Tara Simpson didn’t fall in love with computers by playing games.

He fell in love with the manual.

That instinct, to get under the hood and understand how things work, set the stage for a decades-long career in software. In this episode of Workplus, Tara shares his path from self-taught coder to Managing Director of Instil, a company known for its engineering excellence and its people-first values.

Curiosity First

Tara was 14 when he encountered a computer in a friend’s house. While others played, he read the manual and began typing BASIC code from magazines. Even without formal schooling in computing, he found ways to learn, and that persistence paid off.

From Low-Level Systems to Leadership

After studying microelectronics and software engineering, Tara joined one of the few software firms in Northern Ireland. Despite being underprepared, he got the job. His mentor saw something in him, and that belief helped Tara thrive.

Later, he started Instil with just one client and £700. His goal? Build a company grounded in engineering excellence and care.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Driver

Tara is clear-eyed about AI. He sees it as a powerful accelerator, especially for experienced engineers, but not a substitute for judgment.

“You still need an adult in the car,” he says.

Growing Talent, Not Just Hiring It

Instil is deeply committed to early talent. Apprentices, interns, and junior engineers aren’t just add-ons; they’re the future.

Tara invests in structures that support them, from pairing to real-world projects. “Where else do your seniors come from?” he asks.

Software NI: A Bigger Vision

Concerned about the sector’s sustainability, Tara helped launch Software NI. It’s a collaborative effort to grow the pipeline, support new entrants, and make the industry stronger for everyone.

Because, as he says, “When one boat rises, we all do.”