Interview with Philip Thomas, Sales Director – Middle East at Aveco.

– Could you tell me about your background? When and where were you born, and what did your parents do?

I was born in India, and at that time, my parents were working in Al Ain, a town near the UAE. I spent some years there, completing my primary schooling. Later, I returned to India for my higher secondary education, and eventually pursued my engineering degree there. My parents were in Al Ain while I was in boarding school during my primary years. I have an older sister and two cousins who were also with me in boarding school. Our family is originally from the state of Kerala, located in southern India. We spent some years together before I moved to Al Ain for a few years of schooling, and then returned to India to continue my studies. I completed my computer engineering degree in Tamil Nadu, a state near Kerala.

– So, when you were born, were your parents in India or the UAE?

When I was born, my parents were also in India. My father served as a civilian in the military for a few years, and then he got an opportunity to work in the UAE. He flew there, and within a year, my mother and I also joined him. I was very young at the time, less than two years old, so I spent two years in a nursery in Abu Dhabi. My father was working in Abu Dhabi. After that, I went back to India and attended grades one to five in a boarding school, along with my sister and cousins.

– Is your sister younger or older than you?

My sister is older than me.

–  Was the boarding school you attended a public or private school?

It was a private school.

– It seems that your parents played a significant role in providing for your education and the education of your sister and cousins. Can you tell me more about that?

Yes, my parents supported the education expenses for my sister and me. As for my cousins, it was my father’s younger brother who was also living in Abu Dhabi at the time, and he took care of their fees. So, it was a collective effort between my parents and my uncle.

– How old were you when you first went to boarding school?

I believe I was around five years old when I joined boarding school. It was for grade one at that time.

– Boarding schools in India are often known for their large size. Can you describe your boarding school and how many children were there?

The boarding school I attended had a significant number of students, although I don’t recall the exact figure. It was a sizable institution, and we had dormitories. Many parents who worked in distant places or didn’t have family members nearby chose to send their children to boarding school. Overall, it was a good experience for me, and I didn’t face any issues there. My sister and cousins were also there, so it felt like a small family.

– How old are your cousins? Are they around the same age as you and your sister?

My older cousin is around nine months younger than me, and the younger one is about a year and a few months younger.

– Which subjects did you enjoy studying when you were in school?

In school, I enjoyed studying the usual subjects like English, science (physics, chemistry, and biology), social sciences, and mathematics. In addition, we had the Kerala syllabus, which included learning Malayalam, the regional language, and studying the national language of India, Hindi.

– So, English and Hindi are the main languages taught in your school?

Yes, starting from primary school, English is a common language used for communication and instruction. Hindi is also taught as it is the national language of India. Most people in my generation, who have received education, are proficient in English. In the school I attended, English was widely spoken and understood.

– Is Hindi the first official language, and then English as the second?

Yes, Hindi is considered the first official language, and English is widely spoken as the second language. In my interactions with people, most of them speak English, especially among those who have received education.

– What aspects of education did you particularly enjoy in school? Was it primarily academics, sports, or something else?

In school, I found myself drawn to activities beyond just academics. I enjoyed participating in various extracurricular activities like singing, drama, and cultural events. While sports were part of the school experience, I was more inclined towards the cultural side of things rather than focusing solely on physical sports.

– Have you ever been involved in the cinema or acting?

Yes, there were opportunities to participate in dances and performances, which were often part of school events and functions. So, I did have some involvement in the cultural and artistic aspects of school life.

– You mentioned that after school, you moved to the UAE. Was it for holidays or for your work life?

Actually, while I was attending boarding school, whenever we had vacations, we would travel back to the UAE with our parents. So, it was a time for us to be together as a family during the holidays. We would spend the vacation period with our parents in the UAE, and once the vacation ended, we would return to India. This routine continued throughout my primary school years, where we had a two-month vacation. During that time, we would be with our parents in the UAE, and then go back to India once the vacation was over. So, it was primarily for spending time with our parents during the holidays. After that I attended a school in the UAE.

– Was it a public school?

Yes. I believe it was more of a public school. It was known as the Indian school. It catered to Indian nationals, as well as students from other countries residing in the UAE. I remember having friends from various nationalities, such as Iran and Iraq, who were studying at the Indian school.

– What would you say is the difference between the boarding school and the Indian school?

