Let's talk

I'm putting aside half an hour of my own time to talk to you

What I'd like to talk about

Primarily anything around technology, data, and the internet, which relates to the design and delivery of public services. That could be anything from a specific development to a global trend.

Secondly, politics, or rather how politics and policies might affect local and regional government.

And finally, Arsenal Football Club, although my interest in this will vary depending on how well we're doing in the WSL and Premier League.

What I don't want to talk about

A product or service you'd like me to buy. I might be interested, just not through this route.

Specific political parties or politicians. I have views, but I won't be expressing them here.

Recruitment. I'm possibly interested in employing you or being employed by you, just not through this route.

Who would I like to talk to?

Anyone worldwide who wants to discuss the topics I'm interested in.

We may never met or talked online, or perhaps I've spoken to you many times face-to-face; it doesn't matter.

Is this a new idea?

No, "coffee cup conversations" or the idea of two strangers chatting has been around for decades, in fact the NHS are running their own randomised version.

What's in it for you?

I have 25+ years of experience in public sector IT and digital, so perhaps I can offer you:

A new perspective on something you're doing, or thinking of doing.

Validation of your views or approach to that thing.

Just a chat about something we find we mutually like or dislike.

What's in it for me?

You're not me.

It doesn't matter how much experience I have, you might have a different and possibly better take on some of the things that interest me.

What if no one's interested?

To be honest I'm not that interesting and definitely not very exciting.

Don't expect a rollercoaster ride of laughs or action for half and hour; it's just you and me very likely talking about technology and the public sector for 30 minutes.

I'm fully prepared for not a single person taking up this offer and in that case I'll have half an hour set aside to research something I'm interested in.

How do I book time with you?

You can book a slot, usually at 4.30pm on a Wednesday here.

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