Johnston, Natalie
A-LIST 2005
Company: Microsoft.
Job title: Group manager: channel development and marketing.
Place of birth: Scotland.
Year of birth: 1969.
Marital status: Married.
Career highlights: My time as Compaq business manager in South Africa. I helped to build and drive the adoption of Compaq into the market when working for Tarsus Technologies, the top distributor in South Africa.
What do you love most about the IT industry? The people is what I love. They are smart, quick-thinking, entrepreneurial, with real passion. These are just some of the skills people have that I have the pleasure of engaging with on a daily basis.
Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? All channel partners, as they are out there doing it without the large backing which many vendors have.
Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Peter Ebertison, ex chairman of one of the SA IT groups.
What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? More companies being clear about their areas of specialisation.
What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? You need to have lots of energy to be successful.
Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? More specialised again, and more services-oriented.
Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Microsoft.
Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Microsoft.
How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Spending time with my daughter and husband; having a massage.
Where is your favourite place to eat? Any good-quality Italian, but one of my best is Scalini, on Walton Street in London.
What is your favourite drink? Gin and tonic.
What is your favourite TV programme or film? Cracker.
Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Texas.
What is your favourite book? Body Farm.
What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Something health-related.
What has been your greatest business achievement? Being able to balance business and business.
What is your personal ambition? Be a great mother, wife and friend, live long and eat well.