This month’s employee spotlight shines a light on our Head of Software Development, Tom Wright

At GPI, people are at the heart of our success and we want you get to know our staff better. This month, the spotlight shines on our Head of Software Development, Tom Wright. Tom sat down with us to discuss the reimagining of GPI pulse™, understanding client needs and his time in beautiful, rugged Tasmania.

Job Title

Head of Software Development

Job Role

Lead the engineering function at GPI – including our “back office” automation team, as well as our client platforms team.

Day-to-day, I help to ensure they have the support they need to do a great job, act as liaison between developers and stakeholders to ensure that we are all pulling in the right direction. In addition, I get to speak to clients, to further understand their needs, particularly on more technically complex projects. 

How long have you worked at GPI?

Coming up to 2 years now. GPI has changed so much in that time! Almost every process has matured and scaled so rapidly, whilst the team has grown exponentially.

What do you most like about working at GPI?

It’s fast paced, but we’re lucky to have a lot of talented colleagues and work on some great projects. Every day is different and the subject matter is really meaty. 

What has been your favourite project so far?

Easily the reimagining of pulse™. Collaboratively thinking about creative ways to use the depth and breadth of data we hold. Getting into the heads of our users and finding new ways to answer their questions. It’s been great fun from conception to implementation. 

“I love collaboratively thinking about creative ways to use the depth and breadth of data we hold. Getting into the heads of our users and finding new ways to answer their questions. It’s been great fun from conception to implementation”.

What do you do when you’re not working?

These days, mostly look after my kids. My wife is a shift worker – it’s sometimes like being a single parent. I’m a big fan of music festivals and travelling, although the pandemic has meant I haven’t been able to do either in a long time!  

Best holiday/place you’ve ever visited?

That’s a tough question, but possibly Tasmania.

Incredibly beautiful and seriously rugged. We hired a camper van and ended up in some stunning campsites (albeit ones with zero facilities). One spot in particular we were woken by kookaburra laughter and an incredible misty sunrise through the eucalyptus trees. Only problem was the ocean water was a bit cold to swim in! 

Favourite Food?

Vietnamese Pho – beef ideally. DIY style, where you add all the ingredients to the broth as it’s heating in front of you. Yum.

Lastly, if you could meet anyone in the World, dead or alive, who would it be?

Another tough one… The first person that came to mind was Carl Sagan (American Astronomer). 

His views on the universe have always resonated me and inspired curiosity and wonder. As well as being a brilliant scientific thinker, I have always admired the way he communicated. He knew the power of words and used them very deliberately. He was a passionate visionary, but also gentle and empathetic. Anyway, I’m getting misty eyed – perhaps best I leave it there!