Pearson

Now part of Corporate Strategy, Pearson Labs is a capability I am building to help teams across the company take advantage of new and emerging technologies and trends that could have a transformative impact on the future of learning and work. The Lab runs an Innovation accelerator, a start-up hub, a tech and trend radar service, and an ideation platform.  Together these services accelerate, systemise, and diffuse new innovations.

We are proud to collaborate with internal and external partners, early-stage start-ups, and entrepreneurs, to conduct rapid experiments, design prototypes, and surface new opportunities to drive growth and inform strategy, inspiring Pearson to disrupt itself.

Director, Pearson Labs

I work cross-divisionally reporting to the executive team across several workstreams.  I am leading a variety of initiatives in areas of strategic interest, with a focus on emerging technologies (Web 3, AI, blockchain) and trends (metaverse, creator economy, sustainability).  I also work on early-stage partnership opportunities, particularly with start-ups and support the strategy and organisational development of a new workforce skills division.  

With my background in leading innovation programmes and having recently completed my MBA, I am also working with our corporate development team leading venture selection for Pearson as part of our global future of work initiative with Unreasonable, Accenture, and Fossil Foundation.

Key achievements include:
- Launched a new direct-to-consumer online course with Escape Studios on a new digital studio platform
- Supported series A investment opportunity and now lead the ongoing business relationship
- Leading 4 workstreams with a global gaming industry partner
- Exploring a new open-innovation co-development opportunity with a global telecoms partner
- Carried out broad industry research to select 15 ventures as part of our social impact initiative in collaboration with Unreasonable Group.  I am currently working with these ventures as part of the mentoring team.

Pearson Labs Lead

I began an MBA and an important personal transformation.  I learned about the importance of a personal brand and being yourself, the power of mentorship and coaching, and the difference between leadership and management.  Innovation thrives in collaborative communities, so silo-busting became my superpower.

Senior Manager, Product Owners

I officially became a "boomerang" to sit on the other side of the RFI/RFP process, and put together a technology strategy for the future.

I learned that being early is the same as being wrong.  (The idea was implemented 4 years later)

Principal Services Architect

Unreasonable

Unreasonable builds community between entrepreneurs, institutions, and investors to profitably solve pressing global problems. As an Unreasonable Mentor, I'm part of an international network that is dedicated to leveraging business to solving the seemingly intractable societal and environmental challenges of our time.

I led venture selection for Pearson, in collaboration with Unreasonable, Fossil Foundation and Accenture, with a goal of aligning the promise of leading edge technologies  with the future of inclusive work and social equity.

Mentor

Virgin Media Business

I moved back into the telecoms, to consult with public sector organisations on large bids/tenders.  I began to spot emerging trends and patterns and think about how to steer business strategy in anticipation of future opportunities.

I learned about the importance of creating a vision, storytelling, and generating interest and excitement when trying to build momentum for implementing change.

Solutions Architect

Computacenter

New technologies are exciting and as "Software Defined Networking" began to make ripples in the industry I wanted to get back into consultancy and help businesses transform.

I learned to place emphasis on evaluating business needs and developing solutions that add value, understanding the strategy and transformation journey.

Technical Architect - Software Defined Networking (SDN)

I took all the skills I had developed and learned how to apply them in a large and digitally transforming global corporate.  This new context introduced the complexity of organisational design, ways of working, and business processes into my zone of proximal development.

I learned to work as part of a global team and the importance of communication to effectively run a large enterprise. I also learned about the power of automation as a driving force for digital transformation.

Atos

Up to this point, I had mostly been involved in the design of systems that move data, in this role I learned how to design systems in which data is at rest.  I learned about the importance of security, identity, and scalability.

Principal Network Engineer

BSkyB

I moved back into carrier-grade networks deployed at internet-scale, supporting mission-critical systems and services.  I learned the pleasure of being around world-class colleagues and mentors, where every day was filled with learning.  Systems thinking became second nature, designing and architecting complex solutions that deliver an intuitive user experience.

IP Network Development Engineer

nscglobal

I left design and R&D to take on a new commercial challenge in consultancy, broadening my exposure to new industries.  I learned how to listen, empathise, and translate complex business problems into simple technical solutions.  I began to understand how technology underpins and provides value to businesses.

Network Consultant

My first experience of R&D work was a formative part of my early career, as I began to understand the power of open distributed networked systems.  I learned the importance of thorough documentation, experimentation, and iterative design.

I managed a £1M budget for a small network design lab environment and learned how to maximise value for a team of 30 designers who used it.

IP MPLS Data Network Designer

Royal Air Force

As a Commissioned Officer in the RAF I learned discipline, determination, and the importance of teamwork in the successful execution of a mission.

Officer

As the Director of Pearson Labs, I lead a cross-functional team that helps Pearson take advantage of new and emerging technologies and trends that could have a transformative impact on the future of learning and work. With over 15 years of experience in technology, digital, and innovation roles, I have a passion for exploring the intersection of education, work, and society, and creating value for learners, educators, and employers.

Some of the initiatives I oversee include an innovation accelerator, a start-up hub, a tech and trend radar service, and an ideation platform. Together, these services accelerate, systemise, and diffuse new innovations across the company, and inform its strategy and growth. I also collaborate with internal and external partners, early-stage start-ups, and entrepreneurs, to conduct rapid experiments, design prototypes, and surface new opportunities. Additionally, I mentor and invest in EdTech ventures, and support the strategy and organisational development of a new workforce skills division.

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