Using Technology for Change

As a Trustee of the Telematics Trust, which aims to use technology to transform lives through learning for the cultural, social and economic benefits of Victorians, and the co-founder a mobile software design and app development company, Danny Gorog has a passion for cutting edge technology. Gorog is this week’s Changemaker.

Gorog has extensive experience in business management and has founded a number of successful start-up businesses, including Outware Mobile, He is currently a Director and Board Member of Melbourne University Publishing and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The Telematics Trust currently has an open grant round that closes on Monday 30 March. Gorog told Pro Bono Australia News about how he is using technology to change people’s lives.

What are you currently working on in your organisation?

We are focused and working on refining our processes and positioning to ensure that Telematics is receiving funding applications in line with our vision, which is to use technology to transform lives through learning for the cultural, social and economic benefits of Victorians. We want to ensure that all projects we fund have a significant impact.

What drew you to the Not for Profit sector?

I was invited to join the Trust and I enjoy contributing because I get to see some really interesting projects that otherwise may not get funding. They all have a technology focus which is of particular interest to me because I think education is one of the most significant aspects of the economy that technology has and will continue to transform

What was your first job in the Not for Profit sector?

I am a co-founder and director of Outware Mobile, a mobile software development agency. We worked with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to develop an app called MSO Learn that educated users about how an orchestra works. Outware provided some funding for this project, along with MSO and Telematics. This was my first introduction to NFP work and resulted in a great partnership between Outware and MSO of which I am now a board member.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

I love seeing the impact that our projects have on their intended audience. MSO Learn is a great example, the app reaches nearly 100,000 users all across the world and exposes people to the workings of an orchestra. This kind of reach isn’t possible without technology.

What has been the most challenging part of your work? And how do you overcome that?

The challenging part is working to a budget and drawing a line between funding and not funding projects. There are many we would love to fund but as a Trustee I need to be mindful about managing the Trust so it exists in the long term.

What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment? Why?

Watching: Better Call Saul (sequel to Breaking Bad) and The Americans

Reading: Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

What does a typical day for you involve?

I’m not a great sleeper so my day normally begins at 3am. If I’m lucky I’ll fall back asleep. I go to gym a couple of times a week then go to work. At gym I like to listen to podcasts to make sure I’m keeping up to date with technology.

At Outware I’m responsible for Sales and Finance so working with the Sales team on opportunities and making sure the projects we are delivering are on track. I also love working with clients and providing insight on future trends and features that I think we should be working on.

When I get home I spend time with my family (I’ve got four kids and a dog!) and wife, normally have a scotch and try to relax in front of the television. As I’m getting older my days go more and more quickly.

What (or who) inspires you?

I’m inspired by great technology and design, passionate people and great music. People who inspire me include Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.