Ronan Murphy

CEO, CWSI

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

My personal highlight had to be concluding our first acquisition. We worked through the pandemic remotely to get the deal done, which wasn't always ideal - but as advocates of the remote working business model, we stuck to the task and got the outcome required. The enthusiasm of the team in Twyford post-acquisition is another highlight for me!

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

I would have to say Satya Nadella at Microsoft - the relentless drive to cloud and the investment in security is amazing to be part of. I also admire the way he has brought accessibility to the forefront of Microsoft and its partner community - I have the utmost respect for this man.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

I started sea swimming in the first lockdown in spring (when the weather was good) but kept it up during winter - swimming a few days a week throughout the winter, it's here to stay now!

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

Probably MWC in Barcelona - our DNA is in mobile security and it's always a good place to meet with customers, channel partners and vendors. The keynotes are usually very good, too - and of course it's in Barcelona, which is always a fun city to visit.

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

Coding. I think what you can create and the art of the possible in this area is endless. I still struggle to understand why it is not higher on the list of priorities in the education system.

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

Never give up!

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

I am not a singer - so this does not constitute an offer to sing at our next company event! But if I had to sing a song it would be Don't Stop Me Now by Queen.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Interesting, opportune, educational.