Keith Kirkpatrick

Keith Kirkpatrick

Research Director

The Futurum Group

Keith Kirkpatrick

What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?

So far, being able to deliver a weekly podcast every week, even amid a heavy travel schedule, is a pretty good accomplishment. In podcasting, consistency is key, and hopefully, my insights are reaching the folks who need to hear them.

Who is your business hero and why?

Probably my Dad. He had to reinvent himself several times, and I’m sure I took some inspiration from that in my own non-linear career trajectory.

What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

Many years and employers ago when I was working as a journalist, I did not agree with a particular policy the company had, largely around the organisation’s policy of not disclosing ownership or interest in the companies upon which we were writing. I complained, and when the policy was not immediately changed, I quit. A month or so later, the company changed its policy. Now, as an older and more experienced person, I’ve learned it is often far more effective to try to change policies from within, even it if takes time and patience, instead of simply giving up.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?

The Right Stuff, by Tom Wolfe. How can you not be inspired by the story of people succeeding against tremendous odds?

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?

My biggest challenge in my role to date is managing my ever-expanding coverage area.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business this year and why?

AI is the easy answer, but I’ll say automation. Workflows are being deployed behind the scenes at my company that are designed to provide more visibility, better access to data, and help reduce the number of administrative tasks that take me away from serving my clients or pontificating on the market.

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