Kathleen Schneider

Career so far: I started as a brand manager in consumer goods. I have been in technology for 12 years and looking forward to many more as the industry is incredibly dynamic.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? Ludwig van Beethoven so I could write and perform a symphony - how amazing that must feel.

Cloud - friend or foe? Friend.

Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? On some days yes, but we have learned to do more with less and prioritise.

What would you have as your last meal? My mum's lasagne with strawberry cheesecake for pudding.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? Bill Gates.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes - seeing more consolidation as tech companies acquire up-and-coming companies.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? A challenge and opportunity: winning tighter budgets by demonstrating technology investments save money medium-to-long term. There are still many companies who have not yet virtualised, which is a great opportunity for VARs to focus on.

What is the best part of your day? Dinner with my husband and two sons.