Ali Hastings

Senior channel director, Avaya UK&I

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Navigating and then delivering positive outcomes during a very challenging year. By and large we have had a very good year within our channel ecosystem. Unpredicted business headwinds and issues have continued to prevail, yet as a channel community we rallied, had fun, worked and played hard, and the results have been remarkable with very loyal partners.

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

Like with alcohol and driving, I would introduce strict laws around how our children are allowed to use devices and have access online. Social media is creating a pandemic for the mental health of our children that is far more dangerous than Covid was or ever will be. We need guardrails in place to preserve the sanity of our children and their futures. I have a teenage daughter and it's hard to get her into real life sometimes.

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

Sat Sanghera, the CEO of IP Integration. What I admire about Sat is his uncanny ability to get the entire balance of life and business right. He delivers great leadership in his company, but also garnishes a spirit of fun and community. He is totally reliable and fun to be around yet disciplined in his business approach and he manages all of this while still putting his family and friends at the centre of his life. A remarkable man!

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

"Warning! This human is likely to generate high levels of positive energy!"

What was your first job?

When I left college, my first proper job was PA to the global customer operations VP at C&W based in London. This opened up the world of technology including the amazing opportunities and the variety of roles, which bring pace and excitement and also travel. Within nine months, I was offered a customer service role, which became the foundation of my career as I moved closer to customers, understanding their business needs and challenges and progressing into sales and then leadership of major accounts.

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

I prefer a podcast or a documentary - The A to Z of Majorca as I love that place, food, wine, culture and sunshine.

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

I learn lots from many business leaders, but most good leaders always seem credible and measured and tell people what they need to hear, not what they may want to hear! I am lucky to have a huge network of channel partners and leaders who are now friends.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Nicola Walker. My life has had so many wildly varying elements, aspects and moments, great fun, sadness, highs, lows, you name it, and I think Nicola Walker has all the acting attributes to deliver each and every persona of my life.