"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

Introduction

Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and dedication in the fields of information technology and cybersecurity. His career, which spans over four decades, is not only a testament to his technical expertise but also to his commitment to shaping the future of technology in Bermuda and beyond. From the early days of mainframe computers and punch cards to leading cybersecurity initiatives that set international standards, Dr. Sheridan’s journey is one of constant growth, visionary thinking, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Sheridan was born with a natural interest in technology. His love of computers began when he was young, thanks to an article in Popular Mechanics. This early interest set him on a carefully planned path to becoming a leader in the IT field. He graduated with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University, majoring in Business Management and minoring in Computer Science. This gave him a strong base for his future success. His academic achievements were further distinguished by his induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, a recognition reserved for students with exceptional intellectual accomplishment.

Dr. Sheridan started his career as a systems analyst/programmer at The Bank of Bermuda Limited in 1983. There, he used his technical skills and strong sense of business service to help the bank. In 1984, his determination and technical skills quickly got him a key position as a trainee in data processing management at Exxon Insurance Services Limited. Dr. Sheridan learned a lot here, including how to work with big businesses’ computers and how to be a good manager, which would be important for his career.

In 1987, Dr. Sheridan’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life when he started MicroAge Computer Services Ltd., which would go on to become one of Bermuda’s top IT service providers. Under his leadership, MicroAge brought innovative solutions to Bermuda, including touch-screen systems for restaurants, local area network installations, and custom software for a variety of industries. Businesses all over Bermuda were able to modernize their operations thanks to his ability to see technological trends coming and put them into action. This was the beginning of Bermuda’s IT evolution.

After 13 successful years at MicroAge, Dr. Sheridan made a conscious decision to move to a larger company in 2000, where his leadership skills could grow even more. Over the next few years, he worked for KPMG, AIG, and Arch Capital Group in key roles, helping manage complex IT systems across offices worldwide. His knowledge of IT governance, security compliance, and disaster recovery planning became critical to the organizations he worked for, helping ensure their operations remained safe and resilient in an increasingly digital world.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Phase 1: The Spark of Curiosity and Early Foundations

Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith’s path into the world of technology was not a straight one; it was shaped by his early interests and love of learning new things. Born under Gemini’s sign of curiosity and duality, Dr. Sheridan grew up as a quiet, deep-thinking child who always wanted to understand how things worked, big and small. While many children of his generation spent their Saturdays watching cartoons, Dr. Sheridan was far more interested in hands-on challenges. He built intricate model cars and airplanes, carefully painting each tiny part before assembling the whole. Dr. Sheridan could lose hours over a jigsaw puzzle, drawn to the satisfaction of seeing scattered pieces click into a complete picture.

Primary School offered another kind of puzzle. Dr. Sheridan did well in all subjects, particularly Math and English, but World History captured his imagination most. Dr. Sheridan was fascinated by the way ideas, inventions, and decisions rippled through time, shaping the world he would later work in. Outside the classroom, he found a different sort of discipline on the track. He was a sprinter—consistently fast enough to be in the race, often “the bridesmaid” rather than the winner, an experience that taught him perseverance, humility, and the value of steady effort over instant glory.

Football helped develop another side of Dr. Sheridan. He played as an above‑average midfielder who could both defend and attack, was full of energy, and was a natural team player and playmaker who showed creativity and team spirit from early on. He gave everything for the team, leaving the field exhausted if that was necessary. Dr. Sheridan was never captain but quietly aspired to leadership, admiring the responsibility and presence that role demanded.

From 1972 to 1978, Dr. Sheridan’s high school years at Warwick Academy in Bermuda quietly but decisively shaped the direction of his life. At the time, students could not guarantee admission to a strong academic high school. Students leaving primary school had to list their first and second choices of high school and sit a placement exam; those who didn’t qualify would be assisted by the Ministry of Education. At that time, two schools were recognized for their academic excellence, and Warwick Academy was one of them. 

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today."

Phase 2 : The Academic Foundation and Early Professional Growth

Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith began his journey toward becoming a leading figure in information technology and cybersecurity at an early age. His passion for technology was ignited even before he graduated from Warwick Academy in 1978, when a single article in Popular Mechanics inspired him to pursue a career in computers. This passion would later evolve into a carefully planned career, underpinned by a strong academic foundation and a clear sense of purpose.

