It sounds a touch cliched to say “life is one time opportunity” but it has become a mantra for my life. I didn’t just wake up one day and think it up or even read it in book. It came about after a series of curveballs in my life that changed the way I look at the world. Those experiences shaped my philosophy and beliefs about what it really means to be a leader  and how more much we humans are truly capable of.

Change and challenge have always been key themes in my life. My parents were economic migrants to the UK, who gave up their successful businesses, familiar surroundings and wealth to start afresh and build a better life for their family.

As kid I was a dreamer. I never seemed to be short of ideas or creative ways to have fun or get myself into trouble. School wasn’t great academically – I was bright but I never really applied myself fully and as result left with worthless grades. It was the shock I needed to get my act together.

I turned things around and went on to enjoying a successful corporate career including an exciting spell at quirky startup called Egg which transformed the UK Financial Services market.  I held various management roles, met some incredible people and learnt some cutting edge stuff  all of which help me to really understand what it meant to be a great leader.