Jason Downes

What has been your personal highlight of 2020?

Joining Modality in February this year. It's a fantastic business with some truly exceptional people. I'm very proud that we have continued to operate to the highest standard for our customers and our people, despite having to work remotely across our global teams.

Which three celebrities would you invite to a Zoom party?

Firstly, I would change the invite to a Microsoft Teams party! I am mad keen on rugby so I would invite Sir Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson and Sean Fitzpatrick.

What has been your guiltiest lockdown pleasure?

Some lovely wine delivered direct from our local wine shop.

Which tech figurehead has inspired you most this year, and why?

Nat Friedman, CEO of GitHUb continues to find new ways to grow, innovate and set standards for remote working and getting business done.

What piece of technology, or app, have you not been able to do without during the pandemic?

Teams is my working world, enabling connectivity and engagement across our global customers, teams and partners.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do?

The scientist who finds a cure or vaccine for COVID. Too many people are suffering, too many have died, and everyone's world has turned upside down.

Do you miss face-to-face events?

Absolutely, I enjoy planned and non-planned interactions, meeting new people and building positive relationships which are so key to doing business.

How will COVID leave its mark on the way the channel operates long term?

It will increase flexibility of how, where and when people work. This will be a positive advantage for employees and employers. In-person meetings will have to have deliver real value and will focus on relationship building and creativity.