Chief sales & marketing director, MTI Technology
What was your dream career as a child?
I thought I was going to be a professional footballer. Sadly a minor issue got in the way - I wasn't good enough.
What has been your personal highlight of 2019?
In business it was winning the largest contract in our company's history, a contract which spans all of MTI's core specialisations. Outside of work, I experienced my first taste of Ibiza (late starter) and yes, I am going back.
Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?
Am I allowed to pick more than one? Most politicians I can think of have been a disgrace to this country in how they have behaved, so it's difficult to single one out, but if I had to, Jacob Rees-Mogg - enough said!
What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?
My phone and wallet (keys would be surplus to requirement if the house burns down).
Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?
That security managed services demand would ramp massively and that RPA would not be the nirvana everyone was shouting about.
What TV show have you binge watched this year?
Succession - just brilliant.
How has 2019 been from a business perspective?
For MTI it has been a brilliant year; in fact, this year will be our most successful yet. It has been three years in the making but incredibly satisfying to see all the hard work come through in our results.
What annoys you most about your commute?
All of it. I wasn't made to travel on tubes. If you could take the people away it would be fine.
If you could witness one past event, what would it be?
There are far too many to mention but if I had to pick one, I'd go with the lunar landing. I was totally glued to the events earlier this year - I just found it fascinating what mankind was able to achieve with the technology available at the time.
How do you explain the channel to people?
It's the ‘machine' that takes vendor products, combines them with people and turns them into something useful that customers need.
What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?
I've only been to one this year and that was Dell Tech World in Vegas - I managed to break two ribs, so I'd have to say it ticks both favourite and least favourite boxes.
What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?
The continued transformation from delivering products, services and solution to business outcomes for customers because it involves fundamentally redefining every aspect of your business - especially the people side. The re-training of staff and recruitment of new skills to drive this change is the single biggest hurdle to overcome.
