Andy Thurai is coming to Cloud Field Day 8, which is happening July 15-17, 2020, as a first-time delegate! He is an independent consultant, analyst, and a thought leader in the emerging technology areas – AI, ML, Edge/IoT, and Cloud. Andy works with companies and advises on the GTM messaging and helps field teams sell to CxO technical executives by creating value-based messages and the problem it solves.
Connect with Andy at @AndyThurai on Twitter or the Tech Field Day web site. Some of his work can be seen at www.thefieldcto.com.
How did you get into technology and IT?
Growing up in technology was intriguing to me. My father was an electrical engineer, and I followed his footsteps. I took some computer courses as electives and it fancied me. I got my first job at a decent pay, writing microprocessor code for PLCs. I was so amazed that it could handle huge turbines and massive electric grid. Innovation and technology have become part of my life since then.
What are your biggest challenges?
Given that I am starting out fresh doing independent consulting work, finding the right customers, and doing the right work is most challenging. Right now, I am tempted to accept everything that I come across. But, I am starting to qualify, ask questions, and make sure it is a right fit, before jumping in with two feet.
Where do you see IT going in the next 3-5 years?
At the pace IT is moving, it is hard to predict 3-5 years. Especially because the playing field is leveled with cheap compute power, any start-up with a vision can compete against the giants – IBM, SAP, Google, and Microsoft. Nothing is untouchable, and anything and everything should be questioned and challenged if it is done the “old way.”
What was your first computer and what was great about it? What is your go-to computer now?
Oh my gosh! Z80 processor. I used to write microprocessor code. No go-to computer, just a PC, or even a smartphone can do what you are looking to do. No favorites.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
Very difficult. Sometimes, I forcefully switch off my phone and sit in the backyard to watch the birds hanging around the bird feeder with a glass of wine and enjoy the nature! Hard when it is winter, and it is 6 months winter in the northeast 🙂
If you weren’t working in IT, what would you be doing instead?
Not sure. Something in the finance world? Maybe, a stock market analyst or a realtor or a politician.
Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Help wife with gardening, build stuff, fix things in the house (after getting yelled at multiple times), enjoy working on my car, enjoy a glass of good wine, watch a good movie, listen to some relaxing music. Depends on the moment and my mood.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Not sure if it is a hidden talent, but I do a lot of stock trading. Exotic option spreads while limiting the risk. Has been good so far. Had a lousy stockbroker/financial consultant who did pathetic and I took over. Been very good so far.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Tough one to answer. For a one-time dinner, there is a long list of people I can think of. But on a consistent basis, my wife. She is a great cook, and we get to talk about anything…. always, something new comes up.
What was the last book you read?
I am not a big book reader. I read a lot of technical stuff in articles, eBooks, and WP, to keep up. I prefer to watch YouTube, movies, etc., instead of reading.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day? It could be a celebrity, family member, animal, etc.
Hmmm..tough one. I always tend to gather other’s viewpoints and ask them what they think. Not sure if I even wanted to be someone else or swap places with strangely enough. Now that you put this thought in my mind, I am going to think every time when I meet someone interesting I am going to think what if I am him/her/it for a day, how would that feel, etc…..:)
What are you most excited about seeing at the event?
I’m looking forward to interacting with my fellow delegates, the opportunity to be in a private audience, and asking unfiltered questions to the vendor executives. Be part of the future not the past.
Thanks, Andy! This has been great to learn more about you. Cloud Field Day 8 is happening July 15-17, 2020. Mark your calendars, so you can catch the presentations live!
