Rob Quickenden

Chief technology officer, Cisilion

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

For me it's been working alongside our incredible CEO, Nick Paul who has taken over the helm of the Cisilion ship from his father Roger Paul. Under Nick's leadership in re-inventing the business based on a post pandemic world, the leadership team have been encouraged to take more risks, drive culture and ultimately ensure we all just do what is right for each our employees and customers alike.

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

Emotional abuse would be as punishable in law as a physical attack. Given it was mental health week when I answered these questions, I think this happens too much in all walks of life. Be nice, people!

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

Those that know me, know what a fan of Windows and Surface I am. Panos Panay has continued to impress me this year with his presentation style and the way he has continued to innovate the laptop/tablet/2-in-1 product line and influenced/set the standard of tech for business.

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

I actually love this idea - I think we should wear warning labels each day that reflect our mood for the day. As I love to start each day with a view of what we can achieve, mine would say: "I get frustrated in the face of negativity."

What was your first job?

I actually started ‘working' from the age of nine as my pocket money was never enough to buy the bits of tech I wanted as a kid. I used to help deliver the milk around for two to three hours each Saturday. Ahead of our time, we were - they were all electric vehicles too!

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

The last book I read - well, I am actually reading at the moment - is not work related. It's called ADHD: Raising an Explosive Child by Elizabeth Moore. Having two children with different levels of ADHD, I'd recommend it to anyone to help you and your children use ADHD as a ‘superpower' rather than hindrance. We are all different, yet we try to treat people as if we are all the same.

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

One piece of advice I was given a long time ago was: "Don't get too het up by other people's success - your choices are half chance, and so are everybody else's". I think this applies to most things in life, personal and business. That doesn't mean you shouldn't fight for what you believe and go after your dreams - you should. The moral is focus on what you can control and influence.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I'd love to be played by my eldest son - to see my life through the eyes of my child!