Head of UK&I - public and private sector, Fujitsu
Tell us something most people won't know about you
In my spare time I enjoy property development projects. I would do more of this if time permitted.
What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?
This year, I had the honour of being promoted to lead Fujitsu's public and private sector business. This is a role I am proud to do especially as I originally joined Fujitsu as a graduate. Outside of my day-to-day role, another highlight for me this year was starting a programme called ‘mentoring circles' - in partnership with BITC and DWP - to help unemployed people back into work.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Will Smith - not because he looks like me at all but because he has a nice balance between humour and seriousness (much like me).
Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?
It's hard to put my finger on just one. I admire companies with unique IP and products especially those that deal with real business problems while making them commercially viable.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
A nice afternoon tea with my lovely other half.
What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?
‘Digital'. A word that means so much, yet not one anyone can really explain.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Invest time and money into the education system to equalise opportunities for children from all socio-economic backgrounds.
What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?
With customer expectations changing all the time, partners that ‘co-create' with one another will be key to the future of the channel. That's because a community of partners have the unique advantage of offering complete solutions to customers, rather than having to divert to in-house to fulfil every aspect of that solution.
What is your most treasured possession?
My phone - I couldn't live without it as I use it for everything.
What do your family think you do all day?
Talk and ‘do deals'. In fairness, much of leadership is really about talking.
Who has been your mentor in business?
I have been fortunate to have a number of business mentors throughout my career and have learned a great deal from each of them. It would be unfair of me to call out one as I believe a variety of mentors is needed to make you a well-rounded and authentic business person.
