Samantha Mudd

CEO, Bytes Technology Group

What's the most surprising lesson 2024 has taught you so far?

2024 has taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Despite the challenging economic backdrop this year and new roles for me and other members of our senior leadership team, we have risen to the challenge and continued to have fun along the way!

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Ada Lovelace. As one of the first computer programmers, her pioneering work laid the foundations for the technology we use today.

Which tech or channel figurehead has impressed you the most this year, and why?

I have always been impressed by Satya Nadella and this year is no different. His leadership at Microsoft has been transformative, driving innovation and growth while maintaining a strong focus on culture and values.

What technology trend do you think is being overhyped, and why?

There is no doubt that AI has immense potential, and we are already seeing that play out in the way businesses of all sizes are using it to improve and grow their output. There is understandably a lot of hype around its capabilities and that can create unrealistic expectations. It’s important to remember that AI’s real value is likely to lie in targeted, practical applications in the near-term.

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have one piece of tech with you, what would it be?

My Alexa so that I could listen to Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’. That assumes there’s internet connectivity of course!

What's your go-to productivity hack that keeps you on track during a busy day?

I find it helps to prioritise tasks and then break them down into manageable chunks. I also make sure to take short breaks to recharge and maintain my focus throughout the day.

If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

I think Italian and French are beautiful languages. I would love to pick one and learn it to a level where the locals don’t ask me to revert back to English!