About Us

Pavan Madduru is the visionary behind Silence Speaks, driven by a passion for leveraging technology to address systemic inequities.

A former Vodafone AI pioneer, with over two decades of experience in artificial intelligence innovation, Pavan has dedicated his career to creating ethical, inclusive solutions that prioritise humanity and dignity.

His leadership has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking technologies that bridge societal divides, particularly in underserved communities. Under his guidance, Silence Speaks is redefining global accessibility through collaboration, representation, and scalable impact.

Adrian Pickering is a highly accomplished technologist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and leading technical teams across diverse industries. An expert in software development, systems architecture, and strategic leadership, Adrian has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges.

As Chief Technology Officer, Adrian is focused on advancing communication tools for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. With a passion for inclusive technology and a commitment to accessibility, he is leading the development of innovative solutions that empower this community, ensuring their voices are heard in an increasingly digital world.

Rt Hon Chloe Smith is former Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, and led the legislation that recognised British Sign Language in UK law in 2022. Chloe has been a vocal advocate for British Sign Language (BSL), collaborating with organisations like the British Deaf Association (BDA), and serving as trustee of the national hearing loss charity RNID.

Her political career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing accessibility and fostering dialogue between governments, businesses, and communities.

As Chair of the Board, Chloe ensures our work aligns with both technological excellence and societal impact, paving the way for a more accessible future.

Dr. John Lee Allen, Managing Partner at RYSE Asset Management and influential tech investor, is driving strategic partnerships and international expansion, drawing on his background as an NHS doctor and audiology specialist.

Leveraging his technical background as a surgeon and engineer, he has helped companies to secure multimillion-dollar investments and gain entry into Silicon Valley's renowned accelerator, Y Combinator. Notably, he has led investor partnerships with the largest digital health accelerator in Europe, DigitalHealth.London, and with industry giants Novartis, Medtronic, and the NHS, driving the selection and rapid scaling of innovative early-stage companies that are transforming lives.

Robert Tiffert is the Deaf Chief Operating Officer at Silence Speaks, where he applies a holistic approach to bridging the gap between advanced AI technology and the Deaf community. A polymath, Robert’s journey is defined by a unique convergence of technical expertise, business acumen, and deep linguistic mastery.

As a technical hands-on leader, Robert refuses to be a distant executive. His background as a Full-Stack Software Engineer ensures that operational strategies are grounded in technical reality. His fascination with technology began in childhood, when he dismantled his grandfather’s computer to bypass parental controls, and it has evolved into a career dedicated to building inclusive solutions.

Robert’s professional path is deliberately non-linear. Before tech, he spent eight years as a Food Safety Specialist and earned a Bachelor of Business Studies from UCD, where he specialised in integrating Eastern and Western leadership philosophies. This diverse background allows him to translate fluidly between the languages of business, code, and culture.

Beyond the boardroom, Robert is a seasoned linguist and translator. In addition to freelance work translating between written English and Irish Sign Language (ISL), he has contributed to major artistic productions. Notably, he served as a translator and mentor for Chisato Minamimura's acclaimed Scored in Silence, where he performed live translations of survivors' stories from Japanese Sign Language to Polish Sign Language (PJM).

Fluent in six sign languages (Irish - a native language, Polish – a mother tongue, Indian, British, International and American), Robert ensures that Silence Speaks’ products are not just code, but true tools of empowerment. As COO, he orchestrates the intersection of engineering and culture, driving the company’s mission to revolutionise accessibility.