Title: Senior Research Analyst
Employer: Info-Tech Research Group
Nickname/Alias: JPK (current nickname at work) What I'm Best Known For (in the Telecom World): Giving advice on managing people and policy. Other Primary Areas of Expertise: IT human resources management, governance, strategic planning, and policy and procedure management. Summary of Professional Background: I've been at Info-Tech for more than 11 years, first as a research analyst, then as a staff/product manager, then back to the front lines as a senior research analyst for the past two years. Over the years I've tackled the gamut of IT issues, but now focus largely on the soft, subtle and ultimately hair-pulling problems around people (staffing) and politics (governance). Prediction on the Future of Telecom & Telecom Managers: If you're not suffering an identity crisis yet, stay tuned. The consolidation of voice and data networks is in progress and won't stop. Full integration with traditional IT departments will happen for most, so be prepared for some major career changes. Weirdest Thing People Usually Don't Know about Me: I lived in New Zealand for a few years as a kid back in the '80s. International telecommunications were a bit pre-historic back then, so it could take 10 seconds or more for grandma's voice to travel across the Pacific. It was an excellent exercise in patience. When I'm not talking or doing something in relation to telecom, I'm usually... "Talking or doing something in relation to IT human resources management." Book and author I'm currently reading: "Underworld: The Mysterious Origins of Civilization," by Graham Hancock. A bit of a slog really, and not nearly as fun as his earlier work, "Fingerprints of the Gods." CD currently or most recently in my car stereo: Billy Idol Greatest Hits. Yes, I'm in my late 30s. Blogs I follow regularly: None – I get enough food for thought from my brilliant and opinionated research analyst colleagues. The stupidest thing I've ever seen anyone do or say in relation to a phone: "How do I work this?" in relation to the old rotary phone on the wall in my kitchen (it came with the house). | 
