Behind the Scenes, Driving Success: Celebrating Charbel Chouhy CP

1. What area of IT do you specialise in? How does your role quietly keep your organisation running smoothly?

I have covered multiple roles during my 20 years of IT Experience, locally and internationally. Most of them were in multinational companies. Starting from User Support, IT Supervisor, IT Manager, Software Engineer and now IT Consultant. My responsibilities were not only limited to Hardware Support and Networking but extended to Data Analysis, Cyber Security, and now specialized in Software / Systems design, deployment, customization, training. I am always used to treat the IT systems, Hardware and Software, as of primary importance, by providing all my time and utmost attention. That was the main reason that helped me to keep the systems of all the organizations that I worked for running smoothly, securely and without interruption

2. What is one IT myth you wish you could debunk to the rest of the world?

There are few important IT myths that need to be addressed, however one of them is very important to me and I wish I can debunk it to the rest of the world. “Medium size companies don’t need IT support”. Some companies think it costs more to hire an IT person to look after their Systems vs subcontracting it to an external IT Company, or hosting everything on the cloud or on a remote Data centre. But I totally disagree with this. Having an internal IT Support personnel, gives companies more flexibility, security, faster turnaround and more reliability in running and maintaining IT systems, and it’s hardly expensive; because the cost you pay in case of a system failure, or a security breach is way more expensive than the cost of an internal resource. Same concept applies in case of hosting everything on the cloud or remotely instead of having the core services on site.

3. What’s one IT win you’re proud of that most people wouldn’t know happened behind the scenes? What’s a moment where your expertise saved the day?

I always believe that Customers’ Satisfaction is a priority. And to achieve this target you need to ensure 100% system availability. I am proud to say that I have led this when the company decided to switch from the old Project Management System to a completely new system. That was a big win for me and for the whole team who has contributed to this project. The hard work that we’ve accomplished and the number of hours we’ve spent to complete this project was enormous, and all was done behind the scenes, to ensure seamless transition. My expertise in systems design, planning, deployment and support has helped to complete this project successfully, safely and without any interruption, which saved the day!

4. Which qualities / skills make a great IT professional?

Its easy to be an IT person, but it’s hard to be identified as an IT Professional. I have recently experienced this while applying for my Certified Professional Certificate through the ACS. You need a big portfolio of IT Experience, outstanding achievements and a higher and bigger position and responsibilities to earn this title. Mastering the following IT Skills may help you to reach this level of professionalism: Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Programming, Network Administration, Systems design, development, deployment and training, as well as the following Soft Skills are very important to be mastered: Problem solving, communication and organisation, creativity and project management.

5. Who is your IT hero (tech, system, robot or person)?

Being a self-learner is good, but it may not help you to achieve the targets and objectives that you have set for yourself in your life. You need a mentor, an idol, or a hero to follow, to imitate and to learn from. My Hero is Bill Gates. I am impressed with his outstanding and remarkable inventions, achievements, exceptional personality and his contribution not only in the tech world, but also in the society. He made personal computing accessible to wider audience through its software and operating systems. Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft. He is a major philanthropist through the Gates Foundation which has donated billions to charity. He was the world's richest person for many years. He is an avid reader, and he has an impressive intelligence.

IT Professionals Day 2025 celebrates the vital contributions of IT experts who keep systems secure, reliable, and innovative. Often working behind the scenes, they are the unsung heroes ensuring business continuity, digital progress, and user support. The day recognises their expertise, resilience, and the critical role they play in society.