Laura Meyer - CIO, Harpercollins Publishers

What's the number one skill today's IT leaders need?

For leadership today, it's vital to understand the importance of communication, keeping people involved and sharing priorities. Relationship building is central to getting things done. Having empathy is essential as well as understanding that everyone's needs are different. I don't think we can say often enough that getting more women into technology across all industries is crucial.

How many people work in IT in your organisation?

350.

What's your top priority for the next 12 months?

Our priorities over the next 12 months are to replace some legacy systems with much improved technology and a user-centric design approach, as well as exploring more deeply machine learning and AI.

What's your annual IT budget?

Confidential.