1. Tell us about your role at VC Innovations – what do you actually do, and what’s the best part of it?
I am the Chief Strategy Officer at VC Innovations. I lead on all of our content and also think ahead about new developments on the horizon. I also oversee our team of conference producers who are charged with delivering the best agendas, speakers and related content for every activity we undertake.
The best bit is bringing together the analytical with the creative and thinking about what is coming next.
2. What’s one unexpected skill (or completely random talent) you have that helps you at work?
I have always been able to read really (really) fast since I was a child. At first even my family didn’t believe me and used to test me on things they gave me to read. Who doubts a five-year-old!
3. Explain ‘What VC Innovations does?’ – in 15 words or less.
We convene communities and deliver great outcomes for them across a variety of objectives.
4. If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?
I would swap with Victor Cruz, CEO. I like the idea of coordinating the different wheels of the machine that is VC Innovations. Plus, it is so beneficial to understand the different objectives, pressures, and requirements of different areas of the business. I am someone who likes to have the full picture.
5. Would you describe yourself as an AI expert, dabbler, or Sceptic?
I have spent a lot of time working on the FTT AI Transformation agenda over the past few years. I am keen to keep learning about the opportunities, use cases and concerns related to the growing use of AI tools and technologies. As with any product built on data, it is crucial to understand the data building blocks of any model. So, I wouldn’t classify myself as an expert but I am certainly benefiting from the knowledge of the experts that I speak to.
6. AI + Me: How do you use AI in your role?
I use it as a short-cut for initial research but only as a starting point. You need to dig deeper, read reports, understand the sources of information. I also use Copilot day to day as a ‘how to’ as it’s so much faster and easier than using the help function on software or sifting through google results when I just want to know how to do something straightforward – ie an excel formula.
I will sometimes run something I’ve written through ChatGPT but it’s surprising that more often than not, I stick to my original. There is something about the writing that just doesn’t ‘sound’ like me.
7. Biggest win, biggest lesson, or funniest career fail – what’s something that’s shaped how you work today?
Never stop learning and always look ahead as things are very unlikely to stay the same. You need to be able to evolve in your role or industry.
And always nurture your outside interests as well. Get involved in activities outside of your industry and that are completely unrelated to the day job. Trust me, it will be a massive benefit.
