Chris Sheldrick is a visionary entrepreneur, known as the Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes how we think about addressing locations. Frustration with traditional international addresses led him and two friends to create a unique global address system, dividing the world into 3m squares, each identified by a distinctive three-word address. Based in London, Sheldrick has turned this innovative idea into a company with a team of over 100 dedicated individuals, backed by major names like Intel, Mercedes, and Lego.
Connecting with Chris Sheldrick is easy through his LinkedIn profile at https://linkedin.com/in/chrissheldrick1 or via email at chris@what3words.com. He is also active on Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights and updates about what3words.
Sheldrick’s expertise is showcased in numerous podcast appearances, where he discusses innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of addressing systems. Some notable podcasts featuring him include:
1. Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast
2. Vietnam Innovators
3. The One with What3Words’ Chris Sheldrick
4. The Times Tech Podcast
5. The Voice for Voice
6. Secret Leaders
In these episodes, Sheldrick has shared invaluable insights that resonate with both budding entrepreneurs and industry veterans alike. Here are ten guiding principles and thoughts he has offered:
1. The importance of simplicity: Sheldrick emphasizes that effective solutions must be easy to understand and use, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
2. The power of innovation: He highlights how challenging the status quo leads to groundbreaking ideas, inspiring others to think outside the box.
3. Building a receptive team culture: Sheldrick discusses creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to share their ideas.
4. The role of technology in solving global problems: He underscores the potential of technology to address everyday challenges in uniquely effective ways, particularly in logistics and navigation.
5. Embracing failure as a learning tool: Sheldrick advocates for viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
6. The need for collaboration: He often mentions how partnerships with various sectors can amplify the impact and reach of innovative solutions.
7. Understanding user needs: Sheldrick emphasizes the significance of user feedback in shaping products that genuinely meet market demands.
8. The future of location-based services: He discusses how evolving expectations for navigation and address systems will shape the future of logistics and communication.
9. Sustainability in business: Sheldrick highlights the importance of considering environmental impact when building businesses and developing products.
10. Visionary thinking for scalability: He talks about the importance of having a clear, scalable vision from the outset, which guides decision-making and growth strategies.
Chris Sheldrick is a dynamic podcast guest, sharing insights that inspire innovation and challenge conventional thinking. His experiences and expertise not only engage listeners but also provide actionable takeaways, making him an asset for any podcast host looking to deliver valuable content.