Please could you tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do?
I have been in the IT industry for 20-plus years with 10-plus years in the cloud space. As part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), my role is to promote and amplify the amazing work we do in hybrid cloud.
I am creative by design and I’m never more happy then when I am building content that wins the hearts, minds and where possible, the souls of our audience.
How would you describe the UK Cloud Awards in three words?
Forward-thinking, inspirational, prestigious
What appealed to you about becoming a judge for this year’s UK Cloud Awards?
The UK Cloud Awards have been very kind to me as a previous winner, but more so I love their passion for creating a better industry.
What are you most looking forward to about being involved in this year’s awards?
I can’t lie, I love reading the entries. It’s fascinating to learn about how businesses are challenging the status quo and creating amazing new outcomes by leveraging the cloud. This is digital transformation at its best.
This year’s awards have had a bit of a makeover, with new categories and some other tweaks. Tell us why people should be getting excited about all of that/the awards?
Winning an award at this event will bring more success than the award itself. Winning (and even being a runner up) will showcase your business in front of some of the most important people in the industry. It’s win-win.
Do you have a category/categories you’re most excited about?
The geek in me makes me gravitate to transformational projects so it has to be Internet of Things (IoT) Project of the Year.
What are you looking for when you’re reading an entry? How can people make sure theirs stands out?
Video is king! For me, the more you invest in your entry, the greater chance you have of showing the judges just how good you are. I have seen amazing use cases fail due to a low-quality entry. Invest in this initiative like it’s the best customer you could ever win, it will pay dividends for years to come.
What would you say to those thinking about entering but haven’t fully decided to do so as yet?
Why wouldn’t you want to make your business more famous?
Do you have a standout cloud moment from 2019?
The industry changing its narrative and coming to the realisation that we live in a hybrid cloud world.
What are your top three cloud predictions for 2020?
Containerisation will continue to dominate.
AI use cases will be more pervasive than ever before.
Social media platforms will have more accountability to protect society.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Third-party endorsement of your businesses success (i.e. winning an award) is one of the most powerful marketing tools you will ever have. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to raise the profile of your business and become the one that everyone else aspires to be.