In Conversation with Joshua Richards

Joshua Richards is the Director, Creative Technology and co-lead of the Diversity and Inclusion team at john st. in Toronto, Canada. He’s a member of the Leadership Group at john st. where he has helped shape the digital vision, introduced new processes for UX and development, and implemented training on new technologies like voice ui, and AR. He is also involved in several WPP task forces. Joshua has over 15 years of experience in creative technology, including web/app development and UX, physical computing, smart home development, and AR. He’s been an instructor with Miami Ad School, where he developed the Interactive Concepting curriculum to ensure the next wave of creatives entering the industry understand the opportunity and application of digital technologies in advertising. Prior to his work at john st. and WPP, he operated his own web and video development company. Joshua is a thought leader and has spoken on several panels and podcasts, including with Google Toronto, discussing the potential of Google Voice Applications in the home, (john st. was one of the first Canadian agency’s to have built and deployed prototypes on the platform). He's involved in monthly spark sessions with the Strategy team, and works closely with Creative teams to bring new thinking to campaigns. Joshua is also a co-founder of the LinkedIn group POCAM (people of colour in advertising and marketing), which has over 500 members, and is focused on ensuring PoC have the opportunities and support to build successful careers in advertising and marketing.