Brief Biography

This is me in early 2002.

Most of my working life has revolved around computers. I've used them, supported them, programmed them, even built a few. When I got my degree in Mathematics, tables, slide rules and hand calculators were just begining to give way to computers. I became hopelessly hooked when I realised just how much easier (and accurate) numerical computation was when the drugery could be automated. I then went on to specialise in Statistics and Management Science because that way I could combine problems which were both interesting and of practical consequence. That's still the type of work that I prefer: challenging, but practical. The numerical content is no longer essential, but a little spices things up a bit.

So I guess I'm a techie. But a techie for whom complexity without potential application or a potential customer is a serious turn-off. As consultancy work has become more important, the balance between the customer-facing work and the technical challenge has shifted somewhat. It means I'm a little more attuned to what (some) industries needs and what some of its mangers want.