Edel Creely

Group managing director, Trilogy Technologies

What was your dream career as a child?

To be an astronaut.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

Being the winner of the coveted ‘Company of the Year' in the Irish Technology Industry Awards.

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

Those in positions of leadership who call facts they don't want to hear, "fake news".

What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?

Easy, my Wee-Chon Toby and my violin.

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

That the issue of climate change would rise high on the world's agenda, socially and politically.

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Downton Abbey (all of which I watched for the first time this year plus I've just seen the movie).

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

2019 has been a very good year for the group. With the addition of Zinopy to our business, we now have great depth in our portfolio of cybersecurity SOC services and Citrix Digital Workspace solutions.

What annoys you most about your commute?

We moved office recently and I am no longer within walking distance. With no direct bus route available, I have to drive.

If you could witness one past event, what would it be? The first moon landing (in person as one of the astronauts).

How do you explain the channel to people?

We are the intermediary between the technology creators and the customer, translating IT requirements into working solutions through value-added services and advice.

What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?

Anywhere in Europe works well for me; I've too many favourite places to name one. In the US, I prefer Washington and Boston, whereas west coast locations add too much travel time.

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

As new technologies and solutions come to market at a rapid pace, keeping people's skills current plus attracting and retaining talent in a market where there is a global shortage of IT skills is a major challenge.