Yes, there was a difference. In the boarding school, the relationship between teachers and students was much closer. They took care of us like a family, and there was a personal attachment. However, in the school in Al Ain, the relationship was more like a typical teacher-student dynamic. It was not as close or personal, as the interaction was limited to the school hours, and the primary focus was on academics.

– What happened after your time in Al Ain?

After spending two years in Al Ain for my studies, I returned to India. From there, I continued my higher secondary education, with my mother and sister also living in India at that time. So, I completed my studies and eventually pursued engineering. In total, I spent around eight to nine years studying in India.

– Why did you choose engineering as your field of study?

In Indian culture, it is quite common for parents to encourage their children to pursue engineering or medicine. Initially, I was interested in biology and wanted to explore that field. However, during my eleventh and twelfth grades, we had to choose a specific stream. I was also interested in computers and my math skills were stronger than my biology skills, so I decided to focus on the science stream that involved calculus and mathematics. This led me to choose computer science engineering as my academic path.

– Were most of the universities in India state universities or private ones?

The majority of universities in India are state universities, similar to how state universities function in the United States.

– Which university did you choose, and was it your decision or your parents’ decision?

We had a few options to consider. Initially, we looked at universities in Bangalore, but by the time we tried to secure a seat, it was already quite difficult. We then explored the option of the Bharathidasan University in Tamil Nadu, which had a few available seats. It was recommended by a family friend, and it was considered a better university compared to others. The reason for choosing a university outside my home state of Kerala was that there were limited engineering colleges there. The neighboring state of Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, specifically Bangalore, had more options and was a popular choice for engineering and medical studies.

– What was your major in university?

I pursued a major in computer science during my engineering studies.

– Did you enjoy your studies, or did you find them to be rigid and challenging?

I found enjoyment in my studies for a few reasons. It wasn’t just about the academic aspect; it was also about the friends I made during that time. Being in a university setting, there was a lot more freedom compared to school, and I didn’t have my parents around. I had the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, quiz competitions, and even visit other colleges for their festivals. It was an exposure to different experiences and meeting students from other universities. So, it was more than just the studies that I liked.

– You mentioned being involved in activities at other universities. What kind of activities did you participate in?

One of the main activities I participated in was fashion shows. We would take part in fashion shows regularly, and it was always an exciting experience. Additionally, there were quiz competitions, although those were usually internal to our university rather than involving other universities. Fashion shows were the main events where we interacted with students from other universities.

– Can you tell me about your first ever job?

Right after completing my engineering studies, I decided to pursue an additional course related to networking. Coincidentally, the institute where I took the course was also looking for sales personnel, so I joined them part-time to help generate business. That was my very first job, which I took up in 1997.

– What was your first full-time job after university, and how did you find it?

After that, I worked for several firms in India as a service engineer, gaining experience in different areas. I worked in various locations for a few years before moving to another town. During this time, my roles were mainly focused on networking and customer support. I found these jobs through traditional job hunting methods and by exploring opportunities in the industry.

– How did your career transition to Europe happen?

At the time, my parents were still in Al Ain, and my father informed me that there was an opportunity to attend an interview at the Higher College of Technology in Al Ain. It was a position related to computer engineering and managing computer labs. Since I had a job back in India, I decided to go for the interview during a week-long visit. During the interview process, there was also an opportunity at Bridge Information Systems, a company providing networking solutions. I attended the interview, requested a specific salary, and the CEO offered me a higher salary considering my engineering qualifications. So, I accepted the job and started working there. That was my initial step toward Europe.

– When did you move to the UAE?

I believe it was in 1998 or 1999 when I first moved to the UAE.

– How did you progress in your career within that company and beyond?

I worked for this company for about a year and a half. Suddenly, Bridge Information Systems was later acquired by Routers, and there were downsizing measures in place. Unfortunately, I was among the junior staff members who were let go. During the following nine months of unemployment, I took the opportunity to enhance my skills by pursuing additional courses and obtaining certifications. This allowed me to qualify for my next job, which I eventually secured a few months later.

– How did you enter the broadcasting industry?

After my nine months of unemployment, I received a call from a salesperson at Dalet, which marked my entry into the broadcasting industry. I had always been fascinated by movies, radio, and broadcasting, and it was something I had in the back of my mind. So, I went for the interview and they liked me. I joined Dalet in 2002, where my initial role was more of a support engineer rather than a field engineer. Dalet was just beginning its Middle East operations in Dubai and was developing software solutions for radio stations. It was a great opportunity for me to understand how radio workflows functioned, and I was excited to be a part of it.

