Quickfire Q&A

**What was your first job?** I was sabbatical president of my students’ union! I led a rent strike… which we won (at least I thought we did!). Then, I joined a bank. Go figure, eh? **What was the best advice you were ever given?** It’s not what you do you regret in life, it’s what you don’t do (something my mother always said). **Which was the last book you read?** _How to Invest_ by David Rubenstein. A series of interviews with some of the world’s best investors. You never stop learning! **What would be the first item on your bucket list?** Don’t believe in having one! If I want to do something, I try and do it. **Who inspires you?** My HomeServe co-founder Richard Harpin. He has a very creative approach to business and is utterly driven and focused. As a result, he has built a fantastic business employing thousands. **How would you spend your ideal weekend?** Off powder skiing in the morning, followed by a big lunch with friends. **How long can you go without your mobile phone?** I can’t. And I don’t want to! **What advice would you give the young you?** Have confidence to try things, then focus on what works. The only failure is not trying. **What would be your luxury item on Desert Island Discs?** A bottle of red wine. **Who would you most like to meet and why?** Richard Branson. He has built a fantastic brand and had great fun doing it.