Profile
Paul Knight
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About Me:
I live in Oxfordshire with my wife, two kids, and two chickens. I really love technology and am happy I get paid for work I enjoy so much, I’d even do it for no money! When I’m not setting up my smart home, playing video games, or practicing shooting, I’m usually at the gym or playing the piano or guitar.
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My Work:
I am a technical leader with over 20 years of experience managing cyber security, networks, enterprise applications and all things IT. I have done this work in different parts of the world and in different areas. These areas include Defence for the military, aerospace, flying planes, manufacturing, publishing, and Education.
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My Typical Day:
My days are never the same and can change a lot. As someone who leads the work, I need to think about the future plans and also solve problems quickly. A big part of my job is to help different teams in the business, like the people who work with money, marketing, selling things, and laws, to deal with technology problems. We find ways to use technology to fix business issues. What I enjoy the most about IT is that you need to know a little about many things. We help these teams by making their work faster to save time and money and by setting up systems that help manage big projects.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I want to start a Lego IT club for the school near me, so I would use the money to buy a few Lego kits.
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Education:
I left school at 16 with very few GCSEs, everything else has been self taught of through professional accreditations
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Qualifications:
- 5 GCSEs
- 11 Microsoft Exams/Training Courses (MCSE)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNS)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Associate of Project Managers (APMP)
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Work History:
- Turntide Technologies (2021 – Now): I’m the VP of IT & CISO. I helped buy 3 UK companies for better electric motors and now lead IT and security for our teams in Europe and North America.
- Meggitt (2019 – 2021): As Vice President, I looked after our computer systems worldwide and worked with a big budget to make things better and more modern.
- Lucy Group Ltd (2014 – 2019): I was in charge of making our technology better and more up-to-date, working with a big team all over the world.
- Babcock International Group (2009 – 2014): I managed the tech support for planes that refuel other planes in the air for the UK’s Royal Air Force.
- Elsevier (2008 – 2009): I was a Senior Systems Administrator, making sure our computer systems worked well for our global business.
- Pearson (2006 – 2008): I led a team to make sure our computer services were running smoothly, especially when we joined with another big company.
- Bedales School (2004 – 2006): I was the Network Manager, making sure the school’s computers and internet were working well.
- Compete International (2001 – 2004): I helped fix and set up computer systems for different companies.
- Bar Work, Restaurant, First IT Job (1996 – 2001): I worked in bars and restaurants, and got my first tech job at a local computer shop.
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Current Job:
Turntide have developed the world’s most efficient electric motor system, based on revolutionary switched reluctance technology, managed by advanced cloud software. Their goal is to eliminate the 25% of global electricity consumption that is wasted by legacy electric motors. Hired to focus specifically on the acquisition of three UK-based businesses in the Northeast focused on the design and manufacture of components for transport electrification. As VP of Information Services & CISO I lead the global team across five operating divisions in Europe and North America with full P&L accountability.
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Employer:
Turntide Technologies
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
solution finder, resourceful, multitool
What did you want to be after you left school?
I had no idea, I struggled with school and learning
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes all the time
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
something in space
Who is your favourite singer or band?
anything acoustic
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I'd only need one! A time machine!!!! Just think of the possibilities
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