FOUNDER and SENIOr ADVISOR - SIMON SMALL
With a career rich in carving new pathways and driving commercial success, Simon has a unique background, founded in broadcasting and technology which he has leveraged to assist individuals and businesses across the globe, drive rapid innovation and growth.
From a base in New Zealand launching Pacific Island Theatre, to London to be the person spearheading digital interactive TV in the UK, Simon leveraged this capability to drive the growth of two major software companies: Diligent, one of only 50 global SaaS (Software as a Service) companies to reach $200m in Annual Recurring Revenue; and Arria, an Artificial Intelligence company, which he co-founded, and which is now one of "10 Most Trusted Big Data Analytics Companies in the World".
Now based back in NZ, he is entirely future-focused, looking for ways that technology can support and promote better lives for all.
From a base in New Zealand launching Pacific Island Theatre, to London to be the person spearheading digital interactive TV in the UK, Simon leveraged this capability to drive the growth of two major software companies: Diligent, one of only 50 global SaaS (Software as a Service) companies to reach $200m in Annual Recurring Revenue; and Arria, an Artificial Intelligence company, which he co-founded, and which is now one of "10 Most Trusted Big Data Analytics Companies in the World".
Now based back in NZ, he is entirely future-focused, looking for ways that technology can support and promote better lives for all.
Simon says
"The world is entering a phase that is both exciting and challenging.
In 2 years’ time, there will be 15m truck drivers unemployed in the US. McKinsey predict that by 2025 we will have lost 50% of our knowledge workers to automation. Knowledge workers include the country's doctors, lawyers and accountants. If we halve the number in these and many more professions it will feel like knowledge working professions are sunset industries. Like training to become a switchboard operator.
Some of the challenges we face are enormous. Yet we have many exponential technologies coming on stream: artificial intelligence, nano-technology, robots, 3D printing, crypto-currencies, blockchain, decentralised autonomous organsiations, lab-grown protein, bio-hacking, autonomous vehicles, drones, flying cars, solar power, virtual reality and augmented reality.
It is impossible to know for sure what life will be like when these technologies are part of everyday life. I'm optimistic about the future, the potential to improve the quality of life for everyone, and New Zealand’s capacity to embrace the changes and apply first principles thinking to our country. This will require us to learn, unlearn and relearn.
We are well placed to focus on uncovering problems early on, being ahead of the curve and being ahead of the world.
We can create a nation of exponential entrepreneurs that will take advantage of the new capabilities we will have."
In 2 years’ time, there will be 15m truck drivers unemployed in the US. McKinsey predict that by 2025 we will have lost 50% of our knowledge workers to automation. Knowledge workers include the country's doctors, lawyers and accountants. If we halve the number in these and many more professions it will feel like knowledge working professions are sunset industries. Like training to become a switchboard operator.
Some of the challenges we face are enormous. Yet we have many exponential technologies coming on stream: artificial intelligence, nano-technology, robots, 3D printing, crypto-currencies, blockchain, decentralised autonomous organsiations, lab-grown protein, bio-hacking, autonomous vehicles, drones, flying cars, solar power, virtual reality and augmented reality.
It is impossible to know for sure what life will be like when these technologies are part of everyday life. I'm optimistic about the future, the potential to improve the quality of life for everyone, and New Zealand’s capacity to embrace the changes and apply first principles thinking to our country. This will require us to learn, unlearn and relearn.
We are well placed to focus on uncovering problems early on, being ahead of the curve and being ahead of the world.
We can create a nation of exponential entrepreneurs that will take advantage of the new capabilities we will have."
