I really like understanding people’s problems.

I spend a lot of my time talking with friends, users, and teams. Not in a formal way, just listening, asking questions, and trying to understand what they are actually trying to get done. I get my energy from these conversations. My kids would tell you I talk to everyone, and yes, I do, but it puts a smile on my face.

I enjoy helping businesses get value from the IT systems and technology they already own, and simplifying technology landscapes where years of bloat have built up from each business unit doing its own thing. In almost every place I have worked, I have seen smart, capable people slowed down by clunky systems or processes that no longer work for them. It is rarely about effort or talent. It is usually the tools. With some guidance, mentoring, and showing teams what “good” can look like, you start to see reactions and those aha moments. That’s one of my greatest joys and something that gives me the energy to keep digging.

AI is a great example of this. I have had too many conversations, from all levels of management to those doing the work, with people who feel worried about it and have put their head in the sand, waiting until they have to learn about it. They feel intimidated and threatened by it. In every case, when I give a practical example that directly affects them and answers the “what’s in it for me” question, people open up and become curious. I’ve helped teams see that basic AI tools are not about replacing people or cutting corners. They’re about making everyday work easier, improving quality, and giving people back time to focus on what actually matters.

Recently, I have been working extensively in AI adoption. While better prompting creates immediate value, the larger shift sits in workflow redesign. In small and medium businesses, the right implementation can quickly change how work moves through the organisation. I work at the intersection of process, systems and governance, embedding AI into operational flows in a way that builds capability without creating architectural debt as the technology evolves.

Although I am still gutted that I didn’t buy Microsoft shares when Copilot was introduced.

I’m also slightly obsessed with user experience.

I can’t help it. Every app, every form, every business process, I’m always looking at it. Is this easy to use? Is it a good experience? Could it be simpler? How could it be rebuilt properly? Sign-up processes for apps and services are always a fun one, because I’m endlessly curious about how others approach the same challenge.

Outside of work, I try to keep some balance, although I’m not great at sitting still. I have way too many hobbies and go down far too many rabbit holes, mostly because I like trying things and seeing how they work.

The most important thing, though, is time with my kids while they still want to spend time with me. And honestly, I probably learn more from them than they do from me.

My car always has a bike rack on the back. Driving five or six hours on a weekend just to ride a new mountian bike trail feels completely normal to me. Victoria has some incredible trails. The Epic loop between Yackandandah and Beechworth is one of my favourites, especially the fast, flowing section into Beechworth. That’s exactly the type of riding I love.

I also swim in the mornings, slowly. As an ex 100m runner, I was never going to make the swim team. I’m also into photography, 3D printing, home automation, and rediscovering my enjoyment of drawing and doodling and bags. I have far too many bags! my beleive is you need one for every scenario.

I strongly believe you should never stop learning. Any time I’m in the car, I’m listening to podcasts about business, technology, AI, and product. Always curious. Always learning.

Why 42?

But what is SS42?

It is my little slice of the internet where I can express myself.

And for those who know me, I often answer questions with “42”,

Why? Because 42 is the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything.

And who wouldn’t want the answer to the Ultimate Question?

For those who haven’t read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, in the book they might know that 42 is the answer but not the question. The question is proposed at some point as: ‘How many roads must a man walk down?’

I love this question because my answer isn’t just 42; I want to walk down as many roads as possible!!

I never know what is around the corner, and I don’t regret any roads I have travelled. I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t walked them.