Annabel Berry

CEO, Sapphire

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

Getting back to see live music again. It's been one of the things I really missed during 2020 and so being able to go to gigs and concerts again has been a real joy.

There's nothing quite like it - it feeds the soul.

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

There isn't one person springing to mind, being honest. But I know there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs who have started businesses during the pandemic; some driven by purpose, some by necessity.

It's always a brave leap to start your own business and I don't think enough small businesses get the recognition they deserve or the support they need.

They are the backbone of the channel and the ones most likely to be pushing boundaries on what's possible.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

It would be exercising. I really enjoyed it during lockdown and it's become a positive habit and so that's set to continue now.

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

Well, it has to be Sapphire's own NISC!

The National Information Security Conference is in its 21st year and is stronger than ever. 2020 & 2021 are the only years it hasn't gone ahead so we are really looking forward to February 2022 and NISC XXI. Put the dates in your diaries!

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

Learn to play the guitar.

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

Not to care as much about what people think of you that it changes your decisions or stops you from doing things. A wise friend I know said recently, ‘What other people think of you is none of your business' and I think that's very true and good advice.

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

Had to? Sign me up, I love karaoke!

My go-to is Dusty Springfield's Son of a Preacher Man - it's a classic.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

The little things.