Joseph Castle

CEO, Tecnologika

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

I don't want to sound too boring, but there hasn't been one ‘stand out' highlight. I've enjoyed watching the progress that our team has made on our quest to be a top 100 CRN VAR. In January, we moved into our new HQ which has given us the scalability to massively increase our headcount, and throughout the year we successfully onboarded exciting talent in multiple departments across the business.

If you were ruler of your own country, what law would you introduce first?

The Education for Work Law. Bear with me for a moment, I know apprenticeships already exist, but this would be more comprehensive and would be the primary route to all qualifications. One would apply for their ‘dream' career through an aptitude-based, apprenticeship-style programme. When accepted in your chosen field, you would get the supporting academic qualification while in your profession. The level of qualification would be dependent on a few factors such as time in the role and their level of performance, and there would be industry-specific exams as in most professions. Professionals wouldn't get released into the working world until a minimum amount of training and placements have been undertaken. Is it right that currently, young people have to begin life-defining career when they leave school? It also enables people to change their career path regardless of their age. This would help more people to follow their dreams and ensure they get academically qualified in the process.

Which channel or tech leader (outside of your own company) has impressed you most in 2022?

The people that inspire me the most tend to be the people that I surround myself with, share ideas and solve problems with. With that in mind, I'd probably say two close friend who are the founders and directors of Nicholas Bernard, an SAP recruitment practice: Donovan Pignatiello and Richard Onyejiuwa. They're building an exciting business with a vibrant culture and creating lots of jobs in the process.

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

"Approach with extreme optimism!" Be genuine, honest and don't be scared to ask a question. There is no such thing as bad question, just a bad response.

What was your first job?

My first job was in a barber's shop. I started sweeping up on the weekends and quickly progressed to learning how to cut hair.

What was the last book you read, and was it any good?

I'd like to caveat before I continue that I have a three-year-old daughter… It was an exhilarating short story called The Little Mermaid. However, I think the last book I read for my personal entertainment was The Big Short by Michael Lewis. I like his writing style - not many people can make complex topics easily digestible. It's a great book and equally good film.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from another business leader or mentor?

Never be the smartest person in the room. That could be interpreted in a multitude of ways, but from a leadership perspective, I think it means surround yourself with big brains that think big ideas, people with experience and wisdom that can challenge your way of thinking. From a recruitment perspective, it's simple: hire the bright people.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Even though he has a few years on me, it would have to be Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton Banks. Ever since I nailed the Tom Jones dance as a party trick, I've failed to shake the resemblance. Although Barack Obama is out of work, and I think he could possible transfer some of that charisma to the big screen so he would be in with a shout.