Chris Gabriel - Head of Solutions

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How did you get where you are today?

As a boy in North Wales, my hobby was programming ZX81 and Dragon computers. That's where it all started. After technical college, I worked for various resellers before joining networking manufacturer Cabletron, where I spent eleven years in a variety of different roles and got to work in Russia, Romania and the US. After a stint at Prime Business Solutions, I joined Logicalis eighteen months ago as head of solutions.

What are you working on right now?

My day-to-day role is overseeing Logicalis' go-to-market strategy, reporting directly to our chief executive officer Tom Kelly. My other responsibilities include overseeing our ‘Green IT' initiatives, in conjunction with environmental charity Global Action Plan; supervising our research into how the ‘real-time generation', born since 1990, thinks about and uses technology; and developing our strategy for the virtual online world, Second Life.

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

My mum and dad, who got themselves into hock just to buy me my first Dragon 32 computer. I used to write advertisements to run on it and then display it in the window of Dad's fishmonger's shop.

Who in business do you most admire - and why?

I suppose it would have to be Richard Branson. I'm not a great one for heroes, but I do admire they way he has built a strong brand identity for his companies. With a few exceptions, the IT industry doesn't have a clue about building an effective brand and that's something I strongly believe needs to change.

What aspect of your job do you find the most satisfying?

When I know I've expressed ideas well and influenced how our clients think about what technology can do for them. For me, it's all about getting clients to buy into our vision and getting them to share their vision with us.

What has been your most valuable lesson learnt?

I remember a customer meeting, when I was in pre-sales at Cabletron, where I got a hefty kick to the shins under the table from a colleague. I thought I was God's gift to consultancy and was spouting endless rubbish I knew nothing about. That taught me a thing or two about sticking to what you know and the importance of listening.

Which are your favourite websites and blogs?

I hate the fact that the Internet is full of the ramblings of people with no expertise. I'm a factual person who likes news and commentary from qualified observers, so I'll check the BBC News site two or three times a day, and maybe the Guardian website. And I'm preparing for the London to Brighton Bike Ride, so I've spent a lot of time on eBay lately, trying to buy a bike for a tenner.

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

I used to spend about 15 hours a week playing tennis. Then, three-and-a-half years ago, my daughter was born and I haven't picked up a racket since. We swim, chat, read stories and we're puzzle fanatics - whatever she wants to do, basically, because she's the boss.

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

At the age of 14, I was in a Beatles tribute band called The Creeps. We played one gig. The drummer forgot his drumsticks and had to use pastry brushes. The lead guitarist forgot to tune his guitar. We were awful.

Ask Chris a question - mail him at tellus@theitsanctuary.com