Rhiannon Sharpe - System p Specialist

Contact Rhiannon

How did you get where you are today?

After some time travelling the world, rather than be a typical Aussie and work in a bar, I applied for a job at TBC (purchased by Logicalis in late 2005) as an administrator in the Technical team. From there, I've worked my way up through various roles to IBM System p Specialist. Previously, I worked as a para-legal in Perth, Australia.

What are you working on right now?

I've just finished a highly successful server consolidation project. With the recent announcement of POWER6 [a new IBM microprocessor], I'm now working on putting together a System p customer forum. Members of the forum will receive newsletters and get the opportunity to attend study tours to keep them to speed with the latest information from IBM & Logicalis. My current customer projects, meanwhile, include two SAP projects and a JD Edwards project. With the proven reliability of System p, we're now working with a lot of customers to assist in driving up the optimisation and utilisation of their UNIX estates with a view to achieving to mainframe expectations. Combined with our Agile IT offerings, that makes for exciting projects.

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

My family has always had a ‘work hard' ethic, which I'm fortunate to have inherited. And I have to mention Jeremy Willson (former managing director of TBC), who gave me my break at TBC.

Who in business do you most admire ‑ and why?

I have two people to mention. The first is a bit of a cliché: Richard Branson. I love any entrepreneurial story and attitude. The second I'm sure people will disagree with: Victoria Beckham. I think she has worked her and David's media image to the maximum and secured them marketing deals around the world. She's taken advantage of the modern-day media and turned it to their advantage, to make them a multi-million pound brand.

What aspect of your job do you find most satisfying?

When I've been involved with a project from start to finish, so that I see the pains of the project and can feel that I've had some influence and assistance in the success of solving them.

What has been your most valuable lesson learnt?

Don't run before you can walk!

Which are you favourite websites and blogs?

Facebook is my recent addiction - it's great for exchanging pictures with my friends around the world. I also enjoy Ebay and craft websites.

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

Eating out, holidays, spending time with friends and family, watching cricket, rugby and making a mess with my crafty bits!