Jack Waley-Cohen: A Visionary in Quizzes, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
Jack Waley-Cohen was born on September 7, 1979, in London, England, to Stephen Waley-Cohen and Pamela Elizabeth Doniger. He attended some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the UK, including Eton College and the University of Oxford.
At Eton, Jack excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities, including captaining both the tennis and chess teams. His strong intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit were clear from an early age. He later attended the University of Oxford, where he studied Experimental Psychology, graduating with a BA Hons degree. During his time at Oxford, he was actively involved in the university’s quiz society and served as its president. Jack was also the manager of the St. John’s College team for the University Challenge, which reached the finals in 2001.
Founding What3Words
In 2013, Jack Waley-Cohen co-founded what3words, a groundbreaking platform that redefined how we communicate locations. The concept behind what3words was to create an easy-to-remember, three-word address system for every 3-meter square on the globe. This system was far more user-friendly than traditional latitude and longitude coordinates, making it easier for people to share their location with others.
what3words has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals use geolocation technology. By labeling the world’s 57 trillion 3-meter squares with simple and memorable three-word combinations, it has made sharing locations simpler and more accurate than ever before. The platform is used globally by businesses, emergency services, and millions of individuals to pinpoint locations with greater precision.
Jack’s work at what3words highlights his entrepreneurial flair, as he saw an opportunity to make a complex problem more accessible and user-friendly. His leadership as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) has played a pivotal role in the platform’s success, which now spans over 50 languages and continues to grow.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Lingo24 and QuizQuizQuiz
Before founding what3words, Jack Waley-Cohen worked at Lingo24, a translation services company that became one of the world’s leading language service providers. Jack joined the company in 2003 as one of its earliest employees and became its Operations Director. At Lingo24, Jack played a key role in scaling the business, which eventually grew to employ over 150 people across five continents.
His time at Lingo24 allowed him to develop expertise in operations, finance, IT, and human resources, all of which helped the company achieve rapid growth. Under his leadership, Lingo24 expanded its operations and saw its revenue grow at a rate of more than 25% annually. Although Jack is no longer involved with the day-to-day operations, he continues to watch Lingo24 thrive and occasionally participates in company social events.
In addition to his work at Lingo24, Jack co-founded QuizQuizQuiz in 2003. His vision for QuizQuizQuiz was to bring a professional approach to an otherwise amateur industry of quiz nights. Today, QuizQuizQuiz is the UK’s leading provider of quiz nights, and it has become one of the top quiz and trivia content companies worldwide.
Jack’s passion for quizzes is evident in his involvement in several television quiz shows. He has written questions for shows such as Only Connect, The 1% Club, Riddiculous, and The Code. His contributions to Only Connect include serving as the show’s question editor, alongside his close collaborator David McGaughey. Together, they have helped shape the show’s unique format and reputation for difficult yet engaging questions.
The Role of David McGaughey in Jack Waley-Cohen’s Career
David McGaughey is a key figure in Jack Waley-Cohen’s career, particularly in the quiz industry. The two have collaborated closely, particularly on the popular quiz show Only Connect, where McGaughey and Waley-Cohen worked together as question editors. Their partnership helped elevate the show to the level of intellectual sophistication and challenge it is known for today.
David McGaughey and Jack Waley-Cohen share a deep love for quizzes and trivia, and together, they have co-authored several quiz books, including Only Connect: The Official Quiz Book. Their collaboration has solidified their status as experts in the quiz world and has left a lasting impact on quiz culture in the UK.
The Vision Behind Property Detective
In addition to his work at what3words and QuizQuizQuiz, Jack Waley-Cohen co-founded Property Detective, an online tool designed to help people make informed decisions about where to live. Launched in 2012, Property Detective provided detailed insights about neighborhoods, crime statistics, and other relevant data that homebuyers need to make better choices when relocating.
Although Jack is no longer actively involved with Property Detective, his contribution to the platform’s initial development demonstrates his commitment to improving people’s lives by providing them with the information they need to make smarter decisions.
Personal Philosophy and Leadership Style
Jack Waley-Cohen is known for his ability to turn basic ideas into commercially viable products and for his skill in developing raw teams into high-performing management squads. He combines his expertise in operations, finance, human resources, and systems design to effectively manage small, medium-sized, and fast-growing businesses.
His leadership style is focused on pragmatism and teamwork. He believes in the power of clear communication, practical solutions, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. This mindset has contributed to his success as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Conclusion
Jack Waley-Cohen’s career is a testament to his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. From co-founding what3words, revolutionizing geolocation, to leading QuizQuizQuiz, and contributing to popular quiz shows, Jack has had a lasting impact on both the tech and entertainment industries. His ability to bring ideas to life, combined with his leadership and commitment to creating value for others, has made him a standout figure in the business world.
His work, particularly with Only Connect and quiz-related ventures, has earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the top minds in the quiz industry. Moreover, his dedication to innovation, practical solutions, and team development continues to inspire others who seek to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Jack Waley-Cohen’s story is one of passion, vision, and the ability to make things happen.
