Chris Yardley’s memoir, Also Innovators, is a candid and humorous account of his nearly 50-year career as a computer salesman. It offers a unique insider’s perspective on the digital revolution, from the early days of mainframes to the present. Yardley shares his experiences working in five countries and the importance of relationships in the ever-changing tech industry.
Recommended for:
- Anyone interested in the history of the computer industry
- Those who have worked in the field
- People fascinated by the rapid technological advancements of the past five decades
You will:
- Gain insight into the challenges faced by pioneers in computer sales
- Learn about working in the global tech industry across different cultures
- Discover the ups and downs of major corporations and the people who shaped them
- Understand the significant changes in the computer industry over the past 50 years
- Appreciate the importance of human connection and networking in business
Detailed Overview
Also Innovators is a fascinating journey through Chris Yardley’s career as a computer salesman. The book offers a candid and humorous look at his experiences, warts and all. It provides a unique perspective on the digital revolution,starting with the early days of computer sales, where complex specifications and long lead times were the norm. Yardley takes the reader on a journey through the industry’s rapid evolution, from mainframes to today’s on-demand applications.
Yardley’s story extends beyond technology. He shares his experiences working in five countries, including the UK,Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. He recounts the challenges and opportunities that arose from cultural and language differences, highlighting the people who played a significant role in shaping his career.
The book is divided into chapters focusing on specific periods or aspects of Yardley’s professional life. Titles like “A proper job,” “Once were cowboys,” and “Adventures in Southeast Asia” hint at the diverse experiences he encountered.
Throughout the book, Yardley emphasizes the importance of human relationships and networking in the business world.He shares how these connections shaped not only his career but also the industry as a whole.
Also Innovators is a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of the computer industry, its pioneers, and the incredible advancements of the past five decades.
Citation and Licensing
Christopher B. Yardley. ANU Press. (2019). Also Innovators. https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/also-innovators
This ebook is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). The full licence terms are available at creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode
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