Chasing innovation, technology and philanthropy with Dhiraj Mukherjee Co-founder of Shazam

Interesting interview with Dhiraj Mukherjee Co-founder of Shazam, acquired by Apple. Now keynote speaker, advisor to corporate innovators, and investor in “tech for good” startups.

What is your background briefly?

I started my career as a strategy consultant at Bain in San Francisco, then did my MBA at Stanford Business School. In 1997 I joined an internet consulting firm called Viant, and two years later set up the company’s first international office in London.  Having got a taste for building digital businesses, I co-founded Shazam, the world’s first mobile-phone music recognition service along with three business partners. After a roller-coaster entrepreneurial journey, I spent a few years with Save the Children to help “give back”.  Since then, I have worked in senior innovation roles in media, technology and financial services.

Does it seem like a logical background to what you do now?

Yes, the key themes in my career are digital business, innovation and trying to create impact. I have had the privilege to work with brilliant, creative people in many of my roles.  My time with Save the Children was particularly influential because I learned about the power of young people to create change. At Viant and later at Shazam, I learned all about how to scale a fast-growing business, Today I do my best to invest in and support entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of startups which can have a positive impact on the planet.

1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

I learned a new expression today – I have a “cocktail career” which is a blend of keynote speaking, consulting and advisory, investing, and philanthropy. I get excited about helping brilliant individuals and organisations to innovate in creative ways. My angel investment theme is “Tech for Good,” focusing on the positive social impact of emerging technologies. I’m also a proud father of three children (my daughter is 12 and my sons are 9 and 6). As a result, I pay particular attention to the characteristics of Generation Z (young people born after 1995), and helping companies to connect with young people as a source of innovation, inspiration, and purpose-led growth.

Why did you get involved with this project / book / the Fast forward Forum?

I got involved because my fellow speakers and authors were pushing the boundaries of innovation, and creating a family feeling amongst the participants at the Forum, unlike any other conference.  The conversations I had over lunch or in between sessions deeply shaped my thinking, thanks to the intimate and down-to-earth ethos built at Fast Forward Forum. I came back feeling like I not only learned to think differently, but had already started acting on those learnings.

Why do you think it is such a powerful idea?

I think the freedom, open-mindedness and interactions that the Forum encourages is very powerful. As it allows people to speak freely, on topics that are truly close to their heart, in a very personal way. They can then bounce these ideas off others, which is where the magic truly happens.

You attended the Fast forward Forum last year, how important is it to also work with people face to face as well as remotely?

I am a big believer in face to face interactions, as I’ve always considered myself a people person. A vast percentage of our communication is body language, and considering how busy people are – to be able to share and interact with them in person is always a privilege and a pleasure. Nonetheless augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are powerful and compelling experiences, and it is interesting to watch how the lines between virtual and actual presence are already being blurred.

How easy do you find it to be innovative?

You know, I never thought of myself as creative despite being an entrepreneur and coming up with new ideas all the time.  It was only after I worked at an innovation consulting firm called ?What If! that I discovered that creativity is actually a structured process, and every single person can be creative. I now use the techniques and practices of innovation on a regular basis, and I’m delighted to say that they are absolutely guaranteed to work!

What are your sources of inspiration?

I am particularly inspired by emerging technology and how young people create new behaviours (which everyone else adopts not long afterwards).  This has made me a big believer in “looking at the world through my kids eyes,” as a powerful tool to see things from a different perspective, and to surface unexpected insights. I suppose this isn’t surprising considering the scientific literature linking kids with creativity.

How can people find out more about you & your work?

The Fast Forward Files is my first publication in print, and the book as a whole is a gem. I do speak regularly at conferences on innovation, entrepreneurship, digital business, and Tech for Good (many of my talks are online). Although I am not the most active on social media, I can be found on LinkedIn and Twitter. Increasingly my interest is in the intersection of technology and philanthropy, so please stay tuned for more of those ideas and initiatives in the future!

Dhiraj Mukherjee is the co-author of Fast Forward Files: Opening Up, published by Molden Verlag, which is available now, priced at £28. For more details visit https://fastforwardforum.eu/

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