Dr. Sheridan took another big step forward in 1983 when he began attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He got a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an extensive minor in Computer Science. This gave him a strong academic base that would help him in the future. He graduated magna cum laude, demonstrating dedication to excellence and the ability to combine technical knowledge with strong business sense. His academic success further earned him induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, a prestigious honor for academic achievers.

During his time at university, Dr. Sheridan not only deepened his technical knowledge but also honed the leadership and strategic thinking skills that would become crucial in his professional life. The combination of business management and computer science was innovative on Dr. Sheridan’s part because there were no other computer degrees available at that time. Combining the two disciplines provided him with a well-rounded skill set that allowed him to see the bigger picture and understand the intersection of technology with organizational success. This understanding would later prove invaluable as he embarked on his professional journey.

But during these early years, Dr. Sheridan learned it was important not only to work in technology but also to lead in figuring out how it could help organizations succeed. He saw how IT could change businesses, and this vision set the stage for the next part of his career.

Dr. Sheridan often thinks about the early years of his career with gratitude. During these formative years, he not only found his love for technology but also built the toughness and complex problem-solving skills that would become his trademark throughout his career. His journey from a young computer enthusiast to a skilled IT professional was more than just a job; it was a calling that shaped who he was and got him ready for the leadership roles he would take on in the future.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

Phase 3 : A Dream Job and Global Exposure

After laying a strong foundation in both academia and early-career roles, Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith made a pivotal leap in 1984 that would broaden his horizons and set him on a path to becoming a global leader in information technology. In 1984, Dr. Sheridan took a significant step forward in his career when he was offered a Data Processing Manager Trainee position at Exxon Insurance Services Ltd. This role remains one of his most cherished experiences, and he often refers to it as his “dream job.”

Exxon Insurance Services Ltd. (EISL) was a captive insurance subsidiary of the Exxon Corporation (now ExxonMobil), primarily based in Bermuda. It was a central component of Exxon’s sophisticated global self-insurance strategy, serving as a vehicle to manage the company’s vast industrial and marine risks.

Exxon recognized his potential and invested heavily in his development, sending him to Florham Park, New Jersey, for an extensive year-long training program at its massive Communications and Computer Science Department. During this time, Dr. Sheridan gained exposure to large-scale enterprise computing and IT executive management globally.  It was also at Exxon that he first worked with IBM’s minicomputers—the System/36, System/38, and AS/400, as well as IBM’s first microcomputer, launched in 1981. During his time at Exxon, Dr. Sheridan developed and supported business applications in several computing languages across all three computing platforms: mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer.

While at Exxon, Dr. Sheridan gained valuable hands-on experience with wide area networking (WAN) by supporting systems connected over the company’s well-established global network. This role required him to understand how distributed applications communicated across multiple sites, to troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues, and to work closely with network teams and WAN providers to ensure reliable links between data centers and remote locations. 

Note of Thanks

The biography of Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith reflects his extraordinary career and the lasting impact he has had on the world of IT and cybersecurity. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of his family, mentors, colleagues, and the numerous professionals he has mentored over the years. Their belief in his vision, dedication, and leadership has shaped him into the influential figure he is today.

A big thank you to Dr. Les Center, Dr. Sheridan’s mentor and friend. Also, a big thank you to Dr. Sheridan’s family, his wife Sharon, and his sons Dr. Sheridan and Shaquille for their love, patience, and understanding, which have been the foundation of his career. With their help, he could focus completely on his work, knowing that he had a strong, dependable support system at home. Thank you for always loving and supporting him, Sharon, his wife, and their sons, Sharidan and Shaquille.

Grateful to my friend and mentor, Cromwell Shakir, for his guidance, wisdom, and steady encouragement throughout my journey. His insight and belief in me have made all the difference.

To Dr. Sheridan’s colleagues and peers, whose collaboration, trust, and shared dedication to excellence have made his career possible, your contributions have been invaluable. Through every challenge and success, the collective effort has driven Dr. Sheridan forward.

Finally, to the young professionals and mentees Dr. Sheridan has inspired and guided, thank you for carrying forward his legacy of mentorship and leadership. Your achievements are a testament to the impact he has had, and his dedication to your success remains an essential part of his enduring legacy.

Thanks,

– Dr. Robert Sheridan Keith Smith