James Hardy

MD, CCS Media

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

Personally, a family summer holiday. Something we took for granted in the past and very much cherished the return. Professionally, it would be hard to isolate one stand-out highlight. We have made real progress by turning up together, whether that be in person or digitally. As always, the best is yet to come!

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

I have been impressed by many of the technology leaders relevant to our business. All for contrasting reasons and therefore unable to single one out.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

I have developed the habit of relentlessly questioning how I allocate my time, especially on travel. I used to think I was positively working hard when the reality was more inefficient, albeit with good intentions.

Which face-to-face industry event are you most excited to return to, and why?

Canalys EMEA! Canalys is the most efficient event I have attended in terms of breadth and depth of content and multi-partner engagement. I like the 5km morning run too!

If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

My short game is terrible.

If you could go back in time and tell your childhood self one thing, what would you say?

Just do it! It will work out.

If you had to sing karaoke, what would be your song of choice?

Sweet Caroline… good times never seemed so good.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Intentional, clear, balanced.