Throughout 2023 we’re shining a light on some of those who inspire us throughout history and from around the world. Pioneers in science, technology, music, sport and beyond!

These incredible people can be found highlighted on our website home page too, but in these articles, we take a closer look at their stories and why we’re celebrating them.

In July we are celebrating biologist, historian and broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough.

Born in Isleworth, UK, in May 1926, David is famous around the world for his insightful documentaries and environmental activism.

The middle of three sons, David was brother to Richard Attenborough (actor and director) and John Attenborough (executive to Italian car producer; Alfa Romeo). David spent much of his childhood on the campus of the University of Leicester where he collected natural specimens and fossils.

At the age of 10, he and his brother Richard attended a lecture by conservationist “Grey Owl” Archibald Belaney, which deeply moved him and influenced his interest and stance on conservation, going to study geology and Zoology at Cambridge University in 1945.

In 1950 he joined the BBC, working as a producer, controller and then director of programmes. It was in a 1979, while working on his “Life” series, that David created a benchmark in wildlife documentary production (the series concluded in 2010). His work is internationally recognised, receiving a lifetime BAFTA and multiple other awards. He’s also received two knighthoods for his work in broadcasting and conservation and has thirty-two honorary degrees from British universities!

David is amongst the best-known campaigners for conservation, environmental protection and encouraging humanity to think about the world it shares. His work includes critique of deforestation, long-line fishing, deep-sea mining, and the causes and risks of global climate change. He’s also highlighted risks in unchecked population growth, noting “anyone who thinks that you can have infinite growth in a finite environment is either a madman or an economist”. Between 1991 and 1996, David was President of the British Royal Society for Nature Conservation and is involved in many other such projects.

As of 2023, David Attenborough is 97, working on a five-part series focussing on the British Isles, and is considered the UK’s favourite TV presenter of all time!

“I’m swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things. Such good fortune.”

What David means to us.

Widely known as “The Great Communicator” and synonymous with leading great works of ecological education and activism, it’s no surprise that we include David amongst those who inspire us.

“It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for – the whole thing – rather than just one or two stars.”

 What David advocates in the natural world is something we should also strive for the in digital world – an approach we take with each of our clients – ensuring that while we deliver on their project needs, we continue the larger systems and technologies and business in which is resides. “Synergy” can be a bit of a corporate buzz word, but it applies well here!

“The World is full of wonders, but they become more wonderful, not less wonderful, when science looks at them.”

At its heart, digital transformation is what we do. Embarking on new projects of change (or even entirely new development) can be intimidating but full of promise. It’s that sense of wonder that we strive to deliver – showing our clients what is possible with technology on their side.

“The whole of life is coming to terms with yourself and the natural world. Why are you here? How do you fit in? What’s it all about?”

The digital world is a fast moving one, with technologies and platforms evolving and flourishing and dying in a matter of years. We help our clients to find themselves through technology – delivering what they need in order to focus on their identity, their offerings, their own customers.

“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

At gravity9 we value education, and we value learning. We understand the ways in which it can help us to grow, and we understand how it can empower our clients to grow themselves too. Both become empowered to protect their development in the right direction. We find this approach has served us well, time and time again.