Ian Finch is Founder and CEO of digital agency Mando, where he has spent over two decades, and Chair of BIMA North West.
Who is your digital hero?
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
What has he done to win hero status in your eyes?
The context in which he’s turned Microsoft around is extraordinary – and ‘simply’ by putting product and service quality back at the forefront; trusting that will deliver results.
And how! He’s overseen a very timely comeback of a behemoth – in market-share, market value and brand perception to name just a few things.
How has his heroism helped drive digital?
Product and product roadmap, customer service, partnership approach, inclusive design, utility billing.
It’s the blueprint for the industry.
What are the biggest challenges in digital we need another hero to solve?
I think it’s an educational method that allows people to fast-track as quickly as technology.
In a weird way, the digital divide is getting bigger not smaller with all the advancements. We need the industry and educational system to collaborate more effectively.
For me the answer is not just about training in media & tech, it’s about the behavioural change in people going hand in hand with tech.
We need to think holistically. EVERY problem is still about people ultimately and digital is just a problem solving tool
What is your most heroic personal achievement so far in digital?
Mando’s 22 years old this year. And I still love it and I’m still learning every day. And we’re still vital and dynamic and lead our customers in highly regulated industries, making the digital experience simpler for their customers.
I don’t know if it’s heroic but to still be thriving, giving people careers and driving customers’ business forward after this long, with this many market changes and technological advancements; I’m happy with that.
