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Travel Tech Q&A: Zendesk's Michael Folmer Hansen

Not only has Zendesk vice president and general manager APAC Michael Folmer Hansen worked all over the world, he's also scuba dived all over the world.
Written by Suzanne Tindal, Contributor

Not only has Zendesk vice president and general manager APAC Michael Folmer Hansen worked all over the world, he's also scuba dived all over the world.

Zendesk

Michael Folmer Hansen
(Credit: Zendesk)

Zendesk, which provides cloud-based help desk software, was founded in 2007 in Denmark, but only just recently opened an Australian office in Melbourne to deal with significant growth in the region. It has 700 customers in Australia and 200 in New Zealand.

What tech do you travel with and why?

My iPhone, which I use to support customers on the Zendesk app. I also use TripIt for my itinerary, Flight Tracker for flight info including gate number, delays and re-routing, as well as map, weather and currency conversion apps. I also bring my iPad on longer trips to watch movies on boring flights. My iPad, of course, also has the Zendesk app installed. I don't use a laptop anymore.

What tech do you miss from home?

Nothing. I don't think there is much tech that isn't portable anymore. But I miss my bed (and wife).

How do you deal with jet lag?

I don't. I get really bad jet lag, get cranky, drink too much coffee, eat lots of junk food and walk around aimlessly.

What (if any) travel websites do you use?

Lonely Planet for finding insights about places I visit and TripIt for loading and managing my itineraries. Both are great Zendesk customers by the way :-)

What was your biggest travel disaster?

Locking myself out of my hotel room only wearing boxers when I put the room service tray out.

Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?

Kiss my wife goodbye.

What was your last tech purchase?

iPhone 5 ... just kidding, but Apple if you read this — please send me one :-)

What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/in airports/at hotels?

A fold-out king-sized massage bed with built in HD LED screen and surround sound.

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