Speakers

Philip is currently the Head of Portfolio Performance in the BBC’s Product Group, the developers of BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and the vast portfolio of BBC websites, apps and digital services. He helps multidisciplinary technology leaders and teams develop and deliver their strategic mission, promoting a culture of collaboration, creativity, innovation, continuous learning and joy. He’s often referred to as "a great connector, listener and teacher, who brings clarity in ambiguous, complex situations and always ready to offer fresh, creative, transformational ideas, insight and solutions”.

Given Philip’s broad portfolio of research, engineering, analysis and management experience, spanning large and small organisations, he has adapted and crafted various strategic architecture and systems frameworks to for situations where complex, at times contentious, decisions, prioritisation, messaging and change need to be delivered. He finds the most joy at work when people find value in adapting and applying frameworks for themselves to their relationships, processes, technologies, problems and ambitions.

He tends to spend most of his time in the messy overlap of technology strategy, culture, structure and operations, ensuring that innovation, diversity, fairness and thoughtful, relational practice are not diminished or dismissed in favour of traditionalism (‘this is how we do it here’), homogeneity (disguised as best practice), injustice (shrouded as business sense) and purely transactional behaviours (because pace matters above wellbeing). Philip honours legacy by ensuring it continues to be part of an evolving story. He endorses the need for speed while maintaining the need for deeper, slower deliberation, finding that sweet spot in respect, iteration, partnership and cultivating common ground.

Philip wants to join and invite others in a mission to challenge conventional structures, practices and ideologies that limit diversity, inclusion and innovation in multidisciplinary technology development and other areas of society. He currently evolves these frameworks through experimentation, trial and listening and learning from and with others: 

1) Socio‑Technical Enterprise Architecture

Practical methods and reference models that help organisations align their culture, communities, technology, and business priorities to deliver meaningful, missional value.

2) Conscious Commonality

A set of relational principles and practices that strengthen trust and collaboration in diverse organisations by amplifying shared ground and encouraging deeper connection across differences.

3) Least‑First Design

A design approach that challenges conventional product thinking by prioritising the needs of those with the least access to wealth, infrastructure, and education, insisting that solutions are accessible, efficient, and sustainable for everyone.

While at the BBC, Philip continues to be a Co-Chair of the BBC EMBRACE Staff Network and on the board of BBC WiSTEM. Outside of work he is a trustee of the theatre charity Ordinary Glory (https://www.ordinaryglory.co.uk), on the advisory board of WeJobBox (https://www.wejobbox.com) and a technology advisor for Dignity (https://www.dignityonline.org.uk). He is also a musician, poet and author, with his most established work being the illustrated, self-published kids’ book, “Nia and the Kingdoms of Celebration”. As a husband, father and disciple of Jesus, faith, family and community shape how he leads, engages and follows.