From Guitarist to IoT Leader: Tom Canning on Passion, Business Insight, and Robotics Innovation

Tom Canning, head of IoT and Devices at Canonical, shares how a lifelong love of guitars propelled him into the Internet of Things and offers valuable business wisdom.

Early Aspirations

IoT Now: As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up?

Tom Canning: I was a tinkerer from day one, building projects and experimenting with electronics. Music, especially guitar, sparked my curiosity about sound and circuitry. I dreamed of founding an electric‑guitar company that created cutting‑edge effects pedals. In university I studied Electrical Engineering, but the allure of computers soon steered me into a sales career. Today, I still play guitar and keep chasing that elusive perfect tone.

Business Wisdom

IoT Now: If you had one business lesson to share with your younger self, what would it be?

Tom Canning: Trust your gut. Your body’s instinctive alert system signals unease or danger. In business, that signal is a warning that something doesn’t feel right. Acknowledge it, investigate the cause, and act before the issue escalates. Ignoring that flag can lead to costly surprises.

Leadership Insight

IoT Now: Without naming or shaming, tell us about your worst ever boss.

Tom Canning: My most challenging supervisor was self‑serving and lacked transparency. Leaders must align with the company’s mission and prioritize customers and teams. When a leader fails to invest in market understanding or product excellence, the entire organization suffers.

IoT Innovation

IoT Now: Which IoT use case has recently fired your imagination?

Tom Canning: Robotics powered by enhanced computer vision and sensor fusion has captured my imagination. From autonomous floor cleaners to retail shelf‑scanning robots and industrial automation, advanced perception solutions are reshaping how machines understand their environment.

Travel Highlights

IoT Now: What has been your most memorable business travel experience?

Tom Canning: Leading a global IoT team meant I traveled extensively before COVID‑19. Cape Town and Tokyo stand out for their stunning views, rich cultures, and unforgettable cuisine.

Cross‑Cultural Lessons

IoT Now: What lessons have you learned from doing business in other countries or organizations?

Tom Canning: Empathy and mirroring local social rhythms are essential. Not everyone operates at Silicon Valley speed or shares the same cultural assumptions. Respecting different perspectives builds trust and ensures successful collaboration.

Author: Tom Canning, head of IoT and Devices at Canonical.