1. Describe 2022 in three words…
Random, laughs, challenge. Not necessarily simultaneously.

2. Plug those words in What3Words for your 2023 Holiday destination. Where are you going and what’s the vibe? Alaska…it's going to be cold but it’ll be good to see the northern lights.

3. Asda, ALDI, John Lewis, Boots or someone else? Which Christmas ad won your heart and mind in 2022? John Lewis. I cried.

4. What’s your favourite ad/campaign of 2022?
'Pampers Poonami Proof Pants' did it for me!

5. Mark Zuckerberg has asked to create your perfect Christmas in the metaverse. Where are you, who is cooking and what entertainment have you got lined-up?
At home, cooking with my wife and family… with plenty of good wine for support/entertainment.

6. What do you want in your Christmas stocking in the old fashioned real world?
Some things never change, and I hope to find my stocking bulging with the annual resupply of socks and pants. You can never have enough.

7. Elon Musk has gifted you a place on twitter’s board for Christmas. What would you do to turn it around?
I’m sure this will be a popular answer, but I’d cancel Elon’s building pass and ask him to leave the office.

8. What’s going to be hot in marketing in 2023?
Understanding the ever more complicated supply side to drive value.

9. How can marketers and brands ride the storm in 2023?
Relentlessly deliver for their clients, double down on advertising if possible, and be clever about how (and where) they spend their cash in the world of programmatic.

10. 2023 is the Chinese year of the water rabbit, which symbolises longevity, peace and prosperity. What are you hoping for in the year ahead in the world of marketing and advertising?
A focus on what really matters in life… and ideally less bullshit.

11. Top tip for 2023: What brand should we all be looking out for next year?
As a relentless optimist, I will go for Tottenham Hotspur.

And finally…

12. Mince Pies - Christmas food heaven or hell?
Mince pies are 100% heaven… especially as a vehicle for quantities of brandy butter.

James Leaver is CEO at multilocal media