UK managing director, Insight
Tell us something most people won't know about you
I worked for a well-known supermarket chain many years ago, where I was thrown in at the deep end, managing a store with no experience - so much so that on my first day I accidently ordered so many toilet rolls that the delivery driver couldn't fit them into the warehouse!
What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?
Earlier this year we restructured our sales organisation in order to better meet our clients' needs. It was a mammoth task and the way the team stepped up and embraced the challenge; the passion, commitment and diligence they demonstrated throughout this period was incredible. I am fortunate enough to be part of an exceptional team that challenge and inspire me every day and sharing the success of this major project with them was one of the highlights of my career to date.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Emily Blunt - a versatile British actress. She's professional & committed to her career but is also a Mum of two children. She's a chameleon and wears so many different hats in different roles - which is precisely what I need to do some days!
Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire, and why?
Amazon - an inspirational story of Bezos's journey from a garage start-up to becoming the world's largest retailer with a $1trillion market cap. A fantastic example of vision and tenacity resulting in explosive growth and industry transformation. Certainly a company I couldn't live without!
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Strictly Come Dancing - I'm obsessed! A Saturday night ‘Strictly Picnic' with my daughter is the highlight of my week.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Digital technology is one of the most powerful forces in our society, yet we're facing a significant skills shortage in this country. This could put a brake on our progress, so as Prime Minister I would refocus on the Digital agenda.
What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?
We've got to increase the focus on making our industry more attractive to the next generation of talent. This means getting more involved in education at an early age and making diversity and inclusiveness top of the agenda.
What is your most treasured possession?
Not a possession but the thing I treasure most in life is my family. Being around children is a joy and our girls make us laugh and teach us something new every day.
What do your family think you do all day?
"Mummy works very hard. She sells lots of computers" Clearly I need to work with her on how to position what we do at Insight.
Who has been your mentor in business?
I have had and continue to have many mentors so it's hard to pick just one but for me a mentor is someone who inspires me and challenges the way I think. Some of the best mentoring I have received is from people outside the industry whose abstract views can offer distinct yet meaningful perspective.
