My last employer had a succinct overview of my background and remit, used as I engaged in emerging tech across their client base, and with media and at industry events:"With over two decades in client-side roles focused on data as an organisational asset and it’s exploitation, Guy Matthews is helping lead developments in 5G and smart cities, helping our clients implement these and other emerging technologies in economically sustainable programmes"But what is the background behind those few lines..... Throughout my life and career, I've had two constant loves regarding technology1️⃣ The dream of tech developing to improve our lives, experiences, the cities, and places we live in2️⃣ Always about the data. What we collect, where it goes and how we use it to improve all that we doTherefore, it’s no surprise that after a couple of decades of building, restructuring and leading data and analytic functions across a range of vertical markets, that I evolved to lead in emerging technologies that are as much about the data as they are about the tech – Smart City, 5G, mass IoT, Edge and AI, AR/VR etc.However, as I was recently told, I’m not like other “emerging technologists” that people may have met. I’m not (just) the evangelical “what things will be like in 2030”, I’m the “how do we use emerging tech in the next 12 to 24 months”. Focus on the data, the regulatory regime, the tech development roadmap… AND most importantly:What does the customer want and what are the use cases that drive customer value e.g.How a city deals with digital deprivation?How a company transforms training via VR?How 5G and mass IoT aids preventative healthcare?In other words what does TECH FOR GOOD look likeThen add some things I’m passionate about:🌍 Environment and climate change – from science degree, through to challenges faced by cities from climate change, I’ve remained engaged and committed♀️🏳️‍🌈 Diversity and inclusion – I’ve built highly diverse teams, baking in processes to hire, retain, grow and promote diversity in all that I’ve done💽 Digital transformation – I was bringing home working to large team builds a decade ago, training management to manage by objectives and not by “bums on seats”I love technology, always focused on how we improve all that we do, in ways that are ethical and sustainableOutside of tech I’m a sport addict (including my beloved Leeds United). I play my PC strategy games, build my library, tend my garden, and walk the North Downs