Matthew Reeve

CEO, Modern Networks

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Taking the business through the £20m milestone was a significant milestone that each and every one in the team contributed towards.

If you were ruler of your own country, what law would you introduce first?

I'd introduce a law making politicians just as accountable for everything they say, promise and do, as we in the channel are.

Which channel or tech leader (outside of your own company) has impressed you most in 2022?

I'm a great believer in helping others, especially if you've been successful yourself. The one stand-out person I thought of is Yvonne Matzk for her work creating the Channel Community, a group of like-minded people who want to help other individuals reach their full potential through support and mentoring.

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

"Buckle up, you're in for one hell of a ride."

What was your first job?

Putting my paper round aside, my first job was as a telecommunications apprentice for GEC Plessey Telecommunications (GPT). I learnt an awful lot in the four years I spent at the factory in Beeston, Nottingham.

What was the last book you read, and was it any good?

I recently read Good To Great by Jim Collins again. It's a great book and a reminder to focus on a few things you can be world class at, holding the whole team accountable for what needs to be done to achieve it.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from another business leader or mentor?

Shaun Frohlich, the founder of Bytes, repeatedly tells technology leaders to invest in the best FD they can. It's still the best advice he's ever given me.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Matt Lucas.