My grandparents came to this country from Poland as immigrants and started a business in the clothing industry which my father later joined. However, I chose a different path becoming the first person in my family to attend university where I studied law. After qualifying as a solicitor, I initially specialised in finance and insolvency. A few years later, I had the opportunity to shift my focus towards company restructuring and turnaround work. This area was particularly fulfilling for me due to the variety of businesses and issues encountered, the importance of understanding and balancing the different needs of stakeholders and the satisfaction of working closely with others to deliver positive solutions.

I was the first lawyer to be admitted as a member of the Institute for Turnaround (the UK’s leading body for business rescue) where I subsequently became a director.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which required major surgery and an extended period of recovery. This period of recuperation allowed me to pause and reflect on my life and priorities. When I returned to work, I took on a new strategic role helping clients based in the UK and overseas navigate the key drivers of transformation in their businesses. I really enjoyed that but was aware that a new chapter was nearing as in City law firms partners usually retire around 60.

After stepping down from my firm I was excited to rebalance how I spent my time. As a solicitor, I dedicated most of my days to work. Now I had the freedom to explore new paths and I was keen not to squander that. I was fortunate to be introduced to Circle Square and, amongst other things, discover its Planning Your Next Chapter programme. The Pathfinder sessions allowed me to step back and distil decades of life and work experiences into what I call my “essence”. I realised that what brought me the most joy was working with and helping people, rather than focusing on the technical aspects of law. This clarity has made it much easier to pursue paths that resonate with me—and just as importantly to identify and say no to those that don’t.

Although I’ve stepped away from my legal career, I don’t consider myself retired in the traditional sense. Instead, I feel I still have a lot to contribute and am positive, energised and enthusiastic. I’m excited about new ideas and am fully open to adapting and evolving. I was fortunate to have role models who showed me that life doesn’t have to stop after a career; rather, it can be an opportunity to embrace new passions. For example I’ve taken up watercolour painting which I do in a weekly class. It’s been a wonderful way to learn something new while meeting different people. I’ve also started to study gardening and pursue other interests such as going to the theatre, concerts and art galleries more often. All of these, as well as improving balance in different key elements of my life, have brought me a new sense of joy and opportunity.

In my next chapter, I want to focus on something that is people-focused and I’m working towards that with the guidance of the Circle Square Planning Your Next Chapter coaches. I don’t believe age is a barrier to new opportunities—it’s all about your mindset. You can feel young in your 60s and old in your 20s, depending on how you approach life. Most importantly, I believe that when you align yourself with your ‘magnetic north,’ you’ll be happier, more positive and energised

Circle Square Member Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Curious, authentic, pragmatic.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? Be true to yourself and don’t be fearful.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Marrying my wife Sam and bringing up our sons Tom and Will.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? David Hockney. I love his art and the way he sees things. He’s also a bit of a rebel.

How has age strengthened your advantage? By giving me a greater perspective and being true to myself.

What inspired you to join the Planning Your Next Chapter Programme? To see what an expert who doesn’t know me (either personally or in a work capacity) would identify as my personal “magnetic north” and how, in practical terms, I can best be true to that as I move forwards.