'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Welcome to our essential guide to what you need to know before approaching the 125 top UK channel executives featured in this year's CRN A-list.
This year, we asked our century-and-a-quarter of power players to imagine they had a warning label, and say how it would read.
The answers that came back are gold dust for anyone hoping to do business with this channel elite.
Did you know, for example, that Computacenter's Mike Norris does not share food, while Sapphire CEO Annabel Berry should be approached with caution if she hasn't had coffee? Another A-lister's warning label would caution not to ask him whether you can work from home.
See the full CRN A-list 2023, in association with Agilitas, here.
Here we round up some of the best answers.
Alex Tatham, chief client & marketing officer, NSC Global
"Be prepared for excess enthusiasm - ear protectors may be required"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Mike Norris, CEO, Computacenter
"Does not share food"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Sarah Shields, vice president, channel, Dell Technologies
"Don't CC her on emails - it makes her mad"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Neil Sawyer, MD, Lenovo UK&I
"Warning: take in small doses!"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Andy Wright, chief revenue officer, XMA
"Boring old fart - approach with care"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Joseph Castle, CEO, Tecnologika
"Approach with extreme optimism!" Be genuine, honest and don't be scared to ask a question. There is no such thing as a bad question, just a bad response.
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Mary Hunter, Microsoft business applications lead for Europe, Accenture
"Warning: hang out with me long enough and I will have you believing anything is possible for yourself!"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
David Furby, CEO, Novatech
"Don't call me Dave!"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Alexa Greaves, CEO, AAG IT Services
"Be careful, she remembers everything you tell her"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Jenny Hicks, group head of technology, Midwich Group
"Addicted to Lego."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Yolanta Gill, CEO, European Electronique
It depends what kind of day it is! If it's a bad day, it would be: "Approach at your peril!"
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Jon Atherton, group director, CI-Distribution
"Dangerous when hungry."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Annabel Berry, CEO, Sapphire
"If un-caffeinated, approach with caution."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Alicia Shepherd, sales director, Terra Computer
"Tendency to talk about running."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Anushka Davies, head of talent, engagement and diversity, Softcat
"Loves a nap." I love getting a sneaky nap in on the weekend! After a long week, it always surprises my family that I fall asleep so quickly and enjoy a snooze in the car while the kids are at their gymnastics class or just a quick nap on the sofa! Shame I'm not such a great sleeper at night!
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Scott Dodds, CEO, Ultima
"Don't send me long emails."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Ralph Gilbert, co-founder, Focus Group
"Rarely wrong."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
David Grant, CEO, Westcon-Comstor
"Make sure you do your number." My team hear it from me constantly (in relation to orders, revenue - all of it). I wouldn't be surprised if they printed me a label…
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Jenni Riley, co-founder & business director, ITARMI UK
"If you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask me." I am a very honest person and believe that open honest communication is essential."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Craig Hume, MD, Utopia Computers
"Warning: contains cheese - from Dad jokes to being overly optimistic." I'm the king of cheese!
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Howard Malloy, senior vice president, Europe, Ensono
"I promise I'm not angry. I'm just loud." Especially if I'm talking about something I'm excited by.
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Lee Driscoll, MD UK&I, Nuvias Group
"Bulls**t free zone."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Lee Dutton, sales director, Misco Technologies
"May cause drowsiness."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
Clare Parry-Jones, MD (interim) UK&I, Computacenter UK&I
"Don't lie to me."
'Don't call me Dave': 25 CRN A-listers reveal what their warning labels would say
James Kight, CEO, Printerland.co.uk
"Warning! Do not ask to work from home."