Introduction and CEO goals and aspirations

Hello, I’m Seth Dobbs, the new CEO of W3C, and I’d like to introduce myself, share some details about me as well as a few thoughts on our future together.

Who am I?

First a little on my background - I’ve been writing code since the late 70s, getting my start on a Sinclair personal computer attached to a television set and using a cassette recorder to load and save programs. I eventually went to Illinois Tech where I earned a BS in Computer Science and have since spent over 30 years in the industry, writing code, architecting systems, starting companies, and building teams and organizations. I’ve done a bit of public speaking and training on technology and leadership, I’m a published author, have written many articles and blogs, and host a leadership podcast. I was part of the Program Committee for O’Reilly Media's Software Architecture Conference the last few years that it ran, where I helped define the program and select the content to ensure a meaningful experience for a global audience.

On a personal level, I’ve spent most of my life in the Chicago area, a little bit of time in Florida, and I’m currently in Colorado. I’m hard of hearing and have been wearing hearing aids for the past few years, a long overdue requirement given how difficult it is for me to follow discussions in a conference room or even one-on-one. Due to a chronic pain condition, I’ve spent several years using speech-to-text and voice command interfaces for everything. Thanks to various treatments I’m currently in better shape and can use a mouse and keyboard again. I’m an avid reader (around 70 books per year) and I like to start my day doing the New York Times crossword puzzle.

Where do I come from?

Most recently, I worked as CTO at Bounteous for a little over 19 years, where I joined as fourth employee and which I’ve helped grow to over 2000 team members. I’ve helped build a global organization, built and grown the Technology operating unit to over 900 team members worldwide, and coached and trained many leaders. In my time there I’ve made heavy use of web technology to help clients build and grow their businesses, including architecting and coding one of the four highest transaction e-commerce systems of its time. I’ve also used web technology to connect real time bidders with live auction rooms, patients with physicians, eldercare residents with their families, and so much more.

What do I plan to accomplish?

Which leads me to why I’m here. I’ve spent much of my life believing in the power of technology to change the world and making that belief a reality. I believe the Web is one of the most profound technology changes in our lifetime and is truly a world-changing invention. I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead our efforts to move the world forward through the web platform.

My goal is both simple and ambitious - to ensure the durability and viability of the mission to have one Web, one worldwide platform that enables the interconnectivity of humanity.

This will be done in large part by ensuring the durability and viability of W3C. I am moved by a desire to transform unresolved change into resolved change. I plan to come back to this through this blog.

My efforts will start with addressing two key unresolved changes: solidifying in the wake of launching our legal entity and the retirement of Web inventor and W3C Founding Director Sir Tim Berners-Lee. This will give us a foundation to ensure the success of the next 30 years.

I look forward to working with all of you - the team, partners, members, and community - to challenge each other, to go deep into what each of us believe in for the future of the Web, and to make that a reality.