Ioan MacRae

CEO, Maintel

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

The Maintel team working so well together, despite all the challenges and headwinds of 2022. One team focused on our customers! I am very lucky to be working with such a talented group of people, who can balance our business transformation with customer satisfaction.

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

It's illegal to be vindictive, violent or discriminative in any way.

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

Alan Masarek, the new CEO at Avaya. At a time when Avaya needs clear direction, R+D strategy and investment, I believe Alan can deliver what is required. So far, the actions taken support his outlined plan, and I hope this delivers what the Avaya employees, channel partners and customers require.

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

By all means raise work issues, but please have thought of resolutions.

What was your first job?

Working at a boatyard on the River Thames in Henley, skippering commercial craft and private hire boats.

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

The Real McCaw, about Ritchie McCaw, the ex New Zealand rugby captain. A great book about a great man, and one of the best rugby players ever.

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

You will make mistakes. Don't be afraid of making them, but ensure you learn from them.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I doubt anyone would. There will never be a movie made about me.