Christmas Spotlight: Rachel McElroy

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Rachel McElroy, chief marketing officer for technology solutions and services provider, Solutionize Global.

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…

…to appreciate the little things.

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

We expected outstanding, and you really delivered.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

So many! Because I couldn’t see family and friends, I ended up substituted that with Hermes, DPD and Amazon deliveries. I told myself to rein it in during lockdown 2.0.

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

This year has been about steadying the ship and business continuity. Heading into 2021, we’ve got savvy solutions and services to support businesses with their growth and transformation goals, alongside further recruitment and thought leadership pieces that we’re excited to roll out to customers.

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

I was really grateful to interview Morrisons’ group chief information officer, Matt Kelleher, as part of our Northern Powerhouse leadership white paper. We spoke about the supermarket’s work to give something back by providing doorstep deliveries for the vulnerable, offering foodbank bags in stores, and other initiatives – all of which I thought was hugely inspiring.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Getting the baubles out of numerous old Quality Street and Roses tins to decorate the tree. There were always quite a few homemade ones in there too – and that’s something I’ve continued as a tradition with my children.

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

Cranberry sauce.

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

Champagne, Love Actually and Last Christmas by Wham!

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

Some down time and headspace from everything that we’ve been working on – and a break from looking at my face on Microsoft Teams video calls!

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

This year has showed me how important human connections are. So, I’d say to be happy, healthy and to always take joy in the small things.