Alicia Shepherd
Head of sales, Terra Computer
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
Jeff Bezos, visionary, not scared to push forward and lead the way rather than follow. Love Amazon or hate Amazon, you cannot deny it is a forward-thinking company with astounding growth.
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
Recruitment for experienced people. I know of too many good people who are not working as they are over qualified. I think people are aware of this but are choosing to ignore it and this will result in an industry with a gap in knowledge and experience.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
JFK, Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher - three great leaders who all faced crisis and challenges and prevailed in their own unique way.
How has 2017 been for you?
2017 really has been a game of two halves; the second half is playing out much better than the first half.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?
It involved Wagu beef, very expensive red wine and a good selection of spirits and cigars - the receipt is framed in the FD's office still.
Which global city best matches your personality?
Rome. It's cosmopolitan and passionate - I always wear my heart on my sleeve.
What would be your super-hero power?
To be invisible. Imagine you could always be two steps ahead of the competition, plus I'm a little nosey so would be great to get that insight into other people's lives.
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… Rivals keep you on your toes and make sure you deliver 100 per cent every day. Without a rival, where's the competition?
What makes you nervous?
Heights. As I get older this fear gets worse. I'm yet to find a sat nav that can avoid the highest bridges in the UK. Tamar Bridge was most definitely the worst yet.
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kabanos.
Sum up the channel in three words
Competitive, great people (in most cases), fast-paced.