Our monthly Employee Spotlight series gives you a glimpse behind the scenes and brings you closer to the people behind the products at Vispero. This month, we are spotlighting Mark Statham, Vice President of International Software Sales.
We connected with Mark to hear about his journey into accessibility, what he values most in his role at Vispero, and his vision for the future of accessibility.
How long have you been with Vispero and what is your current role?
I’ve been with Vispero for just over six years. I’m currently Vice President of International Software Sales, responsible for driving software revenue outside the U.S. through our global dealer and partner network.
How did you first become interested in assistive technology or accessibility?
My introduction to assistive technology came when I was 19, working at a small start-up. The founder’s mother had an eye condition and struggled to read everyday things like newspapers. He wanted to help her regain that independence, so he designed a cost-effective electronic magnifier that connected to any television and enlarged whatever was placed underneath it.
I was responsible for managing international dealers for that product and seeing firsthand how technology could genuinely change someone’s daily life really stuck with me. That experience set the direction for my entire career.
What drew you to Vispero, and how has your journey with the company evolved over time?
Vispero is the market leader in an industry I’ve worked in since the very beginning of my career, so it felt like a natural next step. I initially joined as Managing Director of the UK business, working closely with local partners and customers. In 2022, I moved into an international role, which allowed me to combine my experience with global dealer networks and my passion for accessibility at a much larger scale. Since then, my role has continued to evolve as the company has grown and adapted to new markets and technologies
What’s an assistive technology product you think more people should know about?
I think screen readers and accessibility software in general are still widely misunderstood outside the accessibility space. People often don’t realize how powerful modern assistive software is, or how essential it is for education, employment, and independence. More recently, I’ve become particularly passionate about accessibility on self-service kiosks and public devices, areas where accessible technology can make a huge difference to inclusion in everyday life.
Looking back at your career so far, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements was being part of a start up in a niche industry and helping to build a global dealer network from the ground up. Seeing a product go from a small idea to something used by people around the world and knowing it has genuinely improved lives, this is something I’m very proud of.
How would you describe the team culture within your department or across Vispero as a whole?
Vispero’s culture is very mission driven. People genuinely care about the impact of the work we do, not just commercial success. Across teams, there’s a strong sense of collaboration and a willingness to help each other, even across regions and time zones. That shared purpose, improving accessibility and independence, really brings people together.
What’s one skill or perspective you’ve gained from working in the accessibility space?
Empathy. Working in accessibility constantly reminds you that technology isn’t just about features or specifications, it’s about real people with real challenges. You learn to listen more, question assumptions, and think carefully about how decisions affect users in the real world.
What are you currently learning about (either professionally or personally)?
Professionally, my current focus is on digital accessibility and how assistive technology integrates into real world environments, particularly kiosks and self-service devices. It’s not enough for something to be technically accessible; it has to be genuinely usable in everyday situations.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to the accessibility or assistive tech field?
Spend time understanding your users. Try to relate to their experiences and pain points and always ask whether the technology you’re working on is making a real, meaningful difference. Accessibility solutions should themselves be accessible, intuitive, and respectful of the people who rely on them.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I have a young family, so a lot of my time outside work revolves around them, whether that’s music lessons, sports clubs, Scouts, or just being outdoors together. We also love travelling and camping, which is a great way for us to disconnect and spend quality time together
Do you have any hidden talents or unique hobbies? Share them with us!
I enjoy tinkering with technology and gadgets, and I’m also a big fan of the outdoors, particularly camping and exploring new places. I’ve also in recent years taken up boxing. I wouldn’t call them hidden talents, but they definitely keep me busy.
You have a time machine! Would you travel to the past or the future, and why?
I’d probably choose the future. I’d love to see how accessibility and technology evolve, and whether the work we’re doing today genuinely helps create a more inclusive world for future generations.