Fraser Shaw Morris is Agency Partner at Xbox Media Solutions. In a slightly different approach to the normal My Digital Hero format, he pays tribute to his hero, the late Graeme Philipson.
My digital hero is Graeme Philipson. GP – his affectionate acronym to many – was a business leader, technologist, researcher, market analyst, computer historian, writer, poet, cricketer … and bloody legend!
GP gave me my first ever office job. He graciously employed me to work for Connected Research, a market research company most interested in sustainable or green IT and technology. I was 20 years old, living in Australia on my gap year and I quickly realised I had hit the jackpot.
By the time I got to know him, GP was a long- established computer technology writer who received a strong reverence and recognition in industry circles. He had built a journalistic career, written in many reputable publications and outlets and had an amazing ability to distil complex, technical data into understandable prose.
Keep it simple, stupid. GP had this magnetic charisma, infectious enthusiasm and effortless ability to draw you in, he could use either Newton’s third law of motion OR a recital of a line from a John Keats poem to make an equally compelling point. He could probably have even used both, in combination, to make a more compelling point!
I learned his passion for work through osmosis, I observed his sincere curiosity for others and through severe patience and dogged determination (on his part) I even received a pretty decent 101 in Microsoft excel.
But, GP had a strong thirst for grappling with what was next. That was part of the mission of Connected Research. He often shared this wisdom with his peers and industry leaders, and the next generation. He also had a thirst for schooners at lunch time, and laksa soup if time permitted!
As my manager, at a foundational moment in my early career, he showed me such guidance, love, confidence, commitment and enthusiasm. He became a mentor, he even became an Australian father figure, away from home. (And many years later during a traditional GP trip to London with his partner, Shazza, he got to meet my Dad and my Mum).
Unfortunately GP passed away in 2021. He lived an incredibly full life and will remain in my thoughts (and in many others whose lives he touched) forever. In a turbulent and ever-changing digital landscape, industry, or indeed world, that we face now, GP reminds me of three key lessons:
- Kindness costs nothing, but counts for everything.
- TRUE leaders (whether through work or life) have a transformational impact. Sometimes I forget that management is a privilege, and should be treated that way. The ripples of what you do now, go on and on.
- Do your best. Don’t hold back, fuck fear and always make time for a beer with friends who you love.
Truthfully, I was tempted to edit this with AI and I’m not sure what GP’s exact take would be on this new tech advancement, but in absolute respect for the man that he was, I think it’s important this was written entirely from the heart, not a bot.
GP, thank you for everything.
