Jon Atherton

Group commercial director, CI Distribution

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

My highlight has undoubtedly been watching the culmination of growth in my two distribution teams over the past three years to become a serious player in both Rugged and Client gaming solutions. I'm very proud of this amazing group of people and with all the vendors and customers who gave us this opportunity.

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

Katalin Karikó. Considering the healthcare havoc created by Covid-19 and its impact on the world both socially and economically, I think Katalin Karikó, whose work inspired the founding of Moderna, is the most influential tech leader of our era.

Her relentless pursuit of mRNA technology for 40 years - despite all the odds - shows the grit of a person who changed the world forever, speeding the pace of vaccine development from years to days.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

I got into cycling during the various lockdowns, and it's one activity I can see myself doing for as long as I look good in lycra!

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

After the unfortunate year(s) we've had, I'm honestly looking forward to returning to all of the tech events. I've missed the in-person interactions with the tech community - digital events, although necessary, don't compare. Starting with the CRN Channel Awards in November, of course.

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

I would love to learn how to play the piano expertly. The hand-eye coordination is already there through my many years of gaming - so I think I could surprise myself. It would make for a cool party trick!

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

Make a lot of mistakes now, and learn from every single one of them. There's no greater teacher in life than experience. And I believe the ability to learn from our downfalls and persevere is what helps us grow as people.

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

Sweeeeeet Caroline, Neil Diamond.

I bet you're humming this now in your head.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Reconnect, faith, community.