Joshua Richards

Joshua Richards is a creative technology expert with over 15 years of experience in web/app development and UX design, physical computing, smart home development, and AR. Joshua is currently the Director of Creative Technology and co-lead of the Diversity and Inclusion team at john st. in Toronto, Canada. He has helped shape the digital vision of the company, introduced new processes for UX and development, and implemented training on new technologies like voice UI and AR.

Aside from his work at john st., Joshua is also an accomplished instructor, having developed the Interactive Concepting curriculum as an instructor at Miami Ad School. He is also a founding Steering Committee member of the LinkedIn group POCAM, which focuses on ensuring people of color have the opportunities and support necessary to build successful careers in advertising and marketing. Joshua is also a thought leader, having spoken on several panels and podcasts with Google Toronto, discussing the potential of Google Voice Applications in the home.

By undertaking the Circus Street Transformation curriculum, a program through Ogilvy and Circus Street focused on CX and digital transformation, Joshua has become more adept in his focus on digital technologies in advertising. He has also been involved in several WPP task forces. Joshua has studiously pursued his education, having obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Ryerson University, as well as a Certificate in Ogilvy Transformation Essentials from Circus Street.