UK and Ireland healthcare industry leader, IBM
What achievement are you most proud of?
Being appointed to my latest role two years ago and running IBM's healthcare business. I love my job! It has been a fantastic experience getting to know new channel partners that deliver specialised healthcare solutions as well as continuing to work with our traditional partners.
What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?
The pressure on channel partners to deliver more value and differentiate themselves, and the move to delivering mobile applications.
What three things could you not live without?
1. My lipstick. I've just got to have it - I feel underdressed without it! 2. My phone so that I can keep in touch with everyone. 3. My running kit or ‘de-stress and sort my head out' outfit!
What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?
Going to my daughter's tennis lesson in a large indoor hall. I thought I would do some work while I waited for the lesson to finish so I plugged my laptop in, fused all the lights and plunged all the instructors and kids into complete darkness ending the lesson. My daughter was not happy with me, and neither was the coach! I was mortified!
What do your family think you do all day?
Participate in conference calls - they think I'm addicted to the ‘hold' music - and travel all over the UK meeting interesting people.
Who is your ultimate celeb crush?
Channing Tatum - it has nothing to do with his physical appearance!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Mojitos!
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Invest more in IT in healthcare, including a Watson cognitive system to help clinicians consider as many patient treatment options as possible and provide patients with the information to look after their own health and well-being, reducing the burden on the NHS.
Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?
It's been a good year for me and my family and I've really enjoyed ‘making a difference' for my clients in healthcare. It's such an interesting and rewarding sector.
If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would you do?
I've always wanted to be a hairdresser, closely followed by a pig farmer!
What major issues will the channel face in 2016?
How they will add value in the new cloud delivery model world coupled with the movement to subscription-based charging, which will impact revenues in the short term.
