Travel Tech Q&A: Numara Software's Geoff Masters
Geoff Masters' role as vice president of APAC sales for Numara Software requires him to create new channel partner and customer programs across the region so he clocks up a lot of frequent flyer miles.
Geoff Masters
(Credit: Numara Software)
Numara Software provides products for IT management including desktop management, PC life cycle management, security and compliance, as well as help desk and service desk. Its FootPrints and Track-IT products are employed at over 50,000 customer sites.
What tech do you travel with and why?
My iPhone, iPad and laptop — so I'm a tragic, but I'm very slick at getting these all through security, so don't despair if you're standing behind me!
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
It's definitely the standard clock in utilities, so I can work through my time zones quickly and easily. I often travel through Asia-Japan down to New Zealand, then off to Florida and New Jersey in the US, along with many calls to the UK. Oh and yes, I actually live in Sydney so I'm constantly trying to work out where I am and what time it is somewhere else!
Personal travel advice/tip?
Travel light. I never put bags under the plane so I can get in and out of an airport as fast as possible, with no lost luggage. Use hotels to launder your clothes overnight and don't offer to do duty free shopping for anyone except your wife or mother, as that too is a great way to get stuck in lines. Don't stress when planes are late because there is zero you can do about it, and be nice to airport security as they can spot bombs and bad attitude 100 metres away.
How do you deal with jet lag?
Firstly, I always travel overnight where I can, so I wake in the morning in the new country. I then just go straight to the office and push myself into that country's time zone. I try to exercise the first day as well, even if it's only a 30-minute walk outside or on a treadmill, and I don't turn on the TV in the hotel room at night, that's deadly!
What was your biggest travel disaster?
There have been a few: turning up on the wrong day for a flight I should have been on the previous day. Flying through the US domestic network expecting to be in my next city hotel by 11pm, only to get there finally by 4.30am. Then, being forced to land in Honolulu because of a medical issue with another passenger, only to be held on the ground for another two hours because the space shuttle was taking off.
Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?
I always make sure my iPhone, iPad and PC are all fully charged. I actually have to get myself psyched up to leave to catch another plane. I hug my kids and if my wife isn't already on a plane herself, give her a hug. Then try to explain to our dog I do actually intend to come home — of course, he never believes me.
What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/in airports/at hotels?
The Star Trek Transporter "beam me up" or Dr Who's Tardis — I would happily purchase either.
Favourite destination city to work/visit & why?
For technology it has to be Singapore or Tokyo. The growing number of wireless access points that are just easy and safe to use, and their telco networks deal with 3G seamlessly. Easy communications is the key when you're travelling for work. When it's not work related then it has to be the Orient Express from Paris to Venice with my wife.
Which airport would you prefer to be stranded at and why?
Actually the First Class Lounge in Sydney is world class now, so that would be a good start. I would follow this with Hong Kong and the upgraded Qantas LA Business and First Class Lounges, which are much better than they have been for many years. Good showers and internet access for long layovers are essential, along with good food. I show loyalty to Qantas/Oneworld not so much for the planes but the lounges and the ease of getting ticketed. It pays off on the ground more than in the air.