Sarah Shields

Executive director & general manager, Dell EMC Channel

What is your greatest career move to date?

Definitely running the channel for Dell EMC.

What is top of your bucket list?

To take my kids on safari.

What has changed most since you started working in the channel?

The sheer volume of emails I receive on a daily basis. It never used to be like this.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?

With prices increasing and IT spend forecasted to decrease, it is going to be tough, but the channel is perfectly positioned to win. It will be all about capex to opex, TCO, solution selling and digital transformation. Exciting times ahead for 2017 and beyond.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

My least favourite task is keeping on top of emails. Definitely emails.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I'd be a squirrel because there's no real pressure and you're free to climb trees whenever you want. Plus, their tails are awesome!

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?

My jackpot would be spent on setting up schools and college scholarships for girls in India. I don't really need any more material possessions: my kids are happy and have everything they need, so I'd definitely invest in something really meaningful to help others.

What is your worst habit?

Sometimes my language isn't particularly ‘ladylike' in the office.

How has 2016 been for you?

It's been cracking! This has truly been the best year yet. My kids are happy, my team is on fire and we're all in a really good place. I really couldn't ask for more.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?

Working for the UN focusing on the Global Sustainability Goals, particularly gender equality. I think it would be extremely interesting and meaningful.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

The market is changing. In the UK we have economic and political headwinds that will create nervousness and reductions in IT spend. However, we as a channel need to be embracing digital transformation as a path to profitability and offer the best financing and commercial terms ever.