My approach to problem solving is often considered unconventional.
I was born in Essex, raised in Suffolk and have lived and worked in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Norfolk. Now I have returned to Leiston, the town where I had my first shave, owned my first car, and met then married Belinda, who has been my wife now for more than 40 years. Belinda’s family farmed in this part of Suffolk for generations and for as long as I can remember, it has always felt like home.
After a conventional start to my career working for Fisons Fertilisers, I ventured into the world of mobile homes, and from there 30 years of working for myself, sometimes employing others, but mostly working alone. Over the years I’ve started companies, prompted the establishment of a now very successful grant making charity, brokered charity mergers, appeared on TV, delivered inspiring conference speeches, raised millions for worthwhile projects and informally coached many, helping them choose the right path for their careers and lives.
My approach to problem solving is often considered unconventional, perhaps because I have found that doing things differently usually beats trying to do better what has already been tried unsuccessfully before. I’ve also had more than 20 books published, and am a graduate of the University of East Anglia’s renowned creative writing MA. Finally, I am a Quaker and while a pragmatist rather than an activist, am motivated to strive for a simpler, sustainable more equal world.
