that every project “presents different challenges”. “We’re a fairly small business solving complex problems for much larger businesses, so it’s on us to earn their trust. We only succeed when we really challenge our customers and they challenge us, which means having difficult conversations with clever and experienced people every day. When you’re all aligned on the outcomes, it makes life a lot easier.” Over the years, they have worked with some “wonderful people and companies, including Coca-Cola, Sky TV, and Stuff”. “However, some of our biggest achievements have come in the last few years through our work with New Zealand Police. Every frontline police officer now has
an iPhone that runs a suite of apps co-created by our team. New Zealand Police has a vision to make our country the safest in the world, and we’re privileged to contribute to that goal every day.” Both Reuben and Toby also acknowledge the importance of ‘giving back’, having benefitted from their many opportunities at College. “We recognise that we’re lucky to have been afforded certain opportunities in life that have enabled us to be successful, and a big part of our philosophy is giving other people those opportunities when we can. For many years, we’ve sponsored student programmes and awards aimed at identifying the next generation of technology entrepreneurs. Every year, we
make a point of employing several graduate developers straight out of university – many of whom go on to do great things in the world. It’s an amazing feeling when you have a hand in helping other humans reach their full potential.” Looking ahead, they plan to “keep solving problems for more people and more businesses”. “We work with customers across many different countries, and our international footprint is expanding every year. That said, our biggest goal is to maintain a workplace where our people feel a sense of purpose and belonging, and an environment where they can make an impact on society. That’s what gets us out of bed each day.”
“When we started Smudge, the attitude we’d built at College – of giving things a go and not taking ourselves too seriously – was invaluable. When we came up against things we hadn’t done before, we weren’t intimidated.”
COLLEGE 2023
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