David Grant

CEO, Westcon-Comstor

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Apart from being on the CRN A-List, you mean? My highlight from this year is being recognised by five of our top vendors as their Global Distributor of the Year. These are always big accolades for us because they provide real validation. But most of all they give praise and recognition to our brilliant team. The work our people are doing for our vendors and partners around the world is just fantastic, and I'm so proud.

If you were ruler of your own country, what law would you introduce first?

I'd make it illegal for vendors to sell direct… only ‘go to market' through distribution. OK, on a serious note, I'd introduce a law that calories from wine and beer don't count in a diet.

Which channel or tech leader (outside of your own company) has impressed you most in 2022?

There are two and I can't quite choose between them. Ed Meyercord, CEO of Extreme Networks, has shown up for me and for Westcon and he's always personally responsive and supportive. And then Claudette Atkinson, EMEA distribution director at Palo Alto Networks. A solid south Londoner who just ‘gets it' and makes things happen for us…

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

"Make sure you do your number." My team hear it from me constantly (in relation to orders, revenue - all of it). I wouldn't be surprised if they printed me a label…

What was your first job?

I was 15, and my first job was working on a mushroom farm. I'd shovel five tons of racehorse manure into mushroom-growing boxes every day. Racehorses have such a nutritionally rich diet, what comes out of the other end is perfect for growing mushrooms, apparently!

What was the last book you read, and was it any good?

The Wim Hof Method. Yes, it was fascinating… but I still can't do cold showers for longer than 20 seconds! He teaches a specialised breathing technique which helped me in my recovery post-Covid. I'd highly recommend it.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from another business leader or mentor?

A great phrase which I always remember when I'm about to dive into action or a response: "Act in haste and repent at leisure." It helps me pause for thought every time. I heard it from channel legend, David George, who founded Crane which is where I started by distribution career.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Andy Garcia, I think, although my wife would probably say she would prefer it was Idris Elba.