In a recent interview on Northern Powerhouses – Business Success Stories, hosted by Chris Fordy, our CEO Tim Rogers provided valuable insights. Continue reading to discover how Future Transformation is innovatively addressing two significant challenges at once—bridging the digital divide and confronting climate change.
Based in the picturesque Bradford District in West Yorkshire, Tim shared his journey from the tranquil landscapes of his hometown to the bustling financial world of Hong Kong and, eventually, the creation of Future Transformation.
The background.
Tim, a Bradford native, left his hometown in 2008 after completing his MA and joined the Dutch bank ING in Hong Kong. He witnessed the impact of the financial crisis on Western economies and later faced the consequences of a change in visa rules in Hong Kong in 2010/2011. This led him to California for a few months, marking the beginning of a journey that would eventually bring him back to Bradford.
Returning to a community hit hard by economic shifts, particularly in manufacturing, Tim ventured into various corporate roles before immersing himself in the world of technology. It was during this transition that Future Transformation was born.
As a non-profit organisation, Future Transformation has a profound mission—to bridge the digital divide. One of our ambitious initiatives involves collaborating with students to design and launch a satellite into space in 2025. This satellite, orbiting in low Earth orbit (LEO) for three years, will collect crucial data on atmospheric gases and ocean temperatures. However, this project is just the tip of the iceberg.
The heart of Future Transformation’’s efforts lies in ECOREVIVEAI, a project four years in the making. ECOREVIVEAI is a groundbreaking technology capable of learning from vast datasets detailing human impact on the planet—ranging from plastic usage to fuel consumption and beyond. Tim envisions creating new technologies that, leveraging this wealth of data, can effectively reverse climate change.
The methodology involves adhering to the fundamental laws of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. By staying within the bounds of these scientific principles, Future Transformation believes it is possible to develop technologies that can undo the environmental damage of the last century. Importantly, we have access to supercomputers in the UK, a crucial resource for the intensive AI development required to achieve their ambitious goal.
Tim summarises our mission succinctly: “Essentially what we are trying to do is close the digital divide, whilst doing that, reverse climate change.”
Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating an Unorthodox Path
In the quest to bridge the digital divide and reverse climate change, at Future Transformation we’ve embraced an unconventional approach as a non-profit organisation. But we face the challenge of convincing major funders about the efficacy of its unconventional approach in generating both economic growth and societal impact. Tim underscores the importance of reinvesting profits into addressing community issues like food insecurity and overburdened healthcare services. Additionally, we grapple with the scarcity of skills in the region, conducting extensive outreach and skill development programmes. Tim expresses concerns about the talent shortage, emphasising the need to engage a broader spectrum, including students, teachers, parents, and community groups, in skill-building initiatives.
In navigating these challenges, we remain committed to our mission, driven by a desire to secure a better future for generations to come. Our journey underscores the importance of innovation, adaptability, and perseverance in tackling global issues at the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability.
Lessons from the CEO: Resilience, Leadership, and Flexibility at Future Transformation
As we forge ahead in our mission to bridge the digital divide and reverse climate change, Tim also shared valuable insights gained from the journey of growing the non-profit organisation, by reflecting on key learnings that have shaped his approach to leadership and business development.
-Resilience and Self-Confidence:
Tim acknowledges the importance of resilience, a quality inherent in many entrepreneurs. He emphasises the need to share and promote stories of personal resilience, recognizing that this trait is often underestimated, and highlighting the resilience and self-confidence of entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering a culture of perseverance and determination.
-Adapting to Changing Workforce Dynamics:
Tim delves into the challenges posed by changing workforce expectations. The differences in work hours, preferences, and needs between generations, especially considering the influx of GEN-Z into the workforce, necessitate a flexible approach. Tim emphasises the importance of balancing the expectations of an established workforce with the evolving demands of newer generations.
-Influential Mentors:
Tim attributes much of his success to the guidance and insights provided by mentors. He specifically highlights Mandy Ridyad, the owner of Produmax and chair of Space Hub Yorkshire, as a pivotal figure in his journey. Mandy’s ability to offer valuable insights, grounded perspectives, and unwavering support has played a significant role in shaping Future Transformation’s trajectory.
-The Value of Flexibility:
Reflecting on his personal journey, Tim emphasises the value of flexibility. Contrary to his expectations, he discovered a greater degree of flexibility within himself, realising that he can manage work-life balance without succumbing to rigid structures. This newfound understanding allows Tim to navigate challenges without compromising his well-being.
Inspiring Entrepreneurs, and the Value of Choices
On the topic of advice for those entering the business world, Tim encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap, emphasising the resilience needed in the face of potential setbacks. Tim advises against going at it alone, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance from mentors or joining business communities.
Explore incubators, accelerator programmes, and connect with local business groups to foster collaboration.
The Experience of Entrepreneurship:
The importance of community and collaboration is stressed, and Tim dismisses common fears of idea theft, urging entrepreneurs to share their visions openly.
Advice to the Younger Self:
In response to the final question about advice for his 18-year-old self, Tim expresses that, despite the challenges and hardships faced, he wouldn’t want to alter any part of his journey. He believes that every down has led to a corresponding climb, contributing to where he is today. This perspective emphasises the value of embracing the choices made throughout life, as they ultimately shape the individual and their future endeavours.
Click here to listen the complete interview: