'My 6-year-old tells his friends I'm a rapper like Stormzy!' - 15 Questions with RSA Group CIO David Germain

David Germaine, the CIO of insurance group RSA, is the latest technology leader to take Computing's '15 Questions' hotseat.

Previous CIOs in the series include Asda CIO Anna Barsby, Met Office CIO Charles Ewen, VMLY&R Global CIO Trevor Attridge and Church of England CIO Terry Willis.

David has been at RSA for four years. Previously he was head of technology, operations and product at Royal Bank of Scotland.

What job did you want to do as a child?

It was my dream to become a professional rugby player. From the moment I watched Bath as a young boy to the national team not to mention the British Lions. Specifically Bill Beaumont, the Will Carling era and rugby turning professional. In reality I was never good enough to play above county level and, like most middle-aged men, we tell our kids we were far better than we were.

What was your first ever job?

Working with my mum. She was a cleaner and worked a number of jobs after school. I used to help her and she would pay me in penny sweets. Regretting that now with my dental bills.

How would you describe your current work to a 5-year-old?

My 6-year-old tells his friends "I think my Dad is a rapper like DJ Khalid or Stormzy. He wears headphones and has the same equipment as Dr Dre (the guy in the advert with beats headphones) in his cabin office". I'm a major Apple fan; iMac, iPad and MacBook user. My youngest obviously watches too many adverts and formed an interesting linkage!! That said who does not want to be a cool Dad. I'll keep that going whilst he thinks I'm really cool.

How, why and when did you get into technology?

My surroundings dictated that I had to work. An apprenticeship in my late teens allowed me to earn and continue with my education. I would select that path if your personal circumstance dictates you have to be more financially focused at a young age. I chose technology by chance. I was pretty solid on STEM subjects and the opportunities that came my way were IT or Accountancy. I thought I would give IT a go. 29 years later I'm still learning and evolving as an IT professional.

Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to work/business?

My professional inspiration has no separation from my personal inspiration. My mother's determination, hard-working ethic and stern outlook is etched in my memory. Years of working two or more jobs and bringing up three children is inspiration enough. My mum's lessons still resonate, these include, save what you earn, hard-working ethic, nothing in life is given to you, enjoy your time on this earth, be family orientated, help others if you are able and be respectful, but have the courage to question bad behaviours.

What achievement makes you most proud?

Having three beautiful children with my lifetime partner and wife. Hopefully growing old together with an army of grandchildren to keep us busy, in addition to pursuing the next chapter in life.

What's the best life and work advice you've ever been given?

I'm a fan of Robert Iger. In his autobiography he sets out a section called ‘lessons to lead'. One of his lessons that resonated with me was this quote "Be decent to people. Treat everyone with fairness and empathy. This doesn't mean that you lower your expectations or convey the message that mistakes don't matter. It means that you create an environment where people know you'll hear them out, that your emotionally consistent and fair-minded, and that they'll be given second chances for honest mistakes."

What was the first band you ever saw?

Jazz Café, Camden in my late teens to see Omar, the British soul singer. I listened to mainly American acts growing up so it was a real eye-opener that the UK was producing great artists of their own and not just copying the American soul artists. He went on to pioneer the British soul scene; many great British artists came after him.

What is your favourite book / film?

To Sir with Love. Late '60s film starring Sidney Poitier. The film tackled social and racial tension in an urban environment. I watched this film in my early teens and it helped me to understand perception and personal bias in addition to the politics of difference.

I'm an avid reader so the latest book I'm reading is my go to. Currently reading the life of Jim Brown. American football hall of famer and actor. In his 80s now but he certainly has had a life challenging society and a determination to be controversial at a time in history where civil rights was an idealism.

If you could speak to your teenage self, what advice would you give him/her?

Self confidence. You are the same as everyone else and exorcise the ghosts of your background. The key is to be boundary-less, trust your instincts, stand up tall and listen to your inner voice.

What makes you laugh?

Currently my dogs. Two boxer puppies who provide moments of frustration, but also plenty of laughter watching their antics on a daily basis. My children are also a source of daily comedic moments. Especially my 6-year-old. All three kids are currently playing musical instruments and have created a band. They have decided to fuse the sound of John Legend, Elton John with Stormzy. It makes for an interesting jam session and headache on a daily basis!!

If you could solve one major problem, what would it be?

Where to start... Idealistic possibilities, stop the use of plastics, look at the problem we are facing into for the next generations, we should focus on biological degradable alternatives. Access to clean water we are facing a long term issue of poor filtration solutions, global hunger, climate change, the use of energy, disease control, economic balance. I can't just pick one but cancer, dementia and heart disease are three conditions which I have seen up close and personal. I've seen first hand the impact on the individual but also how it changes the fabric of a family. If I could stop the suffering I would certainly make sacrifices to take preventative steps.

Think of your favourite place. Where are you thinking of?

The origins of my family Dominica in the West Indies. They call it the nature island: sun, sea and plenty of rum. Great memories and looking forward to taking the kids and introducing them to their heritage.

What traits do you most like and dislike in people?

I appreciate positivity, especially during these uncertain times. A positive smile can make a huge difference to a conversation or the tone of a meeting. I switch off when I have to engage with self-centred and unreliable individuals. In this job and life you have to trust and rely on the people you lead, socialise and work with. Once that is broken it's very difficult to recover relationships.

Which technology of the near future are you most excited about?

The technology of the future is already with us. We will see augmented capabilities we already have. Specifically blockchain, IoT, 5G, AI, Automation, intelligent management solutions. What excites me is the deeper exploration of existing products augmented by new adaptive technologies to explore reinvention. We are all searching for the new holy grail.