Janet Gibbons

Career so far I spent 10 years at Digital Equipment Corporation before joining Microsoft just as the company launched Windows 95. At Microsoft I've been lucky enough to work in a number of roles and was actually involved in setting up Microsoft's very first partner programme in the UK.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? I would love the chance to be operations manager at Heathrow Airport. I love the idea that every day of work would be different and you wouldn't know what challenges you'd face when you walked into work in the morning.

Cloud - friend or foe? Best friend - I strongly believe cloud presents a huge opportunity for all partners. The demand from customers is growing rapidly and we're committed to helping partners adapt their business at their own pace.

Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? While it has been a difficult year, those partners that have been able to specialise their product offerings and build strong services and relationships with their customers have thrived.

What would you have as your last meal? That would have to be steak, chips and peas with béarnaise sauce.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? My husband as it would give us more time together. If not my husband, then it would have to be a lift mechanic.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes - I correctly predicted that by this point in the year, I would still not be doing as much exercise as I should.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? From recent conversations with partners, it's clear that recruiting, developing and retaining great people is a big focus as they look to expand their business.

What is the best part of your day? This would probably be my drive to and from work. I'm a big listener of Radio 4 and find it a good time to size up the day ahead or reflect on the day that has been.