Andy Wright

Commercial director, XMA

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

Adding a second dog to the family in January. Stan the Rhodesian Ridgeback is now just over 10 months old and the size of a small pony (I might be exaggerating a bit) and currently finding his way into everything and anything he should not into. Currently, finding a pair of unchewed shoes is tricky.

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

None that I can think of.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

Running. I have always been involved in sport and activity, but I had got out of the habit. At the start of the lockdown in the spring of 2020 I set myself some new targets to run 25 miles a week, which is basically 100 miles a month. I have now done that for 18 months in a row. The benefits to my overall mental and physical health have been massive, and to be honest I really enjoy it.

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

All of them and none of them. I think we all spend too much time at these things, and more and more in the modern world of communication these events struggle to deliver any value because the information is not and can not be new. I miss them all as I miss all the great friendships I have built up over the years and these events are a great focal point to allow everyone to catch up.

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

I would improve my cooking. I am an ok basic cook, but I would love to expand my knowledge and range of dishes.

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

Don't change anything; it turned out ok.

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

I was only saying to Diane (my wife) last night that I can't imagine ever singing in front of an audience. I am 100% tone deaf and downright awful. I might get away with something like Born In The US (Bruce Springsteen). It doesn't sound like the most difficult tune to have a go at.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Tougher than 2020, which I think I might have predicated when I filled this in last year.