We sat down with Matt Popple, our Stakeholder Engagement Lead, to find out about his work background, his biggest life achievement, and why Tim Minchin would be one of his top dinner party guests!
Please can you tell us about your role at the EIC?
As Stakeholder Engagement Lead, I am the point of contact for all our innovators.
We have a predominately UK-based innovator community, but many of our innovators are global; we’re about 8000 companies strong and growing, with over 700 innovators joining this year alone.
Can you tell us a bit about your work background?
I’m not originally from the energy sector. I graduated from university with a degree in Education, back in 2002.
I was in the services for several years and worked all over the UK, as well as several locations abroad.
For the last few years, I was working in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry as Head of Operations.
I’m now bringing everything I have learned from my past work experience into the energy sector.
What is your biggest achievement?
My kids and being a dad. It’s difficult at times, but it is equally the most beautiful experience.
What is your favourite thing about working at the EIC?
Being a small part of the energy networks’ transition to net-zero, helping to create a more positive and sustainable future for my children.
If you could invite anyone (living or deceased) to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?
I would invite Churchill; I’m sure he’d give a fascinating insight into his time in government.
Also, Tim Minchin, who I saw in Birmingham a few years ago, he was amazing. He’s an extraordinarily clever chap.
Finally, I’d invite a famous Roman, perhaps Julius Caesar. That would be a bit different!
Follow Matt on LinkedIn here.