Every Friday we profile a prominent figure from Australia’s IT, telecommunications or video gaming industries in the Friday Five.
Ian Raper, the managing director of Riverbed Australia and New Zealand, is a man of few words. But perhaps that’s not important — when like many in Australia’s IT industry, he’s worked his way up to his current lofty position from a humble start — starting his career as a paperboy and then as a steward at the Hampton RSL Club. In life, often it’s actions that count most. He’s this week’s guest on the Friday Five.
What was your first job ever?
Paperboy … first full-time job was a steward at the Hampton RSL Club.
What do you most like about working in Australia’s technology industry?
Opportunity, change and innovation are constants, as Australians tend to be early-adopters of IT and adopt and adapt these very fast.
What’s your hobby?
Motor racing.
What can Australia do better to help grow a great technology sector?
Continue to provide education, invest heavily in research and development which realises technology we can export.
What/who has been the biggest inspiration in your career?
My parents are the biggest inspirations, as they always look to do the right thing, to help others in need and taught me that hard work brings rewards.
Image credit: Riverbed