The Origin Story
About Richard Godfrey
Who is Richard Godfrey?
Richard has over fifteen years experience in Digital, Efficiency and Change. He has extensive knowledge of both the public and private sectors, with experience in Sales, Operations, Policy, Contract Management and Contract Performance before moving into Digital.
In his time in local government Richard wrote one of the first Platfrom Technology Strategies, negotiated the first direct deal with Cityfibre, worked on the Connecting Cambridgeshire Fibre broadband project, won AWS’ City on a Cloud competition, was a member of the team that won The Worlds Smartest City in 2015, was named as one of the first Digital Leaders 100 club members and named as one of Computer Weekly’s rising stars (2015). Richard also featured in Forbes magazine for his work on Digital City Peterborough, bringing all the layers of infrastructure, cloud technology, the public sector and the private sector to grow Peterborough’s Digital and Technology sectors. Richard is also a keen public speaker having spoken across the world on cloud computing and is a judge for a number of computing and digital awards.
How did I get here?
I’ve had many roles over the years. Like many I started in the Golden Arches where I probably learnt more about efficient processes than anywhere else.
I had spells working in pub restaurants, then onto selling Catering Equipment into professioanl establishments.
My first local government experience was at Westminster City Council, a one month contract that lasted over five years, as part of the Contracts Perfromance team, specifically in the Housing Benefit Policy Unit.
Following that I worked for a DHL subsidary in Fleet Management working on the Volvo contract supplying vehicles to Car Rental companies.
Before returning to local government at Peterborough City Council, where I had more job titles than hot dinners, but ultimately was the Assistant Director (of Resources): Digital Peterborough.
The Peterborough Years: Pioneering Digital Transformation
During an influential chapter in Peterborough, I not only excelled in my contract management role but I also ventured beyond contractual obligations to pioneer groundbreaking digital initiatives. My visionary approach led to the first direct contract with CityFibre in the UK, marking a significant leap towards digital infrastructure excellence. My innovative use of non-traditional technology in the sector set new benchmarks for what's possible in digital transformation.
My commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation saw me attending and making impacts at some of the tech industry's most prestigious events. His journey included attending Dreamforce in San Francisco, AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas, where I had a one-on-one meeting with Andy Jassy, CEO of AWS, illustrating my close engagement with leading tech figures.
My contributions and leadership were recognised on multiple fronts: winning the AWS City on a Cloud Innovation Challenge highlighted my ability to leverage cloud technologies for urban development. As a speaker, I shared his insights and experiences at numerous UK conferences and international stages, including BoxWorks in San Francisco and AWS events in Berlin, showcasing my thought leadership on a global scale.
In 2016, my efforts contributed to Peterborough being named the World's Smartest City, a testament to the transformative digital strategies implemented. Computer Weekly recognised me as a “Rising Star” in 2015, acknowledging my unique blend of local government and private sector experience. I was also one of the first people to join the Digital Leaders 100 Club. This mix allowed me to challenge conventional thinking and workflows, setting new precedents for digital excellence.
My tenure in Peterborough was marked by bold decisions and innovative solutions, including transitioning the city from Microsoft to Google and integrating Salesforce, AWS, and Box technologies. These initiatives were not without their challenges, but my resilience and pioneering spirit ensured that Peterborough was consistently at the cutting edge of digital transformation. My experiences, sometimes described as "bleeding edge," have equipped me with a lot of battle scars but also invaluable insights and lessons that continue to influence my approach to digital innovation.
Taking the plunge
Following my transformative years in Peterborough, I moved on to an exciting chapter with Arcus Global. Over three years, I worked closely with numerous local government organisations, guiding them in defining their digital strategies and paths to transformation. This period was rich with learning and achievements, further solidifying my commitment to digital innovation within the public sector.
In 2019, I took a significant leap by founding Syncity. This venture marked a new era in my career, allowing me to lead from the front in the realm of digital innovation. At Syncity, we've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, including Aylesbury Vale District Council, Colchester City Council, West Lindsey District Council, Durham Cathedral, and Modern Art Oxford. Alongside these projects, I've engaged in numerous associate roles with other organisations, broadening my impact and network within the digital transformation sphere.
Now, with a wealth of experience and insights gathered from the frontline of digital innovation, I believe it's time to share my knowledge in a more accessible and affordable way. This is where Getting Digital Right comes in. It's designed to distill the essence of my journey and the lessons learned along the way into practical, actionable guidance for organisations striving to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. GDR represents my commitment to empowering others to achieve the digital excellence we've been chasing for years, making the benefits of my experiences available to a wider audience.
If you're seeking straightforward, honest advice without the bull, join us for guidance that's both sincere and impactful.
