Who’s Paul Walsh?
Welcome to my personal website where until 2009, I blogged regularly. Nowadays I tend to scribble a post only when I feel very strongly about a particular story.
I really dislike third person bios on personal websites. So, I’ll try to keep this informal…
What I’m passionate about
I’m passionate about helping to protect children from unsuitable content on the Web. I’m also very passionate about helping poor entrepreneurs in Gujarat, India gain access to capital and mentorship.
A few facts
- I’m an Irish expat living in San Francisco after spending 12 years in London.
- I have two wonderful children, Talliah and Keilan
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is my favourite book
- Dexter and Breaking Bad are my favourite TV shows
- The Hangover is one of my favourite movies
- I’m a PADI certified open water diver – to advanced level
- I enjoyed a yoga retreat with my wife in India so much I’ve decided to practice properly in 2011
- I go to the gym regularly
- My favourite colour is navy blue and if I had a lucky number it would be 9
My contribution to open standards
I have been instrumental in the creation and outreach of some Web and mobile industry standards worldwide. I’m proud to have been one of the original seven founders of the W3C Mobile Web Initiative where I held a seat on the Steering Committee for the first couple of years.
I helped to instigate the formation of the W3C’s first incubator project; which later became the industry standard for content labeling - replacing PICS, the standard currently in use by Microsoft Internet Explorer for filtering content on the Web. I was also an active participant during the early days of the W3C Semantic Web Education and Outreach programme, where MetaCert’s browser plug-in is formally endorsed as one of the most compelling implementations of the Semantic Web.
Overview
I have over 15 years of International experience as a director, chair, advisor and mentor within the Digital Industry and have been known to chair and speak at conferences around the world – although my speaking gigs are now restricted to hot countries, for obvious reasons. I have had much of my thoughts and opinions on the architecture and future of the web and mobile industry covered in various publications, and I have contributed to numerous standards and technical specifications.
History
2011 - Present
Following six years of R&D, launched MetaCert, a specialist in content classification and online family safety. MetaCert’s technology has indexed over half a billion pages of pornography to help protect children from harmful content through browser extensions and soon, a new browser for the iPad and iPhone.
2010
I helped to stimulate the startup community in London by creating a number of well known networking events such as OpenSoho and Top Cats; hosting more than 3,000 digital enthusiasts in the community. I sold the company that same year.
2009 - Present
I co-founded Shanti Microfinance with my wife Sheetal. Sheetal is the driving force behind the non-profit organization that helps poor entrepreneurs in slums and villages in Gujarat, India through micro loans and ongoing mentoring. We visit our team and partners on the ground regularly, as well as the entrepreneurs funded through our small loans and where possible, their families to see for ourselves, the impact that Shanti is having on the local communities.
2005 – 2008
In 2005 I joined the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), the longest established association for the digital industry, as a member of the Executive. I was elected Chair in 2006 and then re-elected in 2007 and 2008. During this time I advised the British Council on its Digital Pioneer Programme with Hong Kong and as a result, I mentored the CEO of a mobile games company, who was regarded as one of Hong Kong’s Digital Pioneers. I was also an advisor and judge on the British Council’s International Creative Entrepreneur’s Awards in 2008.
2003 - Present
I founded Segala, a specialist in web and mobile testing. Segala was one of the first companies worldwide, to test mobile applications and was the first test specialist worldwide, to become an association member of the GSM Association. I still hold the position as CEO.
2004 - Present
I partnered with the esteemed restauranteur Asheesh Dewan to open a Michelin-rated Indian restaurant in Dublin called Jaipur .
1998 – 2007
Senior management and business strategy advisory work at companies such as Eqos, O2, CMG and Orange.
Mid 90s
My career started at AOL when it was a tiny startup during the mid 90’s. I was a member of the new technologies team for three years, where I was responsible for all International Beta Coordination for the UK and Sweden and all Technical Accounts Management for the UK. I helped to launch 56k modem speed, Internet Radio, AIM and almost all other clients and applications during my tenure.
Pre-AOL
I worked at a couple of banks including Bank National De Paris as a Computer Operator, managing these:
Pre-boring bank work
I managed a cocktail bar on a small island in Greece!
Education
I finished school and never attended university. Although I have accompanied Sheetal to LSE when she chaired panels. And I have a t-shirt from the University of Alberta. When I was at school it was my original dream to become an architect. As you can see, I place education (for me at least) at the bottom of the list.
“It’s not just what you learn in school that counts. It’s who you get to know in the playground and how you treat them, that matters most.” Me.
