Summary
AI Grace
The conversation with Tom Willmot delves into his intriguing life journey, from a nomadic childhood to becoming the CEO of Human Made. Tom grew up in a unique environment, part of a movement called The New Age Travelers in the UK, where he was homeschooled in a van until he was 11. This nomadic lifestyle, which also involved his single mother and his six siblings, greatly influenced his early years. He later settled down in Wales and attended a Steiner School, an alternative education institution. Tom found himself enjoying academics and showed strong inclinations towards mathematics and science.
After completing his schooling in Wales and moving to the north of England, Tom began working in a private residential school for children with autism and ADHD. This is where he met his wife. Despite enjoying working with children, Tom became disillusioned with the politics of the job. Parallel to this, he was teaching himself web development, which eventually led him to discover WordPress. This discovery set the stage for his future endeavors in the tech industry. He began freelancing, making websites for local businesses, and soon transitioned to a full-time role for a large U.S. company called Name Media.
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Tom’s foray into WordPress development marked a significant turning point. He was able to work on substantial projects, leading a remote team of developers and gaining invaluable experience. This period included collaboration with his half-brother Joe Hoyle, who eventually joined him in these projects. Their combined efforts led to the founding of Human Made, a successful WordPress agency. Over the years, the agency has grown, making a notable mark in the WordPress community.
The conversation also touches on Tom’s personal life, including his marriage and his family. He shares the challenges his family faced when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Despite these challenges, his wife has managed to resume her career to some extent. Tom also reflects on his dual role as a parent and a tech leader, balancing his professional responsibilities with his family life. They live in the French countryside, where Tom enjoys the quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Throughout the interview, Tom emphasizes the importance of collaboration and people, both in his work and personal life. His story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, navigating through various phases of life to achieve professional success while maintaining strong family ties. The discussion concludes with reflections on the future, including potential guests, Noel Tock and Mike Little, for future episodes of the podcast, highlighting individuals with interesting stories and unique backgrounds.
What’s Tom Up To? Find Out At The WP World.