Colin Williams

Business line CTO, Computacenter UK

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Customers have recognised the user and business importance of networking as a "critical" asset of digital transformation. Long overdue.

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

No swearing. I'm very intolerant of cursing conversations.

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

Hayley Roberts, Distology. Energy, intellect, conviction, humility, I could go on and on.

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

"Be nice or I bite."

What was your first job?

Working in Tesco as a 16-year old with a Saturday job stacking shelves. It created my love affair with Tesco to the present day.

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

Geoffrey Moore, Zone to Win a few years ago. Well-formed "common sense" that all senior leaders must read (whether they follow the outline or not).

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

Learn how to say "No". but ensure the other party understands why. People pleasing fails to help the most important person, "You".

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Kevin Hart. It needs to be someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and can laugh at their own failings.