THESOCIO-DIGITALCONSULTANCY
Ben’s evolution into a System Architect is the direct culmination of his ENFJ drive for intuitive connection, his neurodivergent cognitive processing, and years of grounded lived experience as an educator and arts practitioner. Operating at the intersection of high-level social theory and grassroots digital infrastructure, Ben recognizes that technical connectivity fails without a foundational "Social Operating System." Rather than simply advocating for community agency, Ben provides the architectural blueprints to measure, mobilize, and scale it.
Academically trained in Sociology (BA) and Social & Political Thought (MA) at the University of Leeds, Ben’s research practice was honed under the tutelage of the globally renowned Bauman Institute, specializing in Social Theory and Digital Culture. Grounded in Critical Realism and Humanist Sociology, he applies Zygmunt Bauman’s 'Liquid Modernity' to the digital age.
Beyond the traditional academy, Ben is a committed proponent of open-source knowledge, holding an Honorary PhD in Memetics. As a practitioner of 'Gonzo Sociology,' he publishes contemporary theory on AI and Digital Culture, seamlessly bridging the gap between high-level social theory and the digital street corner.
As the Lead Researcher behind proprietary frameworks like the C:DRIVE Model and the LISTENai research tool, Ben is the primary investigator of the "Groundworks Gap." He supplies government think-tanks and policy-makers with the granular, trust-based data they cannot access independently.
By investigating the efficacy of "Civic Speed" and "Trust Velocity" in rural environments, Ben provides the essential "Digital Baseline" datasets required for complex public sector investments. He natively navigates the rigorous public value frameworks and strategic appraisal standards necessary for major capital infrastructure, ensuring that top-down investments finally land effectively in rural "checkmate" zones to deliver demonstrable, systemic change and high-impact social return.
LISTENai is a Socio-Digital Consultancy. Utilizing a synergy of academic excellence and neurodiversity with assistive technologies and 3 decades deep experience at the forefront of developing digital culture.
Our unique operation of Digital Symbiosis creates a 3rd Space Model of solutions provision.
With pioneering AI processing and analysis Power, our practice achieves Depth at Speed, producing high-quality data in real time.
LISTENai delivers regeneration through research-based, evidence-led design and delivery of programmes of meaningful socio-cultural engagement.
Our 3rd Space model addresses the specific needs of a complex topology of urban and rural communities.
Being informally formal, our approach addresses the need to dually provide access to Culture, Community, and Connectivity.
We patch our 3rd Space code onto hardwired systems through Autonomy, Accountability, and Activation.
LISTENai, as Lead Strategic Consultant, is delivering major social and digital regeneration in Crook at the request of Durham County Council. We are actively managing Community Asset Transfers, incubating start-ups, and deploying cultural programmes and public art.
Join us for "The Future of Community," a live event to help shape how we deliver meaningful, sustainable social connections in an increasingly digital world.