Simon England

What has been your personal highlight of 2020?

Spending a lot more evenings with my partner instead of on the road, which has convinced both of us to head for the aisle - as soon as we can also have a proper party to celebrate it!

Which three celebrities would you invite to a Zoom party?

Sean Connery, Sir Michael Caine, Russell Crowe.

What has been your guiltiest lockdown pleasure?

Doing more than a couple of hot summer day video calls while wearing a business shirt and Aussie thongs (flip flops).

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

Bill Gates for taking a strong stance on the US COVID-19 handling, and putting up with all the conspiracy B.S.

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

My broadband connection, my notebook, and Teams.

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

I'd be Boris Johnson and attempt to cut to the chase on the EU trade agreement.

Do you miss face-to-face events?

Yes, very much, most of all for the interaction and social connection. However, less-valuable events that purely broadcast information are off my diary for good.

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

Less travel if not adding real value, using VCs to stay connected and on track. Then focusing on face-to-face meetings to truly add value, move the needle, advance strategic agendas.