Chief executive, Daisy Group
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
I admire many tech and business leaders but, for me, business has always been a team sport. Success is always about the team that is behind it, not the individual.
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
I'm not sure about ‘talking', I think the trick is ‘doing'. Delivering converged telecoms, IT and cloud solutions in order to help UK businesses digitally transform is what we are focused on doing.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
Sir Winston Churchill - strong leadership in the most difficult circumstances; Rudyard Kipling - "If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings nor lose the common touch." Those words resonate with me and influence my third choice; Keith Muller, my late grandad - he taught me the value of hard work and integrity.
How has 2017 been for you?
In a word: full-on. We have successfully integrated our latest transformational acquisition, Alternative Networks, and remain in organic growth in this converged world of IT, communications and cloud services.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?
I'm from Birmingham - my working day has never been about flashy restaurants and extravagant lunches. For me, it's about quality conversation, and I'm very fortunate that our industry is full of very interesting people.
Which global city best matches your personality?
New York - it never sleeps.
What would be your super-hero power?
The ability to cure all terminal illnesses. Who wouldn't want to do that?
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… Not my style, I'm afraid. I have huge respect for all our rivals. Professional rivalry is the most natural thing in business. It's healthy, stimulating and keeps us all hungry.
What makes you nervous?
I'm an Aston Villa fan, so it's 90 minutes from 3pm on a Saturday until 4.45pm.
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fish. I love Dover sole. I would eat it every day if I could.
Sum up the channel in three words
Opportunity is everywhere.
