My Passions & Interests

I took my first solo on my 17th birthday—before I could drive a car!

All things aviation are a lifelong passion. From the mechanics of flight to the freedom of the open sky, there's something magical about leaving the ground behind. Whether it's general aviation, commercial flight, or the latest aerospace innovations, I'm fascinated by it all.

Flying taught me discipline, situational awareness, and the importance of preparation—skills that have served me well throughout my career.

I am a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and actively support their vital conservation work. You'll find my mark on numerous plaques around London Zoo!

The Zoological Society of London is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. Their work spans groundbreaking science, active conservation projects in more than 50 countries, and two world-class zoos: ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

There is vital conservation work being done across the globe which is helping to guarantee the survival of many species. Supporting this work is one of the most meaningful things I do.

In the old days I'd have a file thicker than War & Peace thanks to my travels and living abroad!

I love to visit new places and find out more about modern history in countries which as a child I was taught in school to be scared of! Having lived and worked in Poland (Kraków), Czech Republic (Prague), and Bulgaria (Sofia, Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo), I've developed a deep appreciation for the culture, history, and resilience of Central and Eastern Europe.

These experiences shaped not only my professional expertise in CEE markets but also my personal worldview. The people, the food, the architecture, the stories—there's so much to discover in these remarkable countries.

There's often history right under our noses, but because it's modern it's not well known or touristy—you'd walk past Paddock bunker for instance (Churchill's secret wartime headquarters in North London).

We're making history every day! The structures, places, and stories from the 20th century tell us so much about how we got here. Industrial sites, Cold War bunkers, post-war architecture, and forgotten infrastructure all have stories to tell.

I'm particularly drawn to places that reveal how people lived, worked, and prepared for uncertain futures—from air raid shelters to decommissioned military installations. These sites offer tangible connections to the recent past.