Martin Hellawell

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Chief executive, Softcat

What achievement are you most proud of?

Not being chucked out of my home by my wife and family.

What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?

We're all a lot older and a lot of people now have beards. That was not legal when I started in the channel.

What three things could you not live without?

My dog for love, the internet so I can read CRN, and money because while it certainly isn't the be all and end all, living with it is a lot easier.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?

Shouting across the Softcat sales floor "Why is it so bloody quiet in here?" and then realising they were observing a one-minute's silence.

What do your family think you do all day?

Sit in a big chair and do email. They are very perceptive.

Who is your ultimate celeb crush?

I'm still a Penelope Cruz man despite the moustache she appears to have grown.

What is your guilty pleasure?

The regular Friday night lock-in at our local with CMS' Frank Salmon and Co.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?

Probably Hamlet: a tremendous first act and I would get a good seat if Prime Minister.

Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?

Very good. I turned 50 - I didn't think I'd get that far.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do?

I would probably be thinking about how to get a job in the IT channel. It's the best place to be.

What major issues will the channel face in 2016?

Well, we have this terrible immigration crisis. A lot more people will be trying to cross it in 2016.

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