Sarah Shields

Executive director & UK sales director, Dell

What achievement are you most proud of?

I get to work with some amazing entrepreneurs and women entering the world of technology. To be able to advise, mentor and be a role model to get more young women into IT is a real achievement. Add to this the fact that I balance this with two small kids, I am proud to be a working mum as well.

What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?

We used to place orders by fax!

What three things could you not live without?

My phone, my wedding ring and a photo of my babies.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?

Being hospitalised with suspected appendicitis after the 2001 CRN Channel Awards only to realise it was a false alarm and may have been champagne and cocktails related.

What do your family think you do all day?

I just asked my kids this. My three year old thinks I am a princess and I tell people what to do. My six year old thinks I talk to people on the phone and make them buy Dell computers.

Who is your ultimate celeb crush?

Harvey Spector from Suits! Oh yes…

What is your guilty pleasure?

Emmerdale. I have to have my dose of the Dales on a daily basis. I can’t believe I’ve just fessed up to that.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister? Ban building on greenbelt and turn all derelict or empty homes/shops/offices into accommodation for those that need it.

Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?

Awesome year! It’s been tough with various economic headwinds but it’s been exciting: we’ve grown market share in the areas we focused on. It’s been the best year yet!

If you didn’t work in the IT channel, what would you do?

I used to be a diving instructor so I’d be opening up a dive shop somewhere fabulous.

What major issues will the channel face in 2016?

The market is tough and there’s going to be consolidation in both vendor and partner land. With continuing FX pressure and instability around the world, 2016 is going to be an interesting year. There will be clear winners and losers but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be one hell of a ride!