Darragh Canning

Background

About Darragh Canning

I've had a passion for tech since I was 7 years old, and I've been solving digital challenges ever since. My interest began when my mum took an ECDL course, and I would watch as she worked on her assignments. This passion led to me becoming the go-to kid for all IT-related issues at home and in school. I learned more about graphic and web design through work experience programs as a teenager. Fun fact, one of my web design tutors went to school with Led Zeppelin's John Bonham! Not only was I learning about web design, but I also found a new appreciation for rock music which brought me on some incredible journeys throughout the years. The experience I gained as a teenager laid the foundation for my future career path. I went on to study Digital Media and IT in college, where I developed a deeper understanding of technology, coding, and digital media. I had a passion for sharing my knowledge and creating tutorials which I shared online. It was humbling to have someone reach out years later to thank me for those tutorials, and to know that it helped them get through college and land a great job. After college, I began my career as an intern at a Learning and Development company where I discovered my love for education and teaching. I worked with over 500 business owners, teaching them how to use WordPress, Mailchimp and Shopify. This experience opened many doors for me. I was even featured in an Amazon bestseller (The Binman's Guide to Selling page 90). I set up my own business, Spoogle, where I provided web design and development services and guest lectured at two major colleges in Galway. I also set up and ran the WordPress and Trello meetup groups in Galway City. I love sharing what I know and working with others who feel the same. After 5 years of self-employment, I joined Shopify and worked in roles that allowed me to leverage my teaching, organizing, and building skills. I helped grow a team from 3 to 13 and build an incredible bespoke service, working with some of the biggest merchants on the platform. I developed new skills in data analysis, project management, program management and operations coordination, which I applied to my work. Now I am taking the time to learn new skills and explore how to live and work with technology in a more sustainable, people-focused way. My passion for technology remains as strong as it was when I first started and I often have those awe-inspiring moments that make me feel like a kid again. And yes, I still help out with all the IT-related issues at home. Some heroes don't wear capes