Guy Hocking

MD, Utilize Plc

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

Many expected this year to be dominated by AI. Instead, the reality has highlighted our need to secure and structure our data better to fully leverage it’s potential. It's clear we have more work to do than a lot of people initially thought!

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

For me, it would be Oscar Wilde. He was a witty entertainer who loved good food and fine wine. What's not to love?

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

There are so many. Sasha Luccioni is the AI and Climate Lead at Hugging Face. She is researching the carbon impact of AI and is creating an "energy star rating" for it. More transparency and simplicity around technology's carbon footprint is crucial for helping us make sustainable choices. More work like this is needed.

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

It has to be fully electric cars for me. The advantages aren’t good enough yet, especially with the current charging infrastructure. The production impact and cost wipe out any moral or commercial benefits I might gain. Maybe in a couple years!

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

My Garmin Fenix watch. If it isn’t on Strava… it never happened.

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

Just say no! Set your priorities and try and stick to them whenever you can. Don’t go off tangent!

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

If I had my youth again, I would love to invent and start Padel at an earlier age. Just so I could actually get good enough to beat my son!