building_communities_futures Exploring Web-tech

Mike is resident in Europe and based in Englands’ North West.

As an agent of change for web-based technologies that engage and enhance with my company First Interval, I find time out to write about any new discoveries, and occasional commentary at michaeljroach.com -

I started my career in Sydney, Australia – the year Ireland won it’s 39th Eurovision song contest -1994 – dragging cables across the loungeroom to connect a 28.8k modem and copper wire to an early web.

After graduating from a great university specialising in multimedia tech and journalism, I worked in Australia – armed with a heady mix of development know-how, a thirst for strategising and implementing web content. Working for a number of firms in Queensland, driving social media implementation, e-commerce, online revenue and site optimisation. Successes include equipping businesses in tourism, enviro-tech, international non-profits, student orgs and academic institutes, life-coaching and personal development, health and medical, social entrepreneurship and political advocacy, the arts and cultural sector and lobbying.

Dedicating time to charitable in Australia and the UK forms an important element of work – previously working with teams at Oxfam Australia (campaigning assistant), Fair Trade associations (‘Hooked’), Animal Welfare League, to renewable energy (Renergy International), organic farming (Athenry Organics, Stockfree Organic Network) and more.

Prior to graduate roles, I spent time in the always challenging city of London, then moving to Scotland to take on a variety of roles, but always keeping one eye on the web industry. I learned to solo navigate Europe early on through extended travel. The first years in the UK (and Austria/France/New Zealand among others) prepared me for a lifelong career as someone who can spot opportunities, and leverage them. With an eye on the world view and latest technologies to build communities online, I hope to help you do the same.