At a Glance
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Tom Raftery, Technology Evangelist, Podcast Host, Thought Leader & Influencer
Thought Leader and Influencer Interview
Thinkers360 thought leader interviews profile prominent members of the Thinkers360 community who embody the power of ideas in their work. In this edition, we speak with Tom Raftery, Technology Evangelist, Podcast Host, Thought Leader & Influencer at Tom Raftery.
He is also recognized as an international keynote speaker that has delivered numerous keynotes for some of the world’s largest companies, covering high-impact topics such as Sustainability, the Energy Transition, the CASE Megatrends in Automotive, and more.
Tom is featured in Thinkers360’s annual Leaderboards Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Internet of Things 2023, Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Supply Chain 2023, and Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Climate Change 2022, among others.
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Thinkers360: Tell us a bit about your background and areas of expertise
TR: I have over two decades of experience working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation. My journey began in software development and IT consulting, where I co-founded a software development company and later founded a social media for a business agency in Ireland. This experience has given me a strong foundation in understanding the power of technology and digital transformation to drive business success.
Throughout my career, I have held various leadership roles, including serving as Global VP, Futurist, and Innovation Evangelist at SAP, where I led communications on future trends and innovations, and educated colleagues, customers, and partners in sectors such as Energy, Automotive, and Supply Chain. I have also been a Principal Analyst at GreenMonk, RedMonk’s energy and cleantech practice, where I researched and published reports on the Internet of Things, Energy, Cloud Computing, and CleanTech.
As a thought leader in sustainability, I have consistently ranked as a Top 10 Global Influencer in areas such as Sustainability, Autonomous Vehicles, IoT, Supply Chain, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy. I am also the founder, host, and producer of the popular Climate 21 and Digital Supply Chain podcasts, which have garnered over 325,000 downloads and 400 episodes.
In addition to my professional experience, I have been a guest lecturer at the Instituto Internacíonal San Telmo, where I have armed executives with knowledge of upcoming trends at the intersection of business disruption, technology, and sustainability.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about public speaking, content creation, social media engagement, and driving change through innovation. As an invited keynote speaker at international events, I have had the opportunity to share my insights and inspire audiences around the world on topics like Sustainability, the Energy Transition, and the CASE Megatrends in Automotive.
In summary, my areas of expertise include technology and digital transformation, sustainability, and renewable energy, the Internet of Things, supply chain management, public speaking and content creation, and business development and consulting.
Thinkers360: What are your current responsibilities and what’s a typical day look like?
TR: Since transitioning from my role at SAP, I have been working as a self-employed consultant while actively seeking new opportunities. My day-to-day activities primarily involve sourcing, conducting, and publishing interviews for my twice-weekly Digital Supply Chain and weekly Climate Confidant podcasts. I also create and share engaging social media content to promote these podcasts and maintain my professional visibility, ensuring that I remain top-of-mind for potential employers as new roles become available.
In addition to podcasting and social media engagement, I give presentations to leadership teams on topics such as ESG, Supply Chain, and Sustainability, deliver keynote speeches at conferences, and take on short-term consulting projects. I am highly committed to staying current on emerging trends and technologies, and I regularly dedicate time to researching rapidly evolving topics like Generative AI.
An exciting addition to my current endeavors is I’m also currently authoring a book titled ‘Sustainability Unchained: How to Build a Resilient and Eco-Friendly Supply Chain.’ This project allows me to combine my expertise in supply chain and sustainability while providing valuable insights to a broader audience.
Overall, my focus is on staying productive, expanding my knowledge, and ensuring that I am well-prepared to contribute effectively to my next professional opportunity.
Thinkers360: What’s the favorite part of your current role?
TR: My favorite aspect of my current role is the opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth. Engaging with podcast guests provides me with valuable insights and allows me to learn from their experiences and stories. In addition, I’m constantly updating my skillset to stay current in the ever-evolving digital landscape. For example, I’ve recently begun publishing my podcasts in both video and audio formats, which required mastering new software platforms.
Moreover, I’m actively teaching myself to work with emerging technologies like ChatGPT, which has proven invaluable for streamlining the preparation, production, and marketing of my podcasts, as well as enhancing my social media content creation. Overall, my passion for learning and embracing new challenges keeps me energized and motivated in my current role.
Thinkers360: How do you like to work with brands who wish to engage you as a thought leader?
TR: I take great pleasure in collaborating with brands through a diverse range of engagement opportunities. From delivering concise masterclasses and captivating conference keynotes to forging long-term consultancy partnerships that drive meaningful outcomes, I am eager to contribute my expertise in various formats.
Additionally, I am open to fostering relationships with brands that align with my thought leadership values, offering them exposure and association with my podcasts through tailored sponsorship opportunities. This multifaceted approach ensures that I can effectively support brands in their pursuit of growth, innovation, and positive impact within their respective industries.
Thinkers360: How do you utilize Thinkers360?
TR: Thinkers360 is an exceptional platform that brings together a diverse and expanding network of remarkable thought leaders from around the world. It has not only allowed me to broaden my connections but has also fostered an environment for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. I am truly grateful for the recognition I have received through Thinkers360, as it has significantly enhanced my professional profile, bolstered my credibility, and showcased my commitment to meaningful contributions in Technology, ESG, and Supply Chain. By participating in this vibrant community, I can stay informed, engaged, and inspired as I continue to make a difference in my areas of expertise.
Editor’s Note: See Tom’s Thinkers360 In-Depth Profile & Portfolio.
Thinkers360: What’s your main advice for upcoming thought leaders?
TR: My top recommendation for aspiring thought leaders is to nurture unyielding curiosity, immerse yourself in fascinating knowledge, and enthusiastically share your discoveries with the world!
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