5 minutes with... Ian Poole, CEO of the Integ Group

CRN: How long have you been in your role
I have been CEO of Integ Group for 7 years, since the company started.

CRN: Where were you born
I was born in country NSW and came to Sydney when I was 18. I think being brought up in rural Australia has had a very big influence on me and my life.

CRN: What is the best thing about your job
It's definitely working in such a dynamic industry which provides a lot of challenges and change. I'm also very lucky to work with a great bunch of people, many of whom have been with the company since we started in 2002.

CRN: What don't you like about your job
There is not much I don't like, but working through the tough times is naturally the difficult side of the job.

CRN: Favourite travel destination for pleasure
Anywhere that I can go with my family to enjoy some diving or water sports would be at the top of the list. Water sports are definitely something our family likes to do together, so any holiday where this is a focus is just great by me.  

CRN: How do you start your day
An early morning swim at 5.30am at North Sydney pool with a bunch of guys that I have been swimming with for 20 years. It is a great way to have a bit of fun, get some good exercise and prepare for the day. We are a very diverse group, brought together each morning by friendship and a love of swimming.

CRN: Do you belong to any clubs
I belong to the Balmoral Beach club as well as the Sydney Cricket Ground. I really enjoy the competition swimming at the beach club and it's a great place for the family.

CRN: What is your dream car
I've always been fond of classic European and UK sports cars. I have a 1959 MGA which has been part of  the family for the past 22 years.

CRN: Do you play/watch a particular sport
Apart from skiing and golf, I limit myself to playing sport with my two young sons. I'm a cricket tragic, so I really like to watch cricket when I can. I'm actually heading to Lords for the Ashes this July, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

CRN: Do you have a nickname
Poolie, or IP. IP of course is quite fitting given these letters seem to pop up pretty regularly in our industry.   

CRN: What's your favourite gadget
Definitely my smartboard. I am a visual thinker, so I find that a smartboard is the perfect tool to help me get my head around concepts and ideas. Anyone who has worked with me will tell you that I'm never far from something on which to draw ideas when we meet.

CRN: What can you not live without
Apart from my family of course, I am very attached to my grand piano.  I find playing the piano the ultimate form of relaxation at the end of the day.

CRN: Are you a music fan
I love a wide range of music, from rock and blues to Beethoven. I studied classical music and try and take the time to see as many music acts as I can. I'm particularly enjoying compilation albums such as the Chillout Sessions at the moment.

CRN: Do you have a lifelong dream
Not specifically a lifelong dream, but writing and playing music would be hard to beat.