FASTforward’09 Interview: Robert Paterson, social media consultant
by Joshua-Michéle Ross
Rob Paterson works mainly in the world of Public Radio and TV as they too struggle to find a new business model in a web world and a poor economy. In this interview he discusses how search can be used to unlock the value of the archive – making it easy to find and accessible. He also speculates on the additional value of adding a social dimension to the content. What might it be like to find all those who also love Jane Austen – in your city, state, nation and in the world. What would it be like to find and to connect not only with people who share your passion but also with the producers and stars? And what might this do to revenues?
BIO: Robert Paterson is the President of The Renewal Consulting Group Inc. which was founded in 1994. The motto of the firm: “Looking Beneath the Surface”. We provide our clients with the deep insight and broad context that they often need to find solutions to novel situations. Prior to running his own business, Rob worked for Dr Fraser Mustard, President of the CIAR, as his Senior Advisor for Outreach. Before that he held a number of senior roles at CIBC. These roles included SVP HR for the bank where he was responsible for the bank’s HR strategic direction, SVP Marketing for CIBC Investment Bank where he was responsible for the merger and integration of Wood Gundy and the bank. ED New Issues for CIBC Limited in London where he built the first part of CIBC’s international investment banking business and AD Middle East for Wood Gundy where he established their business in Saudi Arabia. Rob is deeply involved in community work. In Toronto he was a director of the Smile Theatre company that brings theatre to shut in seniors. In the US he was a director of the Marion Foundation that incubates new ideas about health and the environment. He is an active advisor to CHANCES Family Resources Centre on PEI, to Sport PEI, to Theatre PEI and to FRP Canada (The national body of family resource centres).
