In his work as digital and communications director of Grid Smarter Cities, Dom Hyams is committed to improving the lives of people living in cities by developing smarter and more cost-effective services.
Know yourself
I always knew that I’d wanted to do something that had a tangible benefit for others. I knew that I wouldn’t be satisfied with a pen-pushing role – not that there’s anything wrong with those kind of jobs. I’ve just always wanted to find work that energised me and was in line with my personal passions.
Learn from the best
I joined the Channel 4 graduate trainee scheme back in 2009 and was immediately seconded to the production company responsible for the Paralympic Games campaign. Although I have brittle bones myself, this was the first time I’d formerly worked in and around disabilities, and it was a total eye-opener for me. The whole campaign was so positive and creative. Channel 4 really got the tone right.
Embrace the network
I subsequently got involved with the Government's Disability Confident campaign, as well as becoming the founding editor of the annual Disability Power 100 list. This work exposed me to the wider conversations going on around access, disability and urban planning.