Travel Tech Q&A: OpenText's Graham Pullen
Graham Pullen, OpenText general manager and vice president, Asia Pacific and Japan, has to grow the company's sales in one of its fastest expanding regions. Having responsibility for operations across the region and the need to travel to OpenText's headquarters in Canada means that Pullen spends a great deal of time in the air.
Graham Pullen
(Credit: OpenText)
OpenText provides products for enterprise content management, which includes software for document and records management, business process management, as well as social media engagement.
What tech do you travel with and why?
Noise-cancelling headphones for peace and quiet! An iPad and mobile as well, because they keep me connected with business and family, and keep me less bored when the planes are delayed.
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
Salesforce.com ... it never lies!
Personal travel advice/tip?
My advice is travel light ... everywhere! What can't fit into an overhead locker does not travel with me. Look after your passport, keep photocopies of the important pages in a separate place, stay streetwise and be aware of your surroundings, stay calm, be happy and smile.
How do you deal with jet lag?
Jet lag is something I don't ever get — the result of frequent travelling!
What was your biggest travel disaster?
Sitting and waiting for a flight that had already left because I did not reset my watch in transit — it still makes me smile.
Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?
Say goodbye to our dog Harry ... he is always the first to greet me when I return.
What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/in airports/at hotels?
Internet access! I know it's available on some airlines and routes but I never seem lucky enough to travel on them!
Favourite destination city to work and why?
I personally always look forward to working in Beijing or Shanghai. They're busy, friendly, have a great choice of restaurants and there's always something new to enjoy.
Which airport would you prefer to be stranded at and why?
Ouch ... airports don't sit on my radar as places of preference, but I am often stranded in them. I guess I would choose Hong Kong because it's relaxed, has plenty to do and is a good place to watch the world go by.