Apay Obang-Oyway

Director channels & alliances sales - northern Europe, Symantec

What was your dream career as a child?

An airline pilot. It was a dream of mine while growing up. I was accepted to flying school, however, changed my decision when I found out they did not have a hockey team. Priorities when you are young.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

Building many new exciting new connections and learning lots more about enabling the digital transformation of our customers and partners.

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

Unai Emery for appointing Granit Xhaka as Arsenal captain. Leadership positions such as this are critical and those within them must exhibit the right behaviours to inspire those around them.

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

My mobile phone - to call the fire brigade, book a hotel and manage all the things I need to in the aftermath of the fire on all the various apps of my service providers. And my African traditional attire I wore to my wedding.

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

The breakthrough in the development of quantum computing. Further major reported public data breaches. I also thought the Game of Thrones finale would be a disappointment, and it was.

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

In this crazy year, it's been all about news channels for me.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Excellent - the first half of the year has been notable for consistent growth and closing off a great Symantec FY end; the second half has been building to an exciting future.

What annoys you most about your commute?

How consistently trains are unreliable.

If you could witness one past event, what would it be?

The signing of the Race Relations Act where the country took another giant leap in addressing inequality and this time it was race equality. Equality and inclusivity for all is what makes us great.

How do you explain the channel to people?

Santa's Workshop. Clients/customers are the girls and boys on the ‘Good' list who get the tech/toys. Santa himself is the resellers driving the exciting technologies to the market; the distributors are the Reindeers driving the engine; and the Elves are the vendors who make the tech/toys.

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

My favourite is Miami. It has a diversity of everything: food, people, music, businesses and much more in one place day or night. My least favourite is Houston, Texas - there is nothing there but heat and dull buildings.

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

It continues to be skills shortage alongside diversity and inclusivity.

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