Lynn Collier

Chief operating officer at Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) UKI

Career history: Software and solutions director for HDS EMEC; regional director for professional services and pre-sales and Storage Tech; solutions sales manager for Australia and New Zealand for Storage Tech.

Measure of influence: Responsible for 60 partners and 11 staff.

Activities to advance women in tech: Founding member of Hitachi's Women's Interactive Network; supporter of HDS' graduate sales rep programme; STEM champion.

What is your advice to women and girls thinking about a career in the channel?
It's incredibly valuable to network - finding coaches and mentors across the industry, not just in your company - and to focus your interests on a technology area that you're truly passionate about.