10 questions with Ritchie Beckett

So this has been way overdue, but we wanted to properly introduce Ritchie Beckett, our newish Chief Business Officer.

We caught up with him this week in London for a quick Q&A to to introduce the person behind the role.

1. Ritchie, why Yotewo?

I think I’m a disruptor at heart. I could see you and Dennis were really on to something and I didn’t want to miss out. Also, disrupting something sounds messy; it’s not. You’re actually trying to simplify the problem using modern-day tools like AI. Ultimately, I think we can give a better level of service to our clients and be more cost-effective.

2. What do you like about your new role?

The freedom to be creative and to wear many different hats in the business. I like to be hands-on and have been amazed with the community we already have. Some of our clients are so passionate about their companies. The opportunity to play a small part in helping them build their dream product or service is really cool. I have seen some of our earlier clients now really scale.

3. How did you start in this industry?

My uncle had multiple businesses growing up, I suppose that showed me just an ordinary person can start their own company.

4. What do you look for when you hire?

Personality is key. Do you have something about you? Then I always think about the current team and envision this person working alongside them every day. Sometimes I can see it clearly, and other times not so much; those are normally the ones that don’t get hired by me. I must admit as well, I love a ‘trier’, someone with a strong work ethic. I can teach the rest, but I can’t teach that.

5. What are you most looking forward to this quarter?

Well, I will be in Lisbon for the Web Summit next month. The guest speakers are unreal; these people are like rockstars to me.

6. Beatles or Stones?

Random question, but Beatles.            

7. Why do you think now is a good time to build a startup?

AI. So many more people, in my opinion, are going to have the confidence to start their own companies, as it will be more affordable with the tools we have today. These founders will need good developers, so we can help solve that problem, and fast.

8. What is one advice you can give to founders out there?

Don’t neglect your family; they will be there to pick you back up when needed. I would say give yourself a little time as well to enjoy the wins along the way. I know it’s easy to think about the next thing.

9. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m a Lord. I know I have not shared that with the team yet, so this is an exclusive. Don’t get too excited, though; I’m a Lord of Glencoe in Scotland, meaning I own land there. Full disclosure, the land is tiny and I can’t do anything with it, but that means neither can anyone else. You could say I’m helping protect and preserve our nature.

10. What keeps you inspired outside of business?

My wife and two boys.