How long have you worked at the Uni? What does your role involve?
I've worked at the University since 2011. I'm currently Head of Digital and lead a multidisciplinary team of designers, developers and content professionals - we look after the University's digital marketing and communications platforms and services.
I've worked in higher education for most of my career. My first role was as an Admissions coordinator at the University of Leicester's Business School. I then went on to work as the Admissions and Marketing Manager for the Department of Economics. That's when I came into contact with digital and knew that was the route I wanted to take.
When I joined Bournemouth University as a Web Editor, I taught myself how to code HTML, CSS and spent my time learning about web standards - including accessibility and the semantic web. If I'm honest, I've always had an interest in digital. I remember as a kid, spending hours playing on Macs in the John Lewis electrical department. It's where I feel most home.
What would you most like to achieve while at the University?
If there is one thing I'd like to do, its to improve people's user experience of Bath's digital products and services – to do this, we really need to think about the whole journey, including how people interact with different touchpoints – this is the reason why I get out of bed in the morning!
Name one thing that makes you feel proud to work at the University of Bath?
What I enjoy most about Bath is the chance to work with some of the most talented people I have ever met – and the opportunity to learn from them. So if I'm proud of anything, it's the opportunity to work somewhere I'm continually stimulated.
What piece of advice would you like to give to a student?
When you go to university people tend to think they'll eventually pursue a career in that particular field. But your degree can prepare you for careers in a number of different areas, so don't just think because you studied a particular subject, that is what you then have to go on and do.
I have a degree in sociology, and although it isn't directly related to developing digital products and services, it actually has prepared me incredibly well for my role. Improving a user experience is inherently connected to understanding and explaining people's behaviour.
My advice is to have an open mind and consider the possibilities, play to your strengths and do the things you love. Those are the things that will bring you the most significant rewards throughout your life.
Who was your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
There's two, Mr Deacon and Mr Sparrow; they were my A level sociology teachers. They weren't like any other teachers I had because they treated you as an adult. They respected you and your point of view but also challenged your assumptions.
They've made me think about the different people I'd come into contact with and taught me that we could learn something from everybody. Regardless of the role you are in it is critical you respect people's point of view and remember that you don't know everything. We can all learn from each other and grow stronger as a result.
I can still hear their voices today!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honest answer… My dad did lots of overtime and was able to take us abroad, so we went to places like Rhodes and Crete. As a result, I got exposed to being on a plane quite early in life, so I really wanted to train to become a member of Cabin Crew.
It was so amazing to me that there was this whole world beyond my front door. You always think it's a glamorous job, but it's not always. I've got such admiration for those people who can do that, go from time zone to time zone, and stay friendly and helpful.
What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
That it's OK to be you, to be different, to want different things, it's OK not to be frightened to say who you are and be open about it. That's the best way to be happy. Have pride!
What was your first job?
My first job was when I was really young, and I did work experience at a local convenience store. It then turned into a weekend job when I turned 15. I was a cashier which I enjoyed. I earned money, met lots of different people and was treated like an adult.
I was given responsibility and trust which is essential for anybody to feel fulfilled. I think everyone, whether they're an adult or a kid, needs to feel trusted, empowered and enabled. It helps you grow as a person and see what's possible.
I then worked for the John Lewis Partnership in a Waitrose, mainly because of the money! I still hold very dear the principles of the partnership. I think we could learn a lot from organisations who work collectively to achieve an outcome - isn't that what teamwork is about?
If you could start your own dream business, what would it be?
There are lots of different answers to that, but I would say it would be to take what we've built as a content management system and turn that into a fully fledged company. While it's still a young system, there is something qualitatively different about it in the market. I have the confidence that there are people who would be interested, we're often asked: "why don't you sell this thing?"
Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?
Orlando, Florida. We went in 2017; it was my first time in America. My partner and I had a fantastic time. It was right after the hurricane, so we were quite worried we wouldn't be able to go. The climate was beautiful, and the experience was great. We spoke to lots of Americans who are incredible ambassadors for their country.
We're going back again in November this year. So we'll get to take part in Halloween as well as the Christmas bits. There's an event at Universal called Halloween Horror nights - there's nothing like it. It turns Universal Studios into a Halloween playground with lots of actors around and houses based on different horror films.
It's incredibly immersive, and my strongest memory was when this burly bloke clamped onto me. He just kept screaming but then walked away really casually like he hadn't been involved at all!
What’s your favourite book or album and why?
My favourite non-fiction book is an autobiography of John F. Kennedy. JFK is always portrayed as young, healthy and strong. What a lot of people don't know is that he suffered from chronic pain throughout his life, including his time as President - it's fascinating!
I'm currently listening to The Verve, Urban Hymns - I'm having a nostalgia trip! It reminds me of being 18 and at University. I love the acoustics of the guitar.
When are you happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm with my other half Leon, just being together and spending time with one another makes me happy.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
That's a good question… I'd have to say, Walt Disney. I think he's fascinating, and I'm always intrigued by the story behind significant historical figures - like JFK and Steve Jobs. Walt Disney is one of the first people to think about how you create an immersive user experience - Disneyland in California and Disneyworld in Florida are great examples. And this fascinates me as someone who works in user experience/service design.
Which one superpower would you like to possess?
I think we all have our own superpowers and we just need to learn how to use them…
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I'm an open book, so I'm not really sure I can answer that one!
Tell us your favourite joke
I don't know any jokes... Ironic situations make me laugh, I have quite a dark sense of humour.