Antony Byford

What has been your personal highlight of 2020?

Having the opportunity to spend more time with my two children and the option to teach them a little. Sebastian's reading has developed hugely in the past six months. And yes, as much as that has been super difficult while still supporting teams and my business, it has been a joy.

Which three celebrities would you invite to a Zoom party?

Captain Sir Tom Moore would be my first. A true inspiration and someone who will have some amazing stories of strength, determination and real sacrifice.

Second, Jose Mourinho. Being a Spurs fan, I'd give him a good talking to on team selection.

Kevin Bridges, a Scottish comedian who I've become a fan of over the last six months and genuinely makes me cry with laughter with his sketches.

What has been your guiltiest lockdown pleasure?

I invested in a Peloton late last year which has come into its own over the last six months. I've clocked up over 3,000 miles, lost 10lbs in weight, gained muscle but still enjoy a typical channel diet. I'm #TonyB77 for those fellow Pelotoners who want to connect and fancy a race.

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

Anyone who is trying to help deliver sustainable energy and makes money while doing it inspires me. Elon Musk's vision for the world's transition to sustainable energy excites me as I love cars, but not the price of a Tesla.

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

Simply having a secure connection from home so I can access the wide range of applications I use for business.

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

My first act as Donald Trump would be to make peace with all those I offended and made suffer at the stupid decisions I made. I would then lift global trade restrictions and jump back in bed with the World Health Organisation. I would divorce my long-suffering wife, so she could meet someone she deserves, then retire with immediate effect to somewhere no-one could find me.

Do you miss face-to-face events?

Yes and no as I've kept meeting partners and vendors frequently at small events over the summer, sticking to government rules and mainly on a golf course, keeping relationships ticking along. The big ones, certainly and will miss this year's CRN Awards shindig in Battersea Evolution.

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

I've said for some time now: if the time scheduled for a meeting is half the time it takes to travel to it, then stop! Not only does the three hours a day you get back help with an improved work-life balance, but you can get much more done by managing your time better. Productivity is king.

Video fatigue is real, but the channel has proved that using collaboration tools can change lives for the better.

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