A CHAT WITH TUFAN ALATAN AT THE TERMINAL

One of the greatest dreams held by Tufan Alatan, Garanti Technology Assistant General Manager, who sees flying to different locales as a special source of dynamism in a person’s life, is to climb aboard a plane one day carrying only his passport and wallet.

Could you tell us about yourself and the career path which lead to you joining Garanti Technology?

TUFAN ALATAN: I was born in Ankara in 1965. I graduated from TED Ankara College in 1982 and later from the Middle East Technical University (METU) Computer Engineering Department in 1986 having a high rank. I worked at IBM Ankara for about four years, in the group that was rendering services for the customers in the public sector. Later, I worked in various positions at IBM Istanbul; I was in charge of the finance sector, on the sales side responsible for large banks. In 1997, I was offered a job by Husnu Erel, the current General Manager at Garanti Technology. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave IBM; however I preferred working in a more competitive and challenging business environment.

What would you say the most important milestones in your career have been?
T.A.: TED Ankara College was a very important milestone where I laid a foundation for the things I have today. I always think that I am very lucky to have graduated from TED. I acquired the basic skills and values necessary for success during the years I spent at METU and IBM. At METU, I learned analytical thinking, the requirements of my profession and the merits of working, whereas at IBM I learned a customer oriented approach and effective communication skills. Finally, Garanti Technology is the place that I acquired a multi-dimensional perspective. As I am also involved in purchasing processes, I have developed bargaining capabilities. All these steps were very important milestones for me.

How did you choose your profession?
T.A.: Like most young Turkish men during 1980s I was also guided by coincidences. I think somehow I kept the advice of a relative in my mind suggesting that IT sector would have a bright future during my last year at high school. My friends and I went out for dinner after our university entrance exam and all of them said they would put down Hacettepe Medical Faculty as their first choice. They also insisted that I do the same. I did put down Medical Faculty as my first choice as I promised them. However, I was accepted to computer engineering, which my heart was actually in. Today I am really happy about my decision.

How many times a year do you fly abroad and for what purpose?
T.A.: I fly abroad three to five times a year on business and three times for tourism with my family. I travel on business to become familiar with new technologies. I attend forums that appeal to me at international fairs. I think any kind of travel is inspirational, whether it is for business or pleasure.

What are your recommendations for long haul flights?
T.A.: Frankly, I do not like flying long haul. Therefore, I prefer Europe for holidays. However, I have traveled mainly to the States and Japan on business for the last two years. Especially flying to Japan felt infinite. I can’t sleep when flying, so I read an entire book, watched a few films, but I remember thinking: “Oh good, only a little while longer before we land.” However there were still four hours to go. During my latest flight to the States I experienced severe jet lag and could not sleep for a whole day. I was advised to take Melatonin and it really worked. From now on, I will take Melatonin prior to my flight and sleep. I recommend it to everyone.

What preparations do you make to avoid spending a lot of time during security checks?
T.A.: As soon as I park my car at the airport car park I take off everything that shouldn’t be on me when going through the X-ray security checks. Therefore, I am ready when I reach the security point. I make sure that I carry as little as possible when traveling for a short time. I prefer to have only hand luggage, but this is not always possible. I don’t like to have big luggage; therefore, I prefer to put on my suit when traveling as it takes a lot of space. In fact I have a dream; to travel carrying only my wallet and passport, just like in the movies. I guess it is a fantasy that will never come true.

Do you like spending time at the terminal prior to your flight?
T.A.: Absolutely. Even though the standard time for international flights is 2 hours, I arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before my flight time. I go through the security checks as quickly as possible. I used to prefer the Garanti Bank Lounge or THY CIP Lounge if I was flying business class. However, recently I discovered the pleasant environment at the Istanbul Atatürk Airport International Terminal. I now prefer to buy a book or a magazine at D&R and relax at Starbucks. A lot of airports are being built worldwide but I really like Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which I find modern and comfortable. I also find the architectural features of Ankara Esenboga Airport very attractive.
My workplace is at Gunesli, so sometimes when I am stuck in traffic I watch the planes taking off and think about the places they are flying to. Airports remind me of freedom.