Derek Collins

Activist

DISC Type : Cd

Director of Research Collaboration & Innovation - European Research Institute at Huawei Technologies

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Overview

Derek Collins is the Director of Research Collaboration at Huaweis European Research Institute, focusing on driving innovation with universities and start-ups in AI, Machine Learning, and other future technologies. With over 20 years in the ICT sector, he is described by colleagues as a genuine, supportive, and focused professional with strong people skills.

Outside of his technology focus, Derek is passionate about creative arts, having studied independent film making and cinematography in Hong Kong. He is an avid collector of movie posters, enjoys photography, and participates in whiskey tasting clubs. His interests also extend to history, having authored a publication on Irish governors.

Unique fact: Derek helped build the Huawei Ireland Research Center from the ground up, hiring over 60 people during the pandemic.

Personality Overview

Value Conscious

Observative

Perfectionist

They respond well to confident salespeople. They don’t always try to control the conversation but neither do they like yielding it fully. They care equally about the product and its potential impact.

Topics They Care About

AI Research

Leads Huawei's collaborative research in AI, NLP, and Machine Learning and believes AI is central to the 'intelligent revolution' in every field, including telecoms and healthcare.

University Collaboration

His role is centered on building partnerships with universities and start-ups across Europe to bridge gaps in innovative thinking and co-develop future technologies.

AI Governance

Serves on the working group for Ireland’s National AI Standards & Assurance Roadmap, a key part of implementing the EU AI Act and ensuring an ethical approach.

AI Research: Leads Huawei's collaborative research in AI, NLP, and Machine Learning and believes AI is central to the 'intelligent revolution' in every field, including telecoms and healthcare.

University Collaboration: His role is centered on building partnerships with universities and start-ups across Europe to bridge gaps in innovative thinking and co-develop future technologies.

AI Governance: Serves on the working group for Ireland’s National AI Standards & Assurance Roadmap, a key part of implementing the EU AI Act and ensuring an ethical approach.

Media Appearances

Derek has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2014

Director of Research Collaboration & Innovation - European Research Institute at Huawei Technologies

3-2022

Industry Advisory Committee at ADAPT Centre

4-2023

Innovation Policy Committee at Ibec

5-2021

Governance Board at Technology Ireland

5-2021

Team for AI Standards & Assurance Roadmap Working Group at National Standards Authority of Ireland

Education

1983 - 1987

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from Technological University Dublin

2011 - 2014

Independent Film Making - Directing from International Academy of Film and Television, Cebu

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 11 Location : Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Research Collaboration & Innovation - European Research Institute at Huawei Technologies

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Derek's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">Cd</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Calculativeness</div>Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Dominance</div>Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Derek's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">nco</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Emotional Stability</div>Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Openness</div>Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Derek Collins

Director of Research Collaboration & Innovation - European Research Institute at Huawei Technologies

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Speaking in a slightly hesitant manner, and seeking their permission at the start through a negation can get you a chance.

Pace: Speak slightly fast, especially if you tend to be calm and confident. Sound like a ‘knows their domain’ person.

Tone: Keep your tone slightly apprehensive, as if you are a little unsure about calling them.

Tactics To Win: Use of negations, giving full information

Mistakes To Avoid: Use of superlatives, overusing social proof

Making The Ask: Use negations, it is extra effective with them. It gives them a chance to say no, they like doing that.

Subconscious Driver: They believe they know a lot, so it needs to make sense as well as make them curious. They need to think that it is something worth investigation.

Greeting: Hi Derek, this is [user_fname] at [user_companynamefirsttwowords].

Opener: You probably don’t want to be on this cold call, would it be a problem if I asked for 30 seconds of your time?

Introduction: My company has leveraged 30+ years of research to build an AI that can predict anyone's personality, behavior and decision-making style before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Companies like [abc], [xyz] have been able to move [KPI1] by X% and [KPI2] by Y%. Would it be too much to put 15 minutes on your calendar to share why this could be high ROI for you?

Close: Can I suggest [time1] on [date1]? Or would you prefer any other slots? And [prospect_email] would be the right email ID for you?

When Writing An Email

Subject: To the point, measured

Salutation: No

Greeting: No

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Clearly state your ask

Complimentary Close: None or standard

Tone of Words: Confident, direct

Overall Messaging: Focused on measurable results

Length of Mail: Very Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Derek is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

Can Derek take some risk or not?

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility

More Profiles

Anne Bøjlund

Jitesh Pandey

Amulya B

Ghadeer Akkad

Search more profiles