What has been your business/work highlight or achievement of 2024?

My business highlight of 2024 has been receiving the prestigious Microsoft MVP award for Teams. This recognition acknowledges my contributions to the industry and the community, from sharing expertise to driving innovation and collaboration within the Unified Communications field. Additionally, witnessing and adapting to the ultra-fast evolution of AI this year has been incredible. It’s been inspiring to see how AI is revolutionizing our industry and opening up new possibilities for both businesses and individuals.

Who do you think has had the most positive impact on the UC space in 2024 and why? 

In my view, Satya Nadella has had the most positive impact on the Unified Communications space in 2024. Under his leadership, Microsoft has continued to revolutionize the way we work and communicate. The integration of AI-driven features like Copilot into Microsoft Teams has set a new standard for collaboration and productivity. Satya’s vision for hybrid work and his ability to foster innovation across Microsoft’s ecosystem have not only advanced the UC industry but also empowered businesses and individuals worldwide to work smarter and more effectively.

What was your biggest business surprise in 2024?

My biggest business surprise in 2024 was the unprecedented speed at which AI evolved and transformed the way we work. The rapid development and adoption of AI-driven tools across industries reshaped collaboration, productivity, and decision-making processes in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It was incredible to see how quickly businesses adapted to these advancements, leveraging AI to streamline workflows and enhance innovation. That said, there’s still a long way to go in fully unlocking AI’s potential and addressing challenges like integration, ethical use, and user adoption.

What was the most useful business book/podcast you’ve read/listened to in 2024?

The most useful business book I’ve read in 2024 is ‘The Future is Faster Than You Think’ by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. It dives deep into how exponential technologies, including AI, are transforming industries and shaping the future of work. The book provided valuable insights into leveraging innovation to stay ahead in rapidly evolving markets. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand and adapt to the pace of change in today’s business landscape.

What’s the biggest challenge you and your team will face in 2025?

The biggest challenge my team and I will face in 2025 is navigating the increasing complexity of hybrid work environments while ensuring our solutions meet the diverse needs of businesses worldwide. Balancing the demand for innovative, scalable technology with simplicity and user-friendliness will remain a key focus. At the same time, staying on top of rapid innovations and finding the time to educate ourselves amidst busy schedules will be crucial to maintaining our expertise and delivering exceptional value to our customers.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business in 2025 and why?

In 2025, edge computing combined with AI will profoundly shape our business. As the need for real-time data processing continues to grow, particularly in Unified Communications and collaboration, edge computing enables faster, more reliable, and secure performance by processing data closer to the user. When paired with AI, this technology drives intelligent features such as real-time analytics, automated insights, and adaptive experiences directly on devices. Together, edge computing and AI will not only enhance the quality of our services but also open new possibilities for scalability, improved privacy, and seamless integration with emerging innovations.