which was then bought by Logicalis in December. I've always been on the pre-sales technical side of the business.

What are you working on right now?

I'm currently engaged on two long-term projects for Travis Perkins and AQA. I'm a technical architect, which basically means I provide advice and direction for implementing business critical change. I straddle both sides of the fence - business and IT - so I have to make sure that what we put in works, and we deliver a client the right solution for the right price.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career to date?

There have been two: Scott McNealy, the founder of Sun, and my family. I was fortunate to be working at Sun under Scott McNealy and saw his can-do attitude in action. In our industry, people can be guilty of telling you that you have to do things a certain way. But what I admire is a positive approach that says it doesn't matter how you solve a problem, as long as the client is in a better position than it was before.

Who in business do you most admire - and why?

I wouldn't say there is one particular person, but I do admire it when a team creates something of value where nothing existed before. I suppose one topical example at the moment is moneysupermarket.com, but another example is Egg, which has completely transformed the credit card business.

What aspect of your job do you find most satisfying?

I've been fortunate to see organisations taking our advice and letting us help them turn their business around. To me, that aspect of the job provides the real enjoyment in what I do.

What has been your most valuable lesson learnt?

The most valuable lesson I've learnt is not to have any preconceived ideas - go in with an open mind and listen to the client's problems. You'll be surprised how often the opportunities that arise from a simple conversation were not what you initially thought you were going to talk about with them.

Which are your favourite websites and blogs?

I must admit I don't have time for blogs, but I do use websites such as the BBC and Telegraph.

How do you spend your downtime? Where? With who?

I spend my downtime with the family: swimming, jujitsu, and that sort of thing. It's predictable and conventional, but it provides a complete change from what I do in the day.

What lifetime ambition have you yet to achieve?

I don't really believe in lifetime ambitions; at the end of the day, these things are just transitory. Instead I have a little motto - keep breathing - which has done me well so far.

Tell us one thing that most people don't know about you...

When I left university, I was a pipefitter's mate. It was a holiday job that lasted two and a half years! While it was good fun, eventually I realised it wasn't really the best way to fund the lifestyle I wanted.