An experienced, pragmatic software developer who strives to find the root of problems and knows that the most appropriate solution needn’t be clever, fancy or even technical. Working in several early-stage startups and scale-ups has resulted in a well-rounded skill set, and an appreciation for the context in which technology is applied.
After working in various companies in the travel, banking and telecoms industries, he became the CTO of a bicycle-powered, same-day delivery service in London, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions and improve working conditions for couriers. The company was only mildly successful at achieving its goals and Ian realised how ineffective mainstream, profit-driven companies usually are at addressing social issues.
Ian discovered IDEMS in 2021 and is happy to have found a company that is thoughtful, pragmatic and dedicated to improving the lives of those who have been left behind. Ian helps IDEMS to follow good software engineering practices across the whole software development lifecyle.
Why do you choose to work at IDEMS?
I was unsatisfied working at companies that were primarily profit-driven and most interested in those who already have plenty of money and power. I think my interest in helping those who need it most might best be realised by working at IDEMS.
What’s most surprising, unexpected or rewarding about working in transdisciplinary collaborations?
Working with people who have different backgrounds and ways of thinking, which gives me reasons to check my own assumptions and the ways that I think. Applying software solutions to others’ research/work to amplify and maximise their impact. As a collaborator with technical skills, I get to work across a diverse range of interesting projects.
What role do you think tech can/should/could play in social impact?
Technology plays a democratising role in social impact, by giving more power to those who have little. It’s something that can potentially turbocharge an existing intervention or practice, helping to reach orders of magnitude more people and unlocking economies of scale.
What in your education and/or past professional or personal experiences is most relevant to the work you’re currently doing?
Most of my experience has come from working in fairly small companies where a broad skill set and being able to learn quickly on the job is well appreciated, and so it is also at IDEMS. My knowledge of how to deploy applications and manage supporting tech infrastructure is what is most appreciated at IDEMS, but I also try to help others follow good software engineering practices.