06 June 2025
Jason Legget, Public Sector and Enterprise Solutions lead at Connexin
Who was your hero when you were growing up?
As a kid, my hero was the original Inspector Gadget–part detective, part tech pioneer. Watching him tackle problems with ingenious tools was inspiring - literally a walking IoT device before the concept of IoT gained widespread popularity. I mean, who wouldn’t want a gadget-laden hat that could optimise their day with a simple “Go,Go,Gadget” command?
What was your big career break?
In the early 90s, being head-hunted from Teesside University by Comcast to launch one of the UK’s first Business ISPs. I was working on the project taught me the power of translating complex technical solutions for non-tech-savvy stakeholders. Selling “the art of the possible” with the internet became my superpower and lifelong skill.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t just work hard, work smart.” I’ve learned that true success lies in thoughtful strategy, not just relentless effort. It’s about understanding the bigger picture, using resources wisely, and creating solutions that deliver impact without unnecessary friction. Funnily enough, it’s the leading principle behind IoT and data-driven decisions and it’s been my North Star ever since.
If you had to work in a different industry, which would you choose?
At Connexin our purpose is to create smarter, more connected solutions that improve lives, build stronger communities, and address the country’s biggest challenges.
In an alternative life, I’d probably stick closely to this realm but within public services itself. Improving the way that community’s function through innovation and helping every member shine. Delivering better outcomes at lower costs is a challenge that feels vital.
Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowering people and fostering change where it’s needed most. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the tangible impact of those efforts in the places we call home.
Where would you live if money was no object?
I live in a great place, with an amazing partner, so as long as we can travel and see the world as we get older, I’ll be content. The real wealth is in the experiences we create and the security we build for those we love.
So, if money were no object I would live exactly where I do now, but I’d like to think I’d be the benevolent mastermind of opportunities, working with people, supporting my family, and helping the community thrive. Of course, I’d still indulge in globetrotting with my partner, sampling exotic cuisines, and pretending to know more about art than I do.
The Rolling Stones or the Beatles?
Choosing between the Stones and the Beatles is impossible for a non-fan like me. As a Scouser, I’d naturally lean toward the Beatles, but my heart takes me off-piste to Prince. He was everything: innovative, genre-defying, and utterly captivating. His music ignited my love for diverse genres and demonstrated the limitless power of creativity. To quote the man himself, sometimes you just have to embrace life and “Let’s Go Crazy.”
What would you do with £1 million?
First, I’d make sure my kids’ education and futures are secure, and my immediate family has everything they need. £1 million doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, but I don’t need much myself.
Beyond that, I’d invest in projects that make a real difference—helping communities innovate, tackling environmental challenges, and ensuring everyone has a chance to shine. After all, the ultimate luxury isn’t yachts or private islands, it’s leaving the world a bit better than you found it (though a yacht might occasionally help with that).
What’s the greatest technological advancement in your lifetime?
It’s got to be the internet, without a doubt. It’s the foundation of everything: from IoT to cloud computing, to answering life’s most pressing questions–like whether you really need to boil potatoes before roasting them (answer: yes). Without it, where would we be?
The internet has transformed how we live in ways both brilliant and bizarre. It’s given us Teams video calls that let you wear pyjama bottoms during serious meetings, online shopping that lets you impulse-buy anything from Temu at 2 a.m., and the life-saving genius of being able to diagnose a mild headache as a rare tropical disease via WebMD!
The internet isn’t just a tool; it’s the great equaliser, the ultimate procrastination enabler, and the reason we’ll never again need to remember a friend’s birthday without Facebook reminding us.
