Tanya Goodin – From Hertford to AI entrepreneur

Old Blue Tanya Goodin (Hertford) is an entrepreneur, early tech adopter and author, known for building global businesses and exploring how people interact with technology. Now at the forefront of AI (artificial intelligence), she combines innovation with ethics and is inspiring the next generation to engage with tech.

Ahead of the curve

Tanya has founded six businesses since university. In 1995 — before Google and alongside Amazon and eBay, she launched a digital company that became a global enterprise. ‘I was always an early adopter of new technologies — I even queued for the first iPhone sold in the UK in 2007.’ AI felt like the next wave; so she earned a Master’s in AI and ethics at Cambridge.

Powering progress responsibly

Tanya cares deeply about the ethical development of AI, seeing it not as a barrier to innovation but an enabler. She champions encouraging public participation in new and developing technologies and believes that AI holds enormous potential — particularly in healthcare and the environment, but it also carries the potential for harm. Her mission as CEO for EthicAI, is to help businesses develop this technology in a way that is ethical and responsible, putting people at the centre.

Her research at Cambridge — some of which was conducted at Christ’s Hospital with Deputy Grecians — uncovered gender divisions in views on tech which had emerged even at 16, and Tanya is keen to explore that further. ‘I’m passionate about the impact on young people and especially about encouraging women and girls to get more involved in AI.’

Tanya is also passionate about public education. She has written five books on human-tech interaction, is writing her sixth and has launched a podcast asking public figures about their relationship with tech. ‘I feel strongly that science communication should be accessible. Everyone should be educated about the digital world and AI to make informed decisions on how they use them.’

CH foundations that inspired innovation

Tanya credits inspiring female teachers for her ambition. ‘I wouldn’t have applied for my place at Oxford without the encouragement of Mrs Roxburgh. At the time it felt like a big leap.’

The tragic and unexpected loss of Tanya’s younger sister Justine, who passed away during her first year at CH, shaped Tanya’s understanding of the power of kindness and support. The compassion shown by the infirmary staff — Nurse Chugg and Sister Quinn — left a lasting impression. In addition, Tanya’s early leadership roles as Head of House and Deputy Head Girl further strengthened her resilience.

A visit from a NASA astronaut, organised by Theatre Director John Gale, left a lasting impression. ‘Listening to him describe looking back at earth and the scientific advancements that made that possible is something I never forgot.’ Barnes Wallis also sparked Tanya’s curiosity: ‘Every CH pupil knows the story of the bouncing bomb and is inspired by what can be achieved through determination and ingenuity, harnessing the powers of science and technology She reflects on the technological leap  since her CH days — ‘from manual typesetting for the school magazine I set up with Mrs Dawson, to AI, all in one lifetime.’

Photo: Tanya at St Matthews Day with Susanne Westcott and Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie.

Inspiring the next generation

Tanya reflects on how unusual it still is to be a woman entrepreneur in tech ‘I didn’t come from an entrepreneurial family; my father was in the military. But my CH education and the women who taught me, made me believe I could do anything. Role models are important; so I encourage Old Blues to use their skills and experiences to inspire young people. I’ve been speaking in schools for over 15 years and it’s the most rewarding thing I do.’

Thank you to Tanya for sharing her story with us.

Read Tanya’s Five top tips AI masterclass here.

To find out more about Tanya visit her website here

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