Chief executive, Sapphire
What was your dream career as a child?
I wanted to be a war correspondent; Kate Adie was my hero back then. I've recently watched the film A Private War about Marie Colvin's life and I'm not sure I would have been cut out for it at all!
What has been your personal highlight of 2019?
Logging off for a whole week while on holiday. It was a first in a long time and much needed - I'm trying to carve out a better work/life balance.
Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?
Any of the reality TV wannabes whose sole goal in life is to be famous for the sake of being famous, rather than having some real ambition.
What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?
Definitely precious family photos that I don't have digitally and so couldn't be replaced.
Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?
I'll tell you next year. It's not quite over yet!
What TV show have you binge watched this year?
Suits - having watched it initially just to see what all the hype was about, I got completely hooked and binged watched the first eight seasons.
How has 2019 been from a business perspective?
The cybersecurity industry is growing at a rate of knots, so it's been busy! Long may that continue.
What annoys you most about your commute?
I don't have a regular commute as I circle around to our three offices most weeks. If I had to pick something, it would be people who recline their seat on a flight that only takes an hour.
If you could witness one past event, what would it be?
That's a tough question! Probably Operation Dynamo - it was an extraordinary feat of coordination to get the 700 Little Ships to help rescue the troops from the beaches of Dunkirk during the Second World War. The bravery of the civilians who sailed that day was amazing.
How do you explain the channel to people?
It's the layer of expertise, delivery and customer care that resides between the people who make the products and the people that buy the products, to ensure success.
What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?
My favourite so far has been San Francisco. My least favourite is probably London, but only because I live there.
What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?
It's probably still how to attract and retain talent to ensure a more diverse and successful workforce.
