Ever wondered about the people that work in Digital and IT and what they are like? Are they the big “IT nerds” you see on the TV or are they the quiet ones, what do they do? What do they like? etc. Well now you no longer need to wonder, so come and meet us.

This is the new series where you get to meet the brains involved in keeping the Digital and IT department cogs turning. The team have been kind enough (I made them) to answer a few questions about themselves for your entertainment. So welcome, get to know us, and find out what makes us tick.

If you have any questions about job roles or why someone picked dragons as their mythical pet then ask away.

First up in the hot seat: Neal Z

What’s your name and your job role?

Neal Zarkovic – Website Service Manager

What is the most exciting part of your job?

Dealing with emergencies. Although it’s best that everything goes smoothly, I do thrive when things go wrong

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

Music production. I enjoy creating electronic music. More the process than the finished product. I’m also a drummer.

What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

Web Accessibility – The goal of making a website that does not exclude users is a key motivation for me.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

100% night owl.

What’s something you find challenging about your work?

Understanding the more technical aspects of development as I don’t come from that background

Have you ever met anyone famous?

Two of note. I met a retired Jason Lennard in a kebab shop in Putney. I also met a very young (pre-titles) Serena Williams in the Wimbledon players’ lounge

What’s a skill you’d like to improve on?

Web development and project management.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Lost in a good book – Jasper Fforde

Who or what inspires you in your career?

My wife and son

What’s your game plan in a zombie apocalypse?

Not sure, but it would probably involve a boat

If you could own a mythical creature (unicorn, phoenix, etc.), which one would you pick?

Griffin – We be a great way to get around

What’s your favourite ice cream topping?

I don’t like ice cream

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever heard?

“Everyone is your customer”

Every interaction you have in life with your friends or work colleagues or anyone should be the same. Always treat everyone with respect and a friendly attitude. We are all just trying to make our way in the world. Let’s not make it more difficult than it has to be.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Italy (probably somewhere in the middle). Good food, good wine, good weather, good people

Are you able to work from home, and if so, do you enjoy it?

Yes – It’s better for my work-life balance and I think I am more efficient

What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?

No good – The prodigy