How do you typically prepare to moderate an Ortus event?
I have built a dynamic career as a technical speaker with Google and numerous other renowned companies and events. My expertise spans engineering, augmented and virtual reality, and mobile technologies. My passion for these fields is evident in my various speaking engagements, which are widely available online, including TV appearances and event recordings. Additionally, I authored the Amazon best-seller “Create VR Games from Scratch,” further cementing my authority in the tech world.
My journey with The Ortus Club began when they invited me to moderate a roundtable on database optimisation tools and techniques. The Ortus Club team was incredibly supportive, allowing me the freedom to bring my unique style and experience to the table. Their trust and encouragement led to more opportunities, and I am now proud to be in my second year as a moderator for The Ortus Club.
What tips and tricks would you recommend for those aspiring to become moderators?
At The Ortus Club, we bring together industry leaders for every event. The most exciting part for me is witnessing and facilitating the exchange of insights between these experts. I thrive on guiding conversations that dive deep into challenges and explore potential solutions. Each event presents a unique subject, and analysing the diverse viewpoints of participants is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Crafting and shaping these smart dialogues is not only fulfilling but also incredibly inspiring.
Could you share some memorable moments from your moderating experiences?
The most incredible event I participated in was centred on the transition from mobile to websites, featuring the renowned Austen Clark. The topic was a perfect fit for my expertise in mobile and web technologies. What made this event truly memorable was working with Austen, who is exceptional in his field. He provided me with all the necessary information and support for my first roundtable with The Ortus Club. Austen’s professionalism and ability to manage any issue during the conversation were impressive. He introduced me and trusted me, and his confidence in my abilities was incredibly motivating. I hope I met his expectations and contributed to the event’s success.
What’s your favourite type of event to moderate or host, and why?
While I have extensive experience in various development fields such as mobile, mixed realities, databases, web, and DevOps, my ideal events to moderate would focus on cybersecurity or AI. These fields are truly reshaping the future. AI, with groundbreaking models like ChatGPT and Claude, is revolutionising how we interact with technology. Meanwhile, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical as we need robust security layers to protect these advanced tools and our personal information. My passion for these fields drives me to continuously learn and stay updated. Hosting events in these areas allows me to delve into subjects I love and share this enthusiasm with other experts and participants.
What’s the most challenging event you moderated and why?
One of the most challenging events I moderated was the Technology, Operations, and Finance Leaders roundtable. This event brought together not only technology leaders but also experts from finance and operations, each representing well-known enterprises. The diversity of backgrounds and perspectives among participants made for a dynamic discussion from which I learned a great deal.
The primary challenge was to maintain a conversation that was both accessible and engaging for everyone involved, regardless of their technical expertise. My thorough preparation, supported by The Ortus Club, played a crucial role in navigating this complexity and ensuring the dialogue was productive and insightful.
How do you typically prepare to moderate an Ortus event?
Preparing for an Ortus event is a pretty cool process that ensures a seamless and enriching experience for all involved:
- Reviewing Documents: I begin by thoroughly examining the provided documents, absorbing the event’s context and objectives.
- Research: Extensive research follows, involving gathering information about the attending companies and individuals and tailoring discussions to their interests and needs.
- Communication with Ortus: Engaging with the Ortus club is paramount. I ask all necessary questions to secure the discussion scope and ensure alignment.
- Practice and Engagement: Practice is essential; it helps refine delivery and ensure clarity of communication. Arriving early allows for connections with attendees, establishing rapport, and proactively addressing concerns.
What tips and tricks would you recommend for those aspiring to become moderators?
For aspiring moderators, I offer the following advice:
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest tech announcements and developments across various fields.
- Engage in Side Projects: Experiment with fun tech projects to explore new ideas and technologies.
- Passion for Sharing Knowledge: Love for sharing knowledge is essential for both personal fulfilment and effective moderation. Sharing is caring !
- Networking: Build a strong network to leverage connections for broader opportunities.
- Attitude and Listening Skills: Maintain a positive attitude, be approachable, and hone your listening skills to foster inclusive discussions.
Could you share some memorable moments from your moderating experiences?
One memorable experience was when a session exceeded its scheduled time due to the lively exchange of ideas. We even continued discussions after the event, further fostering connections and collaboration.
In what ways has moderating contributed to your growth as a leader in your field?
Moderating has significantly expanded my professional network, particularly on LinkedIn. Each event enhances my leadership capabilities, deepens my understanding of current trends, and enriches my expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and databases.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of moderating?
Outside of moderation, I enjoy exploring new technologies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through gym and pool activities, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
What advice would you offer to aspiring moderators?
Stay curious and adaptable, and build strong relationships. Embrace each event as an opportunity to learn and connect, and always be prepared to adapt to new situations.
