xDesign is a digital consultancy named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces 2022,
Founded in 2010 in Edinburgh, xDesign first moved to Leeds in October 2021, investing in a permanent base last year.
In his position as head of Leeds, part of Matt Ward’s role is to ensure xDesign is able to play a positive role within the region and sector, particularly helping remove barriers to entry and inspire the next generation of talent.
Here, he shares all the lessons he’s learnt across his personal life and career.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
A walk at the start of the day helps me compose my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. A second walk at the end of the day creates space between work and home. The exercise also makes me feel better, more confident and optimistic.
What’s been your luckiest break?
Probably the collapse of RBS! When working there the collapse of the bank gave me room to solve problems differently, to find bold solutions to the challenges the business faced and innovate while others were distracted by the group’s overall position.
What’s your best failure?
As a kid I was asked if I wanted to earn a badge for swimming a length of the pool. I said yes even though I couldn’t swim and made three attempts before they fished me out and made me stop. It taught me that there is nothing to be scared of and it’s always worth trying something. Even if it ends in failure it’s best to give it a go and see what happens. I often surprise myself!
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
I feel that I am constantly investing, spending time with others to discover opportunities, solve problems and build relationships. Throwing ideas around and exploring challenges means I discover people who share my values and do exciting, challenging and meaningful things like xDesign’s recent Leeds Unleashed event.
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read and why?
Probably Animal Farm by George Orwell. Although the story is based on Stalin and the Russian revolution of 1917, it teaches you not to accept what you see and never stop questioning and challenging – and to never lose sight of what is important to you, no matter what is happening around you.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Believe you can make a difference and do it! Don’t accept traditional career paths, do what excites you not what other people think you should do. I earned the right to do this later in life and wish I had been confident enough to do more earlier in my career.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
Aston Villa, being a fan has shown me clearly what Kipling meant when he said “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat these two impostors just the same.” Don’t get too carried away with the highs or the lows. Supporting Villa has also given me a tribe to belong to and a place to escape on a regular basis, re-charging my energy and venting my happiness and my frustrations so that I am ready for anything that comes my way.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I collect truncheons, enough said.
What does success look like to you?
Happiness. I am my own worst critic and know that if I am happy I must be doing the right things, making things happen, having a positive impact and seeing the world around me become a better place and some silverware for the Villa!
