Darren Brodrick

MD, Paragon Micro

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

It must be the decision I made to join and re-build Paragon Micro's UK business, who I joined towards the end of January. What I underestimated was how different the role was from my previous gig.

Don't underestimate the term ‘rolling your sleeves up'. Moving to a start-up business has already taught me a lot, but it's been a very rewarding year despite a few challenges along the way and I've newfound respect for any start-up business out there.

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

Given the circumstances, we must all be really grateful that we work in the tech sector. It's unfair to single anyone out, as we've all had to adapt and make decisions to help both our employees and customers.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

I became a keen cyclist a year or so before lockdown to be fair, but I've kept it up and in May this year, along with a couple of buddies, we completed a cycling event called Chase the Sun, which was 207 miles in a single day. It was hard graft, but a very rewarding experience.

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

Canalys is always a top event, so I'm looking forward to bumping into some old faces when that returns next year. The way unified communications technologies have transformed the way we work and live has been great, but you can't beat a good vendor event, near a beach, in a decent hotel and preferably in the sunshine.

A nice round of golf before, during and after is always a nice little bonus as well.

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

It would have to be a language, most probably Spanish given the amount of golf trips I've had to Spain over the years. It could even be a retirement destination when I hang up (recycle) the PC and mobile.

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

Buy shares in Apple as soon as they become available. Take your education more seriously as you never know where you will end and the opportunities that will come your way.

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

Moving On Up, M-People.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Resilience, teamwork, optimism.