Creativity and innovation are often about bringing a new perspective to a problem. One of the consequences of my insatiable curiosity is that I’ve tended to develop expertise and skills across many fields, sectors and disciplines.

As well as concrete skills and expertise as a practitioner I’ve also developed what is called “Interactional Expertise” - the ability to quickly grasp essential concepts from diverse fields and identify the connections, differences and similarities that can help people resolve challenges. Together these diverse skills and abilities have proven immensely useful.

Skills

  • Interdisciplinary Technology Management
    • Experience in coordinating European research and innovation projects.
    • Expertise in managing interdisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration across different institutions.
  • Program and Project Management
    • Proven ability to design, develop, and deliver sales, research, education and innovation programs.
    • Skilled in securing and managing investment & funding, setting goals, and ensuring timely deliverables.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Extensive experience mentoring startups and scaleups, supporting their growth and development.
    • Expert knowledge and practical experience of lean startup methodologies, business model strategies and customer development.
  • Business Management
    • Many years experience in all aspects of business management: legal, financial, HR, recruitment, budgeting, P&L, KPIs, sales, marketing, internationalisation.
  • Coaching, Mentoring, and Facilitation
    • Expertise in coaching early-stage entrepreneurs and facilitating workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship.
    • Ability to provide personalised mentorship and support to diverse teams and individuals.
  • Design Thinking and Human-Centred Design
    • Expertise and deep experience in applying design thinking approaches to solve complex problems.
    • Expertise and deep experience in teaching and facilitating courses on design thinking and human-centred design.
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
    • Strong background in conducting qualitative and quantitative research for product development.
    • Ability to analyse and interpret data to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Administrative and Financial Management
    • Skilled in managing budgets, financial planning, and administrative tasks.
    • Experience in writing funding applications and securing financial support for projects.
  • Communication and Leadership
    • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
    • Proven leadership abilities, with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
  • Digital Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping
    • Knowledge of 3D modeling, 3D printing, and other digital fabrication techniques.
    • Experience in teaching and facilitating workshops on rapid prototyping and impact business model design.
  • Systems Thinking and Systemic Design
    • Proficient in applying systems thinking to identify and address complex challenges.
    • Experience in designing courses and workshops that incorporate systemic design principles.

Sector Experience

Education and Academia

  • ESADE Business & Law School, Ramon Llull University, KTH Stockholm, IST Lisbon, Ecole Polytechnique Paris, UPC Barcelona, TU/e Eindhoven
    • University-level teaching and program development, including MBA and Master’s courses.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

  • ATTRACT-EU (Horizon2020), CERN, Enterprise Ireland
    • Large-scale European partnership projects and research in ICT.

Healthcare and Medical Technology

  • HipMed, World Bank, EIT InnoHealth
    • Projects related to cancer care, smart tech, and AI-based tools for elderly care.

Energy and Sustainability

  • InnoEnergy
    • Programs on renewable energy, sustainable energy systems, and zero-carbon technologies.

Finance and Intrapreneurship

  • ING, Sanoma
    • Intrapreneurship programs in large corporations.

Government and Public Sector

  • Enterprise Ireland, Local and National Government Clients
    • Research and consulting projects for public clients.

Startup and Entrepreneurship

  • Rockstart, Seedcamp, Google Launchpad, WAYRA Techstars, Startupbootcamp, Imperial Innovations
    • Guiding and supporting startups through accelerators and innovation programs.

Corporate Innovation

  • Amberlight Partners, UXdna Limited, Various Corporate Clients
    • Developing and implementing innovation strategies for corporate clients.

User and Customer Research

  • Genentech, GSK, AbbVie Pharma, Riscure, Macaw, PMI, TechCity UK, Randstad, Hotels.com, ForceManager, ETH Zurich, Desigual, Aigues de Barcelona, Disney, InfoJobs, Nokia, Odigeo, SEGRO, RatedPeople, Amazon, VISA, Paypal, Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica
    • Conducting qualitative and quantitative research for product development and user experience design.

Digital Fabrication and Prototyping

  • ATTRACT-EU (Horizon2020), Various Educational Programs
    • 3D modelling, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping in various projects.

Social Innovation

  • ATTRACT-EU (Horizon2020), Various Innovation Programs

    • Addressing societal and environmental challenges through technology and innovation programs.

Venture Building

  • Various Startup Accelerators and Innovation Programs
    • Supporting the growth and development of new ventures in diverse sectors.

I’m drawn to work that is creative and collaborative, exploratory and a bit messy. I thrive on uncertainty and I’m rather distrustful of people who show up with neat, clear answers to complex problems. That’s a route to complacency.

My career wasn’t planned - it is something that’s emerged from the choices I’ve made to seek out people smarter than me doing stuff that seems crazy to everyone else. It’s a great way to end up having fun.

Workwise, I do some consulting, some coaching, quite a bit of teaching, some speaking, and a lot of reading.

By nature I am an optimist and by experience I’m a skeptic. On a good day I think can change the world. On a bad day I just try to change myself. Most days fall somewhere in between.