Penny Williams

VP of sales, CDW UK

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Returning to our UK offices, meeting our teams, customers and partners face to face.

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

I would take ESG policies beyond the right thing to do and mandate a provision of education, best practice and strategy, which enables businesses to become greener and ready for a sustainable economy.

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

I could not pinpoint one leader, but here are some quotes that resonate with me: "I believe succession planning is one of the greatest responsibilities you have as a leader - so when your time comes to move on, your team not only doesn't miss a beat but gains in momentum, embracing new challenges and realizing future opportunities." - Angela Ahrendts. "You want to be the pebble in the pond that creates the ripple for change." - Tim Cook. "Don't spend so much time trying to choose the perfect opportunity, that you miss the right opportunity." - Michael Dell. "Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating." - Elon Musk.

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

"You can't have it all ways!"

What was your first job?

Telesales - selling educational software.

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

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - an absolute delight, a must read.

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

Preparedness - my mantra.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Meryl Streep.