Early Life
Terence Hedley Matthews was born in Newport, South Wales, in 1943. He attended schools in Newbridge and later studied at Swansea University, graduating with a degree in electronics in 1969. His early interest in engineering led him to an apprenticeship at British Telecom's research labs.
Rise to Success
After moving to Canada, Matthews worked at MicroSystems International, a subsidiary of Northern Telecom. In 1972, he co-founded Mitel with Michael Cowpland, which became a leading manufacturer of PBX systems and telecom semiconductors. Mitel's success led to an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 1981. In 1986, Matthews founded Newbridge Networks, which became a global leader in data networking and was later sold to Alcatel in 2000 for $7.1 billion. This sale made Matthews the largest single shareholder in Alcatel.
Key Business Strategies
Matthews is known for his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities in the telecommunications sector. He has a knack for attracting talent and fostering a culture of ownership and mutual respect within his companies. Matthews emphasizes the importance of persistence, hard work, and strategic partnerships. His approach to leadership involves recognizing employees' contributions and creating a sense of shared success.
Philanthropy
Matthews is actively involved in philanthropy. He founded the Wesley Clover Foundation, which supports initiatives in entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and community development. The foundation supports various projects including the creation of Wesley Clover Parks. He also hosts an annual gala, Lumière, which has raised over $1 million for charity.
