Long term journalism does two things to you. It makes you cynical and it feeds you lots and lots of facts. The two are a combustible combination which is why I have a reputation for being a know-it-all, for rarely believing anything a company says, unless I can check it, and as an analyst with strong opinions.
I did my apprenticeship as a journalist on Computing, quickly became chief reporter and then editor of a number of VNU titles. I started my first company Computerwire when I was 30, which published the UK’s first daily tech news back in 1984. We launched lots of newsletters and four magazines including Computer Business Review. Eventually I took Computerwire into market research and consulting, and since have advised most of the big brands in the technology world, plus many finance organisations on technology investment, marketplace diligence and strategy.
I was forced by VCs to sell Computerwire in 2002, which is why my current company is called Rethink. Have now established a publishing presence, write market forecasts and take on consulting assignments. If I was ever on mastermind my subjects would be 1) Taking a company from 0 to 100 employees and 2) How technology actually works 3) How to smell Marketing B/S from a mile away.