Member Spotlight: Rich Wilson, Founder & CEO, Gigged.AI
Introducing Member Spotlights!
Our community is already buzzing with amazing individuals doing brilliant things - and we want to take the time to shout about it! Our Member Spotlights are a place for us to find out a little bit more about the people behind the profile pic - the challenges they've faced, the values they hold, and their top tips and advice for other members.
To kick us off, we're delighted to have caught up with Rich Wilson, Founder & CEO of Gigged.AI.
Hey Rich, tell us a little bit about yourself!
I spent 12 years in the tech staffing industry in leadership positions for Allegis Group. In 2018 I decided to change direction and join Gartner where I supported CEO’s and CIO’s on various initiatives including building Data Strategies, Digital Transformation and developing digital products. During that time I joined The Data Lab skills advisory board as I wanted to support aspiring data talent, I have really enjoyed being part of the board. I also spent two years as a board member with This Is Me Scotland as I am passionate about workplace mental health and now do talks with companies about how to avoid burnout. All of this experience led me to create Gigged.AI as I wanted to use AI and Data to simplify the process of sourcing and onboarding tech talent onto projects. We partnered with Innovate UK to build the platform and I am honoured to now be leading the team as we scale the business.
What's the biggest professional challenge you've faced in your career?
The biggest challenge has definitely been ensuring I take time to rest, train and spend quality time with my family. Traditionally I would work crazy hours and now I truly believe in working smart and taking care of your health is so important. I wish I had realised that earlier in my career.
What's your top tip for aspiring data professionals?
Build your network, get to know other aspiring talent and get to know the thought leaders. LinkedIn is great for this as is Clubhouse and Quora. I am also a big fan of mentors as a 30 minute call with someone who has been there and done it can be hugely impactful. I find most of the Scottish tech community is very generous with their time. There is nothing to lose asking someone to be a mentor at any stage of your career. I met my mentor, John Brodie, through The Data Lab.
The Data Lab values are Support, Respect, Innovate & Grow - which one resonates with you most at the moment?
Support. I believe that we are stronger when we support each other and collaboration can create opportunities.
What advice would you give our members to make the most of The Data Lab Community?
Engage with the community. As I said the Scottish tech community is full of intelligent and kind people who are willing to support. If you need some help or even have a question then just go for it and ask.
What resource would you'd recommend to our community?
I read a lot of books. The two most impactful recently has been The Lean Start Up by Eric Reis and Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed. I would also highly recommend the Exponential View podcast by Azeem Azhar, his interviews on AI are very insightful.
Lastly, what help could you offer to other members of the community?
I am not technical at all, I come from the business side of things. If any of the community would like support or advice on sales, recruitment, marketing, strategy or even how to go about founding a start-up then I am happy to help.
A big thanks again to Rich for his time! If you'd like to be featured in one of our Member Spotlights just get in touch via [email protected] or drop our community manager Paul a DM.