Which high profile channel leader follows the lead of Sir Ian Botham who believed 'anything was possible and never backed down'. Find out here, along with nine other behind-the-scenes insights into the inspirational figures that helped shape this month's Conversation Starters...
Daniel Ellis, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, Lumilinks
Sir Alex Ferguson: A master of sustained success and adaptability. His ability to rebuild winning teams, instil a winning mentality and lead with conviction through constant change is something I deeply admire.
Ross Jack, RVP Channel Sales EMEA, Dialpad.
From an ICT perspective, John Massey. He was my first real manager in this industry when I worked at Actimax. His passion for sales and his work ethic was second to none.
KubeNet Director Fraser Ferguson
Willie Limond, a former colleague at Digital Equipment who taught me life lessons I still use to this day.
Evolve IP EMEA Managing Director Paul Harrison
Former Evolve IP CEO Guy Fardone. His passion and can-do attitude was infectious.
Auxilion CEO Patrick Jordan
My father. Working with him early on instilled all the values in me that I still consider most important.
Cybit Executive Chairman James Hunnybourne
I admire many people, but I don’t role model myself on any of them, I just take the behaviours that fit with the person I am. That said, there are people that have been a strong positive influence on me. My father for example, who taught me to be grounded and hard-working; my mentor Neil Thubron who helped me understand the meaning of ‘only one life’; or Richard, my first martial instructor who taught me about honour, confidence and structure.
Rydal Group Managing Director Steffan Dancy: My Dad and David Beckham.
dbfb Managing Director Simon Pickering
Sir Ian Botham: He believed anything was possible and never backed down.
Principle Networks founder and co-CEO Russell Crowley
My parents – both mental health nurses – were very kind and driven and taught me that no matter what the problem or challenge there is always a solution. And as a Manchester United fan I admire Gary Neville. Not just for his football career, but also as a highly successful, driven and principled business person. This is reflected in how I try to lead and run my own business.
Mark Pillow, Managing Director, Voip Unlimited
My father. He ran a pub, and anyone who’s done that knows how relentless and difficult it is. Also, Bernie Ecclestone... having worked with Formula 1 years ago, the circus he built around it was fascinating.