This is me, Geoff →
Because of course it is? It would be silly if this picture was of someone else.
Then again, I wouldn’t put it past me given how I like to test conventions; About Me pages being no exception. I wouldn’t write all of this if you couldn’t trust it was me, because it is. Also, this picture definitely doesn’t blink, so don’t wait around for that to happen—seriously.
I think that about sums up my personality—onto the credentials!
What I call myself
writer | researcher | once-podcaster | occasional comedian | event producer | “and more”
Or, if you’re here for an official title, let’s settle for Senior Design Researcher (Kiwibank). I’ll also take “grey beard” or the “Walking, talking ChatGPT” that I’ve heard before.
What you need to know
This section no longer contains the typical type of ‘About Me’ blurb readily available on professional profiles. I'm not here to try to convince you of my expertise, hirability, or the like — those are judgements you will make on your own with or without these words.
I create things. I live to help others grow. I thrive on deep conversations. And I'm here when it suits me.
Sometimes I prefer messages only, sometimes face-to-face chats. If you'd like to talk, the least I can do is offer a courtesy reply [but it might take me a while to see it]. On the plus side, I actually drink coffee now, so no more awkward tea orders on my part should the mood strike us both to meet up. Virtual ones are viable too.
But, until such time…
This is what I’m up to Now
This Blog is written to inspire, share insight, entertain, and capture that which held my interest
This Everyday Experiences Podcast captures how I see the design of the world around us
Previous roles
Kiwibank - CX Research Manager (effectively same job as today, except no longer solo)
Kiwibank - Customer Propositions and Retention Manager
St John NZ - Experience Design Strategy Consultant (self-employed)
UX Auckland - Meetup Event Host + Social Media Manager
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems - Software BA / PO (“Systems Engineer”) + UX Lead
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems - Software QA Engineer Intern (full-time)
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems - Software Development Engineer Intern (full-time)
Virginia Tech Dining Services - Student Manager (of 200+ part-time students a semester…woof)
Sal’s Pizzeria (VA) - Line Cook (applied to be a Bus Boy at 15, but they offered me this instead?)
Past Speaking engagements
(comedy performer + producer ventures to be added at a later date)
Host - Everyday Experiences Podcast (2020-2023)
Guest - “99. Post Mortem of the ‘What Do We Reckon’ Project” - Ruddle Me This! with Taylor Ruddle (Dec 2024)
Guest - “77. Breaking down ‘The Menu’ with Comedian Geoff Wilson” - Ruddle Me This! with Taylor Ruddle (Dec 2024)
Panelist - “What Is Needed To Create Agile Teams And Strengthen Culture To Improve Customer Experiences?” - Improving Customer Service Design, Delivery & Experience Through Human-Centred Design Forum (Jun 2022)
Panelist - “How Can We Build And Nurture Customer Trust And Engagement Within Service Journeys” - Improving Customer Service Design, Delivery & Experience Through Human-Centred Design Forum (Jun 2022)
Host - “Recognising and Validating Assumptions to Reduce Risk” - UX Auckland (Aug 2020)
Host - “Let’s Talk About Our Mistakes” - UX Auckland (Jul 2020)
Host - “Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Misconceptions” - UX Auckland (Jun 2020)
Host - “Personas” - UX Auckland (Jun 2020)
Host - “Seeing 20/20 Clearly - What To Know When Job Hunting This Year” - UX Auckland (February 2020)
Co-host - “UX Lightning Talks” - UX Auckland (Jul 2019)
Co-host - “CSS Collaboration” - UX Auckland (May 2019)
Co-host - [bimonthly UX networking events] - UX Auckland (Jun 2019 - Dec 2020)
[and I can’t even begin to add up the hundreds of ways I’ve gotten myself on stage or to a podium]