Gemma Telford

Founder & CEO, Archer

What has been your personal highlight of 2025?

My personal highlight was two trips in the spring to the US. I guess if you’re being strict they are separate highlights but it was my first time in both Boston and Washington and I had a great experience in both places – with my clients, the partners and people and I met and seeing a bit of each city!

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

This is a tough one because I don’t want to be biased and pick someone I know. So I would pick Roy Bedlow from Low Carbon. They are a UK based independent power producer investing in renewables and they are a B corp who are more mission focused. Otherwise I would pick Satya Nadella just because in a year when DEI and sustainability have been under major pressure, Microsoft have not pulled back on DEI like many others and have persisted with bold sustainability goals.

What was your first job in the channel?

My first job in the channel was as Marketing Director at Ingram Micro in the UK and I still have friends from when I worked there. I met so many people across the channel and think a distie is a brilliant place to get started in IT. I’m secretly (not so secretly!) hoping Luca, my youngest will join the channel too next year!

What’s your personal sustainability commitment for 2026?

I already do quite a lot and get called ‘eco warrior’ at home so I don’t have one, sorry!

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

I do a brilliant impression of a horse. A new skill I’m learning this year is British Sign Language which is potentially more useful than a horse impression.

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

Just try it.

What was your first day in your current role like?

Scary. I had come out of an agency where I started off doing a job I thought I would love which turned into a job I hated because the environment was so toxic. I didn’t trust myself to apply for another job, so decided to set up on my own and had to start earning my own money fast!

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

My Mum. She showed me what it was like to be a career woman, hold your own in a male dominated environment and lead by example, with respect and care for others along the way.