Samantha Mudd

MD, Phoenix Software

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Most certainly getting the Great Places to Work recognition. The results of the survey were fantastic with 96% of our employees saying that they think Phoenix is a great place to work. We outperformed the benchmarks in almost every category, and we have been listed as one of the best workplaces for technology and best workplaces for women, which I am incredibly proud of.

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

To have more bank holidays. It's wonderful when at Christmas or other occasions like the Queen's funeral recently, we get time to reconnect and do what most families do at such times: enjoy one another's company, eat nice food, drink and relax and take time to be social together.

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

It still has to be Pat Gelsigner (ex-CEO of VMware and now CEO of Intel). Just look at the calibre of leadership he delivers time and time again! He is the only other person I would work for other than my current boss or organisation!

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

"Drinks too much coffee and is fast!"

What was your first job?

A silver service waitress in the hotel that fell into the sea in 1987 Scarborough and was covered by TV crews from all over the world. Thankfully I wasn't on duty at the time.

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

I read multiple books at a time, but the one I have found most valuable and I have bought for other people is Contended Dementia, a Sunday Times Bestseller that was recommended to me.

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

Don't overreact in a situation. Be measured and be fair!

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Well I am often told I look like the actress Gaynor Faye (Judy Mallett) from Coronation Street in the 1990s, so perhaps her?