Alicia Shepherd

Career so far: I started in distribution 16 years ago and have spent the last 10 years working for major hardware vendors. I joined Acer in 2010 to develop its SMB channel working with major resellers and distributors alike.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? Richard Branson. First I would book my seat on the inaugural Virgin Galactic Space flight then spend the rest of the week getting into and understanding the mind of one of the UK's most talented and visionary entrepreneurs.

Cloud - friend or foe? Definitely friend. I see the development of cloud technology as a major industry trend. Acer acquired iGware in July this year, enabling us to create a unique differentiation for Acer products.

Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? Without any doubt there have been challenges, but in my opinion the ones that have embraced these, dug in and focused on the positive are the winners of 2011.

What would you have as your last meal? Extra hot Nando's chicken pitta (make it a double).

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? Miranda Hart - possibly the funniest lady currently around.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? Yes. I predicted 2011 would be hard work and fun at the same time.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? Driving growth.

What is the best part of your day? Early mornings. It allows me the time to think and reflect before the madness of the day starts.