01732 759725 50 AND FINALLY people, with an exciting product in a fun and fantastic company – why would I change that? When did you first join the print sector and what attracted you? Wow, now there’s a question – if I tell you that, I give away how ancient I am! There’s that industry saying, ‘you don’t choose print – it chooses you’. I started out on my journey in print back in 19 (yes 19!) 96 with the NRG Group, and being very honest it was because the job came with a company car. Now print has become my life! Andy Mitchell, EMEA Partner Manager, PaperCut Software 60 seconds with…. Andy Mitchell What would be your dream job? Professional tennis player (in the top five). Money’s not an issue, what’s your perfect car...and where would you like to drive it? For me it would be the Mercedes Benz G-Class – or maybe an INEOS Grenadier to take on a Namibian desert driving tour. Fine dining and good wine or a curry and a pint? Can I have both? How do you like to spend your spare time? At home chilling with Watson, my five year old Dogue de Bordeaux (for those of you old enough to remember, it's Hooch in Turner & Hooch with Tom Hanks). If you ask my colleagues I have square eyes – I love TV and films, and every weekly stand up call, I have a new recommendation for them to watch! Reading – I love a good book to escape into. I also play a lot of tennis and try to stay conditioned and fit, but it doesn't get any easier! Favourite app, and why? I’d say Instagram and Threads – a good old doom-scroll is my vice – but it’s such an unhealthy escape. Maybe I need to get One Sec to control this unhealthy digital addiction!! Favourite holiday destination? I’m addicted to Africa. Namibia is a beautiful country – so vast, and unpopulated and with stunning scenery and wildlife. That said, gorilla trekking at Bisate Lodge in Rwanda was a pretty special holiday. Last film you watched? Phew thank goodness you didn't ask for my favourite film, we’d have been here all day!! It was One Battle After Another with Leo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. Worth a watch. What’s the most rewarding part of your current role, and what keeps you motivated day to day? I am so lucky that I have great channel partners, and it is the level of trust and value you build together with the dayto-day interactions that I enjoy. For me it is all about relationships, whether it’s maintaining existing relations or building new connections; I just love this part of my role. Looking after the UK and Ireland, the Middle East and Africa keeps me on my toes. Supporting those large areas can be hard work, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s so dynamic and such fun, and every day I get an insight into something new. Every day really is a school day, right? What’s been the most defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape your approach to leadership? Honestly, it was the moment I put my pride aside and decided to invest in a business coach and mentor. Looking squarely at my own gaps wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. Was it uncomfortable? Oh gosh yes, but I wish I’d done it years ago! It’s reshaped my approach to leadership by teaching me the value of vulnerability, active listening, and continuous self‑improvement. You can’t effectively lead a business or a team until you learn how to lead yourself. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received and how has it influenced your journey? Don’t sweat the small stuff – focus on what you can control and not what you can’t. Managing such a large area (three regions) can be a lot to think about and juggle, so being able to mentally let go of the plates I can’t spin, has allowed me to be much more focused and smarter in my approach and how I work. I sleep much better now, too! If you had had a crystal ball, would you have done anything differently? I would have joined PaperCut sooner! I think about this a lot and my journey to date has shaped who I am and where I am and I wouldn’t change that (my colleagues might beg to differ)! I’m in a role that I love, working with great
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