Profiles

Outside of my professional work, I have a variety of hobbies and interests that keep life vibrant and balanced. Programming isn’t just my profession — it’s also my hobby. I love exploring new technologies, tinkering with side projects, and diving into the latest trends in the tech world. This continual learning fuels my creativity and keeps me at the forefront of innovation.

When I’m not immersed in code, you’ll often find me enjoying a night at the musical theatre. There’s something magical about live performances—the storytelling, the music, the atmosphere — that resonates with me. Attending shows not only provides entertainment but also inspires me to bring a creative flair to my work.

Balancing technical pursuits with artistic experiences allows me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Whether it’s debugging a complex problem or enjoying a theatrical masterpiece, I find joy in the blend of logic and creativity that both worlds offer.

Hello! I’m Matt Watson—a developer, father, and husband based remotely in the charming landscapes of Yorkshire, UK. My adventure with WordPress began back in 2006, but let’s rewind a bit further.

I’ve been weaving webs (the good kind) since 1996, surviving the dial-up era when being a “Webmaster” meant you did everything from design and code to server maintenance—often while making a cup of tea during a reboot. Those were simpler times, or perhaps impossibly stressful ones!

Discovering WordPress was like finding a treasure map in a maze of twisty little passages. The platform’s flexibility and the vibrant community resonated with me. I started crafting custom WordPress solutions, fascinated by how it empowered users and developers alike.

In 2013, I co-founded MKDO Ltd. and took on the role of Director of Engineering. Leading a team specializing in WordPress-based solutions, we delivered projects for a diverse client base, including those under the WordPress VIP umbrella. It was here that I honed my skills in strategic architectural decisions, technical leadership, and mentoring developers to achieve their full potential.

Community has always been at the heart of my journey. I organized events like WordCamp Sheffield and Front End North, engaging with fellow developers and sharing knowledge. There’s something magical about bringing people together to solve problems, share stories, and occasionally commit WordPress-based “crimes” (the fun kind, of course!).

In 2021, I joined Iconic WP (Liquid Web) as a WordPress Developer. I managed a portfolio of commercial WooCommerce plugins, introduced sprint ceremonies to enhance team productivity, and played a pivotal role in feature development based on client feedback. This experience deepened my understanding of e-commerce solutions within the WordPress ecosystem.

Currently, I’m a Web Engineer at Human Made, where I’m involved in all stages of project development—from sales consultations to delivery and launch. I work directly with clients to identify technical requirements and develop tailored solutions. Leveraging enterprise-level WordPress hosting platforms like Altis and WordPress VIP, I optimize performance and scalability for client projects. I lead architecture discussions, ensuring projects align with client objectives and industry best practices.