Carl Henriksen

CEO, OryxAlign

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

Moving home, closer to family. It was a long time coming and it was a major move. Fingers crossed my highlight of 2022 will be having successfully completed extensive renovations… and survived!

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

It's hard not to be impressed by Elon Musk and his many extraordinary achievements, but this year the success of SpaceX has been remarkable. The space race is well and truly back on and my money may be on the non-state actors.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

I didn't pick up any specific new habits in lockdown, but the biggest change, possibly habit, was of course working from home. I do strongly believe the office is where the magic happens and is essential for building culture, but working from home for 1-2 days a week brings a good balance and richness to life.

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

Probably the CRN Channel Awards, which is always a cracking night and well-run event. Celebrating achievement across our industry and meeting new people at the same time makes for a great night out.

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

I've always been interested in the creative world of design. Everything from graphic to interiors, to exteriors and architecture. Having the technical skills to create and make things stand out from the norm - be it a sales proposal, a slide deck, a kitchen or an entire home - appeals. I know what looks good; it's the technical ability to create it I'd like to learn.

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

Nobody ever made history or achieved great things by playing it safe. Be bold, be brave and work your hardest.

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

Mmmm… probably something by Neil Diamond or Cher. Let's go with Forever In Blue Jeans, but If I Could Turn Back Time is a close second!

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Turbulent, disordered, transformational.