Technology Reseller v34

technologyreseller.co.uk 51 PEOPLE Introducing... Lisa Richards, UK & Ireland Reseller Manager at Vertiv partners and managing relationships to produce strong growth for Vertiv’s rack- based and edge-based solutions, including UPS, rack/row-based cooling, power distribution and IT management portfolios for mission-critical applications. Lisa gained her industry experience at Riello UPS, where she spent 12 years, initially looking after IT resellers and single- phase product lines before progressing to large three-phase projects on which she worked closely with consultants and contractors. She is a Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP) and, last year, graduated from university with an HNC in Electric and Electrical Technology. Lisa lives in Wrexham, North Wales and has a young son “who keeps me on my toes!”. Her passions are dance, music and theatre. Over the years, she has choreographed many pantomimes and, in the evenings and at weekends, also ran a dance school that she set up as a non- profit CIC (Community Interest Company). “This gave every child the chance to perform on stage in front of their friends and family,” she explains. “The group even took part in a world record for the most people around the world simultaneously performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller routine! Another fun fact is that I took 90 tap-dancing penguins to audition for Britain’s Got Talent , performing Boogie Wonderland from Happy Feet. We didn’t get to Hollywood, but it was worth all the hard work and effort just to see the smiles on the children’s faces.” Lisa Richards joined the Vertiv channel team in June this year, mid-lockdown, and in her own words has been “overwhelmed” by the welcome and support she has received from the company and her “amazing colleagues”. As UK & Ireland Reseller Manager, Lisa is responsible for generating sales growth through managed reseller partners across the UK. Her role includes identifying potential partnerships, enrolling new HOME OR OFFICE? My role is based at home. Even so, I’m usually on the road 2-3 days a week visiting resellers and customers, which I find can be more productive. I do miss the daily interaction with colleagues and office banter, but a lot of people have had to adapt to home working in the current situation, placing the onus on technology to support them. TOWN OR COUNTRY? The country is my preference. Living in North Wales, I have access to the most beautiful countryside and mountains, which has been a blessing in the current Covid-19 lockdown. We all need a bit of fresh air and scenery. Of course, I do still love going out to socialise with friends in the lively hustle and bustle of town. SAND OR SNOW? I am definitely in my happy place when I have the sand between my toes. Nothing beats the sound of the sea crashing and a beautiful beach sunset. I bought a paddleboard last summer for my son and I to learn on – and spent most of my time underwater! WALK OR RUN? After all my years of dancing and teaching, my knees can’t cope with running anymore. I have completed a few charity Mud Runs in the past, but given the choice, I would much rather go for a nice stroll and enjoy the scenery. NIGHT OWL OR NESTER? I used to be a night owl, when organising dance shows and productions, but as a parent I definitely appreciate a rest and getting valuable sleep – especially during the cosy winter months. CAT OR DOG? Dog lover. No question about it. I have a big American bulldog called Chunky who has just turned twelve. I adopted him from rescue when he was only nine months old. Chunky is the biggest baby I know; he just wants to sit on you and give you kisses and cuddles all day. That said, if I did win the lottery, I would love to donate to, and visit, the amazing charities saving big cats and tigers in Africa. CAR OR BIKE? I do own a bike and try to use it as much as possible to get fitter, and it's obviously better for the environment. However, I must admit I do prefer driving a car, especially when there are no road works or traffic jams... PAPER OR SCREEN? I like to keep up to date with the latest technology, new apps and programs, so I have to choose the screen here. I don’t always have the time to sit down and read print, but I enjoy listening to a good audio book while I multi-task. SPOTIFY, CD, LP OR CASSETTE? Music is a big passion of mine, and I listen to it every day without fail on Spotify. My partner produces music in his spare time, so we’ve turned the spare bedroom into a music studio and have an attic full of LPs from his DJing days, which are always nice to resurrect. NEW OR RECYCLED? It is very satisfying when you work hard and save up to purchase a new item, but I do love the challenge of recycling or upcycling an item to give it a new purpose or home. It’s really great to see children today being taught the importance of recycling in school. Even better when we get to see all the inventions and creations they come up with! Q & A