This year we’re excited to bring you spotlight interviews with each of HDI’s Top 25 Thought Leaders. First up, meet David Barrow, a passionate ITSM thought leader dedicated to inspiring innovation and fostering career development. Check out our Q&A with David:
If you could take a month-long vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
David: I’d go back to Vietnam. We once travelled its length via train, and I’d love to explore myself and travel by motorcycle.
You’ve dedicated countless hours to speaking, mentoring, and volunteering. What motivates you to give so much back to the ITSM community?
David: I care about the future of our industry. IT / Digital is everywhere and needs Service Management innovation and support. What better way to deliver this than to inspire and educate those seeking to establish, build or grow their career?
As someone recognized for advancing ITSM, what’s one area where you think the industry still has room for growth?
David: Career development. Too many people ‘fall’ into this world. ITSM/ESM is pivotal to the success of global organizations; a career within that crucial realm deserves to be more than something people stumble into — it should be structured and accessible to all, regardless of their social or economic background.
What advice do you give to mentees about building a fulfilling career in IT service management?
David: Be curious, be daring and be yourself. Curiosity lies at the heart of trend analysis and problem-solving. Being daring allows us to take informed risks that foster innovation. Most important, being your authentic self means you can succeed or fail and then re-emerge by being honest with yourself and others.
How do you ensure your mentoring and speaking efforts leave a lasting impact on the professionals you engage with?
David: I always strive to present a challenge to those I converse with, and I also welcome critique. I am imperfect. I don’t claim to know everything, and I encourage others to challenge me. Only then do we all benefit.