– Was that the time when Dalet first entered the market?

Yes, I was the first person hired for Dalet’s Middle East operations. It was a fascinating opportunity for me. When I joined Dalet, there were no training assets available, so I had to start from scratch. I was given a manual and learned the ropes. The next day after signing my contract, I was already on the client’s side, trying to understand how radio stations worked. It was a challenging experience, but I managed to build a server for a radio station in Dubai, and they were impressed with its stability. From there, I learned more and progressed from a support engineer to a project manager. I eventually took on responsibilities for sales in the India region and Asia, traveling to various countries for sales and pre-sales activities. Dalet gave me the opportunity to work on projects in about 30 countries. I became known as one of the pioneers in radio deployment within Dalet, as I had extensive knowledge of the systems. When I left Dalet, I was the last person with that level of expertise.

– How did you end up in Aveco, and could you provide an overview of your roles and responsibilities within the company?

As I mentioned, during my last years at Dalet, I wanted to challenge myself as I was feeling too comfortable at Dalet. The best option was for me to move out of Dalet and see what is outside.

Almost at the same period, Aveco was searching for a sales person to build the Middle East operations and I was selected after few rounds of interview.

My main role & responsibilities here is that of sales. Aveco is a great brand when it comes to Broadcast Automation in TV. We have great products that cater to both MCR & PCR automation, this is unique to us. Our product can fit into any broadcasting ecosystem with ease. Apart from all these, we have a very efficient after-sales support, which is also the key reason for our success worldwide. In Middle east, I am building the organisation from scratch, which means a lot of effort. This is a huge responsibility & I love it.

– What were the most difficult and interesting projects in your professional career?

I found radio deployment to be the most interesting, as I had a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. One of the most challenging projects was being the project manager for the deployment of a Media Asset Management system at MBC Dubai. It was a difficult project, but it turned out to be one of my major successes in the broadcast industry. Throughout my time at Dalet, I achieved a significant market share for radio in the Middle East, which was a highlight of my career.

– What are your main achievements in your professional life?

One of my main achievements, particularly at Dalet, was being recognized as the face of Dalet Middle East. People associated Dalet Middle East with my name, which was a significant accomplishment. I had a strong personal relationship with customers, and that’s something I cherished about working at Dalet. It was a high point for me. Last year, I decided to challenge myself and seek new opportunities outside of Dalet because I didn’t want to become too comfortable and stop growing professionally.

– What does your sister do for a living?

My sister works as a private secretary for a prominent executive in Abu Dhabi. She is employed by a Volkswagen dealer.

– And your cousins?

One of my cousins works as a physiotherapist at the military hospital in Abu Dhabi, while my second cousin works for the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority. I also have another cousin who is an Indian housewife and loves to travel.

– Are you married?

Yes, I am.

– Where and when did you meet your future wife?

I met her in Kerala, after completing my engineering degree. It was in an old town, but I met her and we connected.

– How old were you when you got married?

I got married at the age of 25.

– What is your wife’s occupation?

She is a teacher.

– What subject does she teach?

She has a master’s degree in Economics, but in the school she works at, she teaches various subjects to a particular division in the primary department. While her major is Economics, she has to cover multiple subjects.

– Do you have children?

Yes, I have two children. My son is the older one, and he just turned 20 a few days ago. My daughter is 12 years old.

– What is your son currently studying?

He is Bachelors degree in International Business at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

– Do you have a special visa for Dubai or are you still using a regular resident visa?

We currently have a resident visa, but I am considering applying for the Golden Visa. Dubai has introduced this Golden Visa, which allows you to stay for 10 years without needing to renew your visa every two years like the regular resident visa.

– Do you have any hobbies?

One of my main hobbies is watching movies. I enjoy a variety of films, including Italian, German, US, and UK movies. I also listen to a wide range of music from different languages and cultures. Additionally, I practice meditation regularly as part of my routine.

– What kind of music do you enjoy?

I don’t have a specific preference; I love all sorts of music. I enjoy various genres from different countries. Whether it’s Italian, German, American, British, or any other, it doesn’t matter to me. I find joy in exploring the diverse world of music. Another regular activity of mine is meditation, which I engage in after listening to music.

– Thank you so much for the interview!