Mike Barron

UK MD, Synaxon

Most surprising lesson 2024 has taught?

I love the fact that after 35 years in sales and most of that time in IT sales I’m still learning.  I would have to say that this year has taught me to expect the unexpected and to plan as best you can for the unexpected.*

If you could have dinner with anyone who would be and why?

Local celebrity Gary Powndland, that’s spelt P O W N D land like the shop but not spelt the same (you should look him up)

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

Away from the obvious big celebrity names I would name people closer to home, people I have met and I have learnt from, for that reason I would say Guy Golan of Performanta has made the biggest impression on me.

What technology trend do you think is being overhyped, and why?

Has to be VR headsets but maybe Apple’s Vision Pro will prove me wrong.

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have one piece of tech with you, what would it be?

It would have to be my coffee machine - I’m unable to function without it!

What's your go-to productivity hack that keeps you on track during a busy day?

As a business we use lots of productivity tools such as Trello and Slack but would be lost without my notepad and a great big to do list.

If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

If I had the time I would continue with my flying lessons to obtain my Private pilots licence