IT Week IT leader profile: Ibukun Adebayo

What does your job entail?
I am responsible for formulating Turning Point’s IT strategy, and ensuring alignment with our organisational strategic objectives. On a daily basis, this involves co-ordinating the delivery of IT to around 220 sites and ensuring all IT stakeholders are satisfied with our provision.

What was your first job?
Junior news reporter.

How did you get into the IT profession?
I learned how to build PCs and networks at a brief evening college course, and have never looked back.

If you weren’t in IT, what would you be doing?
Journalism or motivational speaking.

How often do you check your BlackBerry?
Too frequently. I sent an email to announce my baby’s birth half an hour post-delivery and quickly responded to a few emails that had come in since I left the office the previous evening.

What is the most ridiculous IT support request you’ve had?
When Windows came out in the early 1990s, a user was asked to point their mouse at the screen and they picked it up ­ remote control style ­ and pointed it and clicked. It didn’t work so they rang the support desk to ask why. The user was me, by the way.

Which person do you most admire in the IT industry?
Bill Gates was a hero to me for his Windows vision. In my mind, he’s now a legend for his retirement plans.

Who is or has been the most influential IT vendor?
I’d say Microsoft.

Which technology has had the biggest impact on your working life?
My PDA.

Which technology would you most like to have invented?
Retractable landing gears for aeroplanes.