Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Originally from Dublin, I now live in London with my wife and daughter. I graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Natural Sciences and worked for a couple of years as a laboratory technician in a Children’s Hospital in Dublin. After moving to London, I worked in Kings College Hospital as a medical researcher but it wasn’t for me. Luckily, I fell into scientific publishing and after 25 years working for various companies including Nature Research I did a Masters in Business Administration via the Open University which inspired my love of knowledge sharing and the value of networking. In August this year, I left Springer Nature to start my own science communications agency called Inspiring STEM. I am a registered UK STEM Ambassador working to promote STEM career pathways to primary and secondary school students.

How did you end up becoming a Zapnito advisor?

I knew Charles and Jon from when they worked with Macmillian Publishers and closely followed their progression since start-up. Whilst Global Director for Nature Partner Journals, I launched three Zapnito networks partnered with international organisations including NASA. After I left Springer Nature, I happily joined as a business advisor. I enjoy the team dynamic and their understanding of effective knowledge sharing.

Why is Zapnito necessary and important today?

Big social networks are not discreet enough for professional communication and networking. Zapnito connects experts with credible professional content within an engaging online environment. The basis for its success is establishing discreet communities based on trust and transparency - increasingly important against the tide of “fake news”. Twitter especially has lost credibility as a professional networking tool. LinkedIn definitely serves a function but pure knowledge sharing is limited. Zapnito fills the gap by linking identifiable expert people to professional content.

How do you see Zapnito’s business developing in the next 5 years?

I’ve worked for a startup previously but not right at the get-go but at the point in time where Zapnito is now. The challenge is maintaining the passion, belief and momentum as the business expands. I’ve been close enough to Zapnito since launch so see that consistency being maintained and built upon. As Zapnito progresses, it will benefit from working across a broader range of professional sectors, building up a strong set of client case studies with shared learning and best practices.

What in your opinion/experience is the single-most important skill in running a successful start-up?

To be successful you must have a centralised belief in your product and maintain the initial belief and passion as you inevitable grow as a business. Also key to success is developing a culture which maintains a strong and identifiable work ethic.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt in your career to date?

If you don’t have passion or belief in what you do, don’t do it. Everyone has an ability to be successful. Understand that and consider the timing of your work then go for it.

And what is your main career goal for the next 5 years?

To be successful in own startup business - established and known with a strong client-base. Also use the Zapnito product within the business.

Everyone has a brilliant app idea. What’s yours?

I’d love an app that integrates all my apps into one seamless experience. I have so many apps competing for my attention I cannot keep up. So basically, I’m looking for a version of China’s amazing Weibo service, just on steroids!

If you had £1 billion and had to invest it in only one of the following three, which would it be and why? 1. Virtual Reality 2. Artificial Intelligence 3. Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy - on a short term basis as it will make biggest return on investment.

That’s my story. Please do contact me if you would like to learn more about Zapnito and also to get in touch about my work.