1\. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Officer cadet RMA Sandhurst shortly after my 18th birthday and clearly before there was a need to have attended university which was never going to be an option.
2\. WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WERE EVER GIVEN?
Firstly, make sure you enjoy your work, sadly there are many who do not. Professionally, the first cut is the easiest (i.e., if in doubt sell it before it gets worse!).
3\. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Slow Horses by Mick Heron, truly the new young John Le Carre.
4\. WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Walking holiday in Bhutan.
5\. WHO INSPIRES YOU?
No one currently, which is rather depressing, perhaps Mr Modi or Elon Musk of Tesla fame.
6\. WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND INVOLVE?
Long summer meals with friends and family at home in SW France.
7\. HOW LONG CAN YOU GO WITHOUT YOUR MOBILE?
A matter of hours if markets are open. One has to be permanently attuned to potential negative surprises and their impact.
8\. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE YOUNG YOU?
Find something that genuinely you enjoy or think comes naturally. Do not be pressured by others who want to put you in a recognised professional box.
9\. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LUXURY ITEM ON DESERT ISLAND DISCS?
My iPad with internet, so I had a connection to the BBC World Service, the FT and The Spectator magazine.
10\. WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET, AND WHY?
The Queen (again). It’s been a long time since I guarded Windsor Castle and was invited to dinner! A remarkable lady, who has been through an extortionary period in Great Britain’s evolution over the past 60 plus years.
