MGC, 1987 Leaver

Malvern seems a long time ago now. Things were different then. No mobiles, no email – no Facebook or Google. Imagine that! You had to go to the library to find out about stuff. As a result, we spent more time playing sports than you do. I’m not sure that makes a difference.

Here I am, 30 years later, thinking about school. Decisions you make there have a big impact on your life, on what you do next. What you do next drives your 20s. That’s the time you have so much fun. So, think about what you’re doing. Keep your options open. Do more of what you love.

I went to Oxford after Malvern. It was a bit of a shock to the school. I loved it there. I studied PPP (Physiology, Psychology & Philosophy). It sounded interesting and it was.

Soon after that, I founded my first business. I’m on my third serious one now. They’ve all been in tech. The opportunities in tech are so huge for you now. If you enjoy how things work, study engineering. It’s as fascinating as you want it to be. You’ll have to get good results though – you know what that entails!

I’ve employed a lot of people, built some exciting products, travelled the world for work and fun, changed markets for the better, got a Private Pilot Licence (helicopter) and watched my daughter go through boarding school too. You have all this ahead of you and you can do all the things you want to do. Your challenge is trying enough things out to discover what you really love. What an exciting journey!

What does success look like?

Success doesn’t exist if you’re ambitious. You never get there. Success is always doing the best that you can do and enjoying it.

What is your best piece of advice?

School is something you just have to get through before you can really start enjoying life. Some of your friends from there will be with you the whole way – be nice to them!