Building bridges for inclusion

For Rob Troy, change is about creating equity and empowering others. Growing up in a psychiatric hospital where his father worked, Rob learned early on that connection and understanding often require more than words. This formative experience shaped his mission as the founder of a ground-breaking AI tool designed to help the Deaf community communicate seamlessly with businesses.

Rob’s work is driven by a simple but profound goal: to give Deaf individuals the agency and inclusion they deserve. His journey, rooted in empathy and determination, highlights the power of technology to address barriers and create meaningful change.

“They’re forced to communicate in a language that doesn’t serve them. This isolation is preventable.”

Building empathy from experience

Rob's passion for advocacy began as a teenager when he learned British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate with the Deaf parents of his best friend. By 16, he had passed his BSL exams, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Deaf community.

That empathy carried into his career, where he worked as an interpreter for individuals with complex needs, from psychoses to autism and limited language skills. Rob's approach to interpreting focused on understanding the essence of communication, not just translating words--a philosophy that has become central to his work today.

Creating a solution for meaningful change

The idea for Rob's latest venture came from a stark realisation: Deaf individuals often face isolation because they can't access services in their native language. Working alongside an engineer and a Deaf co-founder, Rob developed a tech platform that enables video-based BSL feedback, interpreted for non-BSL speakers.

This innovative tool aims to close the communication gap and make interactions more direct and meaningful for the UK's 151,000 BSL users. For Rob, the goal is clear.

"We shouldn't wait until the complaint stage to offer solutions; we need proactive inclusion."

A vision for equality and inclusion

Rob's work addresses more than just communication--it's about tackling the broader mental health disparities faced by the Deaf community. With significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to the hearing population, much of this stems from a lack of agency and self-expression.

"If we open channels for real communication, we can improve social participation and reduce mental health disparities," Rob believes.

"There's a gap in the market. This tool has the potential to change how businesses engage with the Deaf community."

Rob's advocacy extends beyond his business ventures. At Warwick Business School, where he completed his Executive MBA, he's worked to promote inclusivity in education. By encouraging institutions to modernise communication frameworks and embrace collaboration, Rob hopes to inspire a more inclusive environment for all students.

Small changes that make a big difference

For Rob, creating change starts with individuals. He encourages alumni and students to think beyond personal success and focus on the positive impact they can have on their communities.

"Just as we measure our carbon footprint, we should reflect on how we've changed an organisation or community for the better," Rob shares. "Business school isn't just about learning--it's about bringing everything you have to help it grow and thrive."

Rob's story is a reminder that small changes, when approached with empathy and innovation, can make a big difference in the lives of others.