In tribute to Steve O'Hear

Steve O'Hear, a beloved former colleague from a well-known technology publication, has passed away at the age of 49 after a brief illness. Born in London and with a career spanning over a decade at the platform, he was an exceptional journalist who overcame the challenges of his muscular dystrophy, moving in a wheelchair. Despite his health and mobility limitations, Steve proved to be one of the most productive reporters in the technology sector.

Since 2009, he joined the publication with the goal of establishing a presence in Europe while showcasing the region's emerging tech ecosystem to the rest of the world. Steve stood out for his determination and tenacity in covering news, as well as for producing notable features that resonated throughout the industry. Over his career, he accumulated 3,210 publications, becoming a distinctive voice.

Before joining the publication in 2004, Steve expressed his interest in Silicon Valley by traveling to California with friends, where they created a documentary exploring the phenomenon of the tech hub. His passion for music also led him to build audio hardware and actively participate in musical composition, in addition to playing the keyboard. In 2011, he left the publication to co-found a semantic search platform called Beepl, although he later returned to his former home.

Throughout his career, Steve faced both the pressure of working in a high-performance team and the need to be a compassionate colleague and collaborator. His ability to create a positive work environment extended to online interactions, where he enjoyed sharing anecdotes and engaging in informal conversations on internal messaging platforms.

As time passed and the industry evolved, his exposure and recognition grew significantly. Steve became a prominent interviewer at events, addressing important topics with an inspiring approach. After a pause in his career, he chose to re-enter the business realm by founding a communications consultancy called O’Hear & Co., aiming to continue his vision.

The community surrounding Steve has shared their deep sorrow over his untimely departure, remembering his unparalleled contribution and the impact he left on colleagues and friends. Although he did not publicly discuss his health issues, his legacy as a committed communicator and tireless advocate for accessibility within the tech industry will endure in the collective memory.

Recognized colleagues have expressed their admiration for his work, highlighting his ability to navigate the emerging technological narrative and his passion for helping those starting out in the field. Steve left an indelible mark not just through his work, but through his unique and vibrant personality.