Graham Cooke
In this episode of the Technology Chiefs podcast, I am delighted to welcome Graham Cook, an author, advisor, and speaker on Web3 and product strategy. Graham's impressive career includes working for Google and founding and selling a successful AI-powered personalization business. In our chat, Graham emphasises the importance of understanding user friction and delves into the exciting possibilities provided by the intersection of Generative AI and Web3 protocols.
Transcript*
Richard: I am delighted to welcome Graham Cook to today's Technology Chiefs podcast. Graham's career is impressive. He's an author, advisor, and speaker on all things Web3 and product strategy, having worked for Google and founded his successful business specializing in AI-powered personalization. Graham, welcome to today's Technology Chiefs podcast.
Graham: Hi.
Richard: Brilliant. Where to start with all that then? So tell me a bit about what you currently do, Graham.
Graham: Well, as you said in your intro, I've gone from being a CEO of a fast-growing UK headquartered SaaS company, where I was single-focused for 10-12 years, and now I'm an author and advisor. I'm a non-executive on ITV PLC. I'm starting to think about the next two or three product companies I want to build.
Richard: Wow, quite a change. You mentioned the company you founded. What made you pursue a career in technology?
Graham: I was fascinated with technology from a young age, especially electronics. I discovered computers at nine and the internet at 11, and since then, my focus has been on computing and internet-based technology.
Richard: That's impressive. In your current role, what are your top priorities?
Graham: Nowadays, my biggest challenges are dividing my time between different projects and figuring out how much time to spend on each. From the Web3 book to user research around new product areas, it's quite an adjustment.
Richard: I can imagine. You mentioned Web3. What trends are you most excited about and why?
Graham: I'm most excited about generative AI and Web3. Generative AI has captivated the imagination with its possibilities, and it's incredible what it can do. On the other hand, Web3 is the natural evolution of the internet, building on previous protocols and creating the next generation of the internet.
Richard: Fascinating intersection. Speaking of leadership skills, what three skills should a leader look to develop?
Graham: First, leaders should focus on understanding user friction and not just jumping to technology solutions. Second, they need to be agile and adaptable in navigating complex systems. Lastly, recognizing that technology is always changing, and being a curious generalist will be essential.
Richard: Great advice. Where do you get your trusted information and inspiration from?
Graham: I find curated Twitter feeds valuable for quick information bites, and I also follow trusted substack email lists. Platforms like Blinkist help me find interesting book summaries before diving into the full texts.
Richard: That's a smart approach. Now, what books would you recommend for someone looking to advance their technology career?
Graham: "The Inevitable" by Kevin Kelly, which covers 12 major technology trends, and "Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen for understanding systems thinking and technology evolution.
Richard: Excellent choices. Finally, if you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Graham: Focus on user-centric product design, objectively understanding user friction, and mastering this skill will serve you well as technology evolves.
Richard: Thank you, Graham, for sharing your insights and knowledge.
Graham: Thank you, Richard. It was a pleasure to be on your podcast
*Please note that this transcript is produced by AI and will likely contain some errors