Henry Smith is one of Cosmic's newest members of staff, so we asked him some questions about himself so you can get to know him a little bit better.
1. What do you do here at Cosmic?
I am the Business Development Manager representing all teams here at Cosmic. There are many ways you can define Business Development; and many myths and confusions. It’s not about sales, but about a whole package of strategic actions and behaviours, centred around providing a solution to customers’ needs and problems.
2. What’s your favourite part about the job, and what are you most excited about doing?
I think my favourite part of the job is knowing that my thoughts and efforts directly contribute to the big picture and vision of Cosmic. My job is to create a strategy and plan of action - and then go out there and promote Cosmic to the wider world. This means I get to work with everyone in the company and I get to meet an enormous range of people.
3. What do you like most about Cosmic?
It’s all about what Cosmic stands for. Their ambition knows no bounds, and they want their enthusiasm and drive for improvement to rub off onto all parts of society. The disparity in digital awareness and skill amongst communities the UK is huge. The South West is no exception. Cosmic aim to reduce this disparity and tackle Digital Inclusion issues through working closely with local communities, individuals and businesses. It’s an honorable and admirable job that they are doing, and I can see that they are approaching it in a very impressive way. No short term fixes or “easy wins”.
4. What is the most interesting thing about you or that you have done?
I’ve been very lucky to have been able to do a lot of world travel over the last 15 years. Amongst typical backpacking trips around Asia and Africa, I also spent a few months living in a hammock in the Costa Rican rainforest. That was pretty stunning: washing in waterfalls and fending off poisonous snakes and and insects with kitchen utensils! Most recently my wife and I spent three months driving a campervan around Australia and New Zealand. It was great fun and a good break between careers. I think you have to take these opportunities when they come to you.
5. Are you Apple, Android or something else?
I’m definitely loyal to my Apple iPhone. I don’t doubt that the alternatives are now just as good - or better in some cases - but Apple have time and again been proven right in their technological decisions. Microsoft and Google apps work perfectly well with the iPhone, so I see no reason in needing to change.
6. What are your hobbies or interests?
I’m all about being outdoors. I love cycling and sailing and roaming around the countryside. If I’m soaked in seawater, or covered in mud, then I’m (probably) happy. Devon is the perfect county for my interests. I also spend a lot of my time doing woodwork - utilising wood from local sources to make nice things for the home. If I’m driven indoors by some rare weather event, then I’m very happy in the kitchen cooking up a storm.