Sometimes we forget the humans behind the tech in our ever busy world. DSF is fortunate enough to know some incredible tech leaders across the world and has the privilege of hearing them present at our events. That being said, our Speaker Spotlight sets the stage to get to know our speakers on a more personal level and connect them with our growing community. Read the mini interview below!
A bit about Jay
Almost 2 decades working in data, spanning multiple countries, industries and roles, including lecturing and creating my own agency and start-ups. Passionate about training the next generation of data geeks, using AI to improve creativity and creating a start-up that helps new amazing companies flourish and win clients.
How did you start out in your tech career?
Started at Dunnhumby in their new data science media team almost 20 years ago.
What are the signs of success in your field?
On a personal level, you still love exploring data, and finding hidden nuggets of insights. On a professional level, you’ve been credited with changing companies because of your work.
What is the best and worst thing about your job role?
As a founder, the best is getting the freedom to R&D in areas you are most passionate about. The worst is feeling responsible for the well-being of your team (was not easy especially during covid).
What can you advise someone just starting out to be successful?
Work incredibly hard trying different areas, data, technology to find your personal sweetspot of passion and talent, and then making a name for yourself in that area.
How do you switch off?
Riding around London on my ebike with my son.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, it’s counterproductive. Your instincts are there for a reason, follow them sooner.
What is next for you?
Launching a new metaverse AI start-up called Bossnet that will revolutionise how companies find clients.
If you could do anything now, what would you do? Why?
I’d love to have my proper first holiday in 8 years, and properly switch off! In the past few years I’ve got married, had a kid, launched start-ups, endured covid/ lockdowns like everyone else, so it would be nice to have some down time!
What are your top 5 predictions in tech for the next 5 years?
1. AI will start to really play a major part in the creative industries
2. The metaverse will fail
3. Applications of personalised medicine will start to appear
4. We will demand customisable social media recommendation AI algorithms
5. AI will be universally recognised as smarter than humans for the first time
Watch Jay’s session at the Data Science Festival here.
Thank you to all our wonderful speakers for taking part in our Speaker Spotlight!
Want to become a DSF Speaker? Apply here!