Maggie Philbin

Biography:

Maggie is a popular conference host and keynote speaker on diversity and technology working with a broad range of organisations from the IET, to Lloyds Bank to the IPA.  “We need to improve diversity -it’s not just a question of looking at the number of women on the board of a company but at the social and ethnic diversity of the whole organisation at every level . It’s not only morally right but it makes very sound economic sense. Companies waste a lot of talent by neglecting diversity.” Maggie provides practical advice on how businesses can harness modern technology not only to improve their profits but to develop their trust and credibility.

Maggie has a unique resonance with audiences, having grown up with them on much loved shows like Swap Shop and Tomorrow’s World. Many of the everyday gadgets we now take for granted were demonstrated on live television for the very first time by Maggie – the first truly mobile phone, the first car navigation system, the first fax machine, even the first supermarket barcode reader. 

Additionally, Maggie’s extensive radio and television career has also included working with ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. She has covered stories all over the world, from earthquake prediction systems in Iceland, to wave power technology in Norway, to possibly the most dangerous system for rescuing people from ski cable cars in Switzerland.

In 2007 she and the BBC Radio Berkshire news team beat the Today Programme winning Silver at the Sony Awards for the quality of their news coverage. In 2010, the Breakfast show has again been nominated for a Sony.

She is keen to help improve the visibility of successful scientists and engineers, both to encourage young people and women to pursue careers and reach top positions in these areas. 

In November 2008, she pioneered TeenTech collaborating with business, education and professional organisations to create a lively interactive one day event which brought 400 young teenagers, scientists and technology companies together. 

The BBC1 Politics Show devoted half their programme to the event. The event now runs in twelve locations across the UK and has a supporting Awards scheme. 

Maggie sits on the panel of the New Engineering Foundation which supports the development of Vocational Education and helps lecturers in FE get cutting edge career development in industry. She is also patron of the Daphne Jackson Trust which helps scientists, engineers and technologists return to their careers. “Getting the right support and training is key, whether you’re 16 or 60. It makes an enormous difference not only to the personal development and confidence of individuals but to the success and reputation of companies and institutions.”

She is a patron of the National Osteoporosis Society and VASL (Voluntary Action South Leicestershire)

Maggie is a popular keynote speaker in areas across the board from Education, which her 8 years of working with schools on TeenTech, or the business world .

 “Every company these days is working in the technology and digital arena, it's just that some don't realise it or understand what they need to do to attract the best workforce.”

Maggie provides practical advice on how businesses can harness modern technology not only to improve their profits but also to develop their trust and credibility.