Hayley Roberts

CEO, Distology

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Without a doubt is has to be our acquisition of Squareball, which we completed just a couple of months ago. The whole process from start to finish was a great experience and something I had never done before. Not only are we now able to offer additional high-quality services to our partners and their customers, but we've also gained wonderful new team members in Berlin - the whole process has been a merging of minds.

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

Do not lie! I truly believe people should be as authentic as possible. Life is hard enough without having to second guess one another, so everyone should be as honest and truthful as possible.

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

I have always admired Alex Tatham as a stalwart in the industry but more recently he has made a significant change in his career which is hard to do at any stage. I take my hat off to him and wish him the best in his new move.

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

"Very honest and can be quite outspoken."

What was your first job?

When I was 15, I worked in my local Littlewoods café on the pot wash. It definitely taught me how to be resilient!

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

Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change in a Nonlinear Age, by Bruce Feiler. The book was given to me by a lovely lady who was my coach not so long ago and, honestly? It's brilliant! Life isn't linear and it's really important that we understand our lives aren't the same - no two people have the same journey, and I think it's easy to forget that sometimes.

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

Over the years, I've received a lot of advice from other business leaders; however, I think the piece of advice that has resonated with me the most is always trust your gut and don't be afraid of making mistakes. It really is ok to not know everything and it's more important to be authentic about that, rather than pretending you don't ever make mistakes.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Kristen Wiig - I loved her character in Bridesmaids.