Dino Cooper

CEO, Viadex

What has been your personal highlight of 2021?

Having returned to the UK after spending 15 years in Cape Town, having my wife and our boy settle into our new surroundings during a really challenging time has been great to see.

The fact we managed to make the move during a global pandemic was in itself an achievement!

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

Love him or hate him, Elon Musk. The drive to electric self-driving vehicles, the improvements and efficiencies being driven into space tech, solar city, battery technology and the way of the future is truly impressive.

He is a maverick visionary, who has taken some huge risks and seems to be on top of his game.

Which one lockdown habit do you plan to keep going?

There are many! Making time for daily exercise, it's great for body and soul.

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

Having been away in South Africa for so long, I don't have a favourite that I managed to frequently attend over these past few years. I am easing into it when it coms to channel events; the CRN Rising Star dinner is something I am looking forward to.

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

I would love to play the drums.

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

Don't ever give up on your dreams.

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

I couldn't stick to one! Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra.

Sum 2021 up in three words.

Crazy, productive, exciting.