Bharti Lim

Group security strategy manager, Computacenter

What has been your personal highlight of 2025?

Funnily enough the highlight of the year was attending and speaking on a panel at the CRN Xchange EMEA event. Though I know this is the CRN A-list, but I genuinely mean it! After delivering a TEDx talk, I've been building up my speaking engagements, and Xchange was a major milestone: my first international speaking event. The experience was invaluable, not only for the achievement itself but also for the chance to connect with so many fantastic people across the broader Channel—not just within security.

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

Sarah Walker, Chief Executive UK&I at Cisco has impressed me the most this year. I was lucky enough to hear her speak in person earlier this year, and I've been following her impressive activities on LinkedIn ever since. Sarah's strategic vision extends well beyond managing Cisco's portfolio and leading conversations on the future of technology, her recent discussions at No. 10 Downing Street are a testament to her influence. Sarah uses her platform as a powerful voice for change. She is a huge advocate for Women in Tech, dedicated to creating opportunities for young people, actively involved in charity fundraising, and promoting Diversity and Inclusion across the board. It's genuinely difficult not to be thoroughly impressed by the scope of her achievements and positive impact this year.

What was your first job in the channel?

My first role was a very long time ago after university working at Fujitsu Services as a 1st line Networking (and Security) Analyst, before the days of a SOC. I sat in the day shift team of a NOC investigating 1st line network and firewall issues, this is where my security career really began.

What’s your personal sustainability commitment for 2026?

I think I'm quite good at trying to be as sustainable as possible, my children are both eco- counsellors at school, so they keep me accountable. One thing I would like to focus on next year is sustainable fashion, whilst I am trying to be better at this, I think there is still room for improvement. It's easy to slip back into bad habits especially when shopping is at your fingertips and the ability to return items is so simple. I would like to be more conscious of what and where I buy from and continue to support small businesses where possible.

What’s one hidden talent or skill your colleagues wouldn’t suspect you have?

Baking cakes! When I show pictures of my kids cakes to colleagues most are surprised that I baked them, the school parents however no longer are surprised and it's a bit of a running joke of 'what magnificent cake has Bee made this time?' Over the years I have made cakes of different flavours, shapes and themes. From dinosaurs, to Minecraft, Wonka themed to Pokémon and art cakes to football shirts. My specialist flavour has gone from Chocolate fudge to strawberry milkshake flavour, but this year I am determined to have another specialist flavour...not sure what yet.

What’s your advice for new graduates/apprentices in the channel, in three words?

Be curious, willing to learn, have fun. Not quite 3 words!

What was your first day in your current role like?

That's tough, it's been a few years now! I think my team were pretty easy on me to allow me to get up to speed, they both ran sessions with me to show me the ropes and learn to navigate my way in the new role. They are just brilliant. It was my third role within Computacenter, so it was easier to hit the ground running.

Who has been the most influential figure in your career so far?

Another tough one, I have had so many people throughout my career who have influenced different stages I am not sure I can pick just one! So, a bit of a cop out, I am going to say this is all my cheerleaders who have helped me believe in myself when I have struggled to see my own worth.