Jane Silk

What has been your personal highlight of 2020?

My highlight has been having the privilege to lead a team of people who really are committed to getting the job done despite the challenges we've faced since March. Talking to staff, customers and partners while they are working within their home office has given me a unique insight into their lives and this really has been fun!

Which three celebrities would you invite to a Zoom party?

Michael Roux Junior for the food, Jon Richardson for the laughs, Fatboy Slim for the tunes.

What has been your guiltiest lockdown pleasure?

Watching trashy films with my three grown-up girls who were all at home during lockdown.

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

I can't pick one individual, but I think that there are many people within the tech industry who have been working behind the scenes to support efforts to combat the impact of COVID. This once again endorses how technology really can be used to benefit the many in society.

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

Microsoft Teams for my video calls, meetings, and the chance to see people's faces!

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

I would be the education minister with no alignment to any political party but with the power and money to ensure that all pupils have equal access to high-quality teaching, a wide range of extra-curricular activities and comprehensive further education and careers advice.

Do you miss face-to-face events?

I have really missed face-to-face events over the last seven months. While we may all work in the tech industry, it is still the people who make it what it is and why it's a fun, challenging and diverse place to work.

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

Undoubtedly, like many industries the channel will have learned new flexible ways to work remotely. This should hopefully increase the chance for organisations to access talent, build relationships, speak to customers, and share in the wealth created in the channel regardless of their location.