Tell us about your journey since graduating from LSE
In my final year at LSE (1994-95) I was working on a voluntary basis for Tony Blair, long before he was famous and later I worked for Joyce Quin who was then Shadow Minister for Europe. However, I needed a proper(paid) job and I was hired as an Account Executive at the British Speaker Bureau. Within six months I had decided that I wanted to take control of my own fate and future and set up my first company - SPEAKERS for BUSINESS in 1996. SfB became one of the most successful bureaus in the UK representing high profile speakers such as Sir Ken Robinson, Tim Waterstone and Dr David Starkey.
In March 2002 I founded the London Business Forum. The company has organised over 1,000 events with some of the world's leading business thinkers. I have interviewed such luminaries as Eric Schmidt of Google, Howard Schultz of Starbucks, Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco and Britain's greatest Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy. In March 2022 I was elected as a Common Councilman for the Farringdon Within Ward in the City of London and since May 2025 I have been Chair of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.
If you could tell your younger student self one piece of wisdom, what would it be and why?
Live the life you want not the life others might expect of you. It’s ok to make mistakes as that’s how you learn and grow.
How has studying in the Department of Government helped you since graduation?
A degree from LSE definitely gives you a competitive advantage and an association with the Department of Government enhances that advantage even further.
What’s the one piece of career guidance that has most impacted you?
Focus on doing what you love. The money will follow. Dream big. Start small. Talk to everyone.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
A tie between running two events with Sir Richard Branson, each for over 2,000 guests and being elected as Chair of the Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee for the City of London.
LSE is celebrating 130 years this year. If you had one birthday wish or tradition for LSE, what would it be and why?
I wish that all LSE Alumni that have enjoyed successful careers would consider funding scholarships at the School. There is no better way of leaving a legacy than supporting future generations of students.
What is your fondest memory from LSE?
Wright’s Bar and feeling the magic of Houghton Street. I always feel a deep sense of nostalgia walking around the campus and a longing to enjoy my LSE experience all over again.