David Dudman

Jigsaw24

What's the most surprising lesson 2024 has taught you so far?

That technology can rapidly change the way we think or work. No matter how concrete your plans are, technological advancement can rip up the playbook and make you think again.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Like me, George Stephenson, the 'Father of Railways,' was a Northumbrian who eventually made Chesterfield his home. A pioneering engineer and brilliant inventor, Stephenson laid the foundation for modern transportation. I often imagine what a conversation with him might reveal about today's world, particularly in the realm of technology. How might he perceive the tools and systems we now take for granted? Without the constraints of contemporary assumptions, I believe his fresh perspective would lead to intriguing ideas on how we could further utilize or even reinvent the technology we rely on today.

Which tech or channel figurehead has impressed you the most this year, and why?

Steve Low of Titan Distribution has overseen an impressive journey, leading the organization through substantial growth in its portfolio, product range, and market reach. Their advancements in data protection and cost efficiency stand out, leveraging multiple storage providers across both public and private clouds to enhance resilience against data loss and ransomware threats. Despite this rapid expansion, Titan remains deeply committed to its culture of personal support, agility, and a genuine win-win approach to partnerships. Their ability to maintain this ethos while scaling successfully is something I deeply admire.

What technology trend do you think is being overhyped, and why?

While virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) often receive a great deal of positive attention, I believe the hype surrounding their potential in the workplace may be overestimated. Meanwhile, multi-cloud strategies, security, and AI advancements continue to drive meaningful innovation and rightfully command the spotlight. In contrast, I view VR and AR as technologies better suited to the consumer market. Creating a truly immersive digital work environment presents considerable challenges, particularly given the cost, bulkiness, and limitations of current personal devices, which aren't ideal for extended use. Moreover, despite the progression of technology, human interaction remains central to our professional and personal lives. People still prefer to buy from, collaborate with, and learn from other people. While technology will continue to evolve, I am convinced that human connection will always be fundamental to successful business interactions and effective learning.

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have one piece of tech with you, what would it be?

I’m not sure if this exists, but if it doesn’t, it absolutely should! I’d want a solar-powered speaker with built-in storage for all my favourite playlists. Few things bring me as much joy as music, so while it might be more practical to choose something life-saving like a satellite phone or a saltwater converter, I think I’d relish the challenge of figuring out food, water, and solitude—as long as I had music to keep me company.

What's your go-to productivity hack that keeps you on track during a busy day?

I have a few straightforward strategies that work for me. I rely on my inbox, and my desktop serves as my version of a to-do list (not something I would typically recommend, but it suits my needs). Each day, I review my calendar for the next 48 hours, examining my inbox and desktop to challenge myself on whether attending meetings, responding to emails, or completing documents is a worthwhile use of my time. Additionally, I filter out all emails in which I’m CC’d to a separate "read when I have time" inbox.

If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

I have a strong desire to learn other languages. I find it quite challenging, which can be frustrating, and I often struggle to pick them up. Although I truly enjoy traveling, I dislike relying on the hope that everyone speaks English.