When I was 19, I spent three transformative months sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, from Morocco in West Africa to the Caribbean, and I was struck by the vastness of the world and my own smallness within it. Out in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight, I saw the enormity of nature and how dominant it was. But at that young age, back in 1995, I was drawn to the corporate world.

I began my career at the Walt Disney Company, followed by roles at CNN and Rakuten. I enjoyed the cut and thrust, gaining invaluable experiences and spending time in the U.S., France and Japan. But by 2021, I felt a growing disconnect. Corporate life had become increasingly removed from the realities and needs of the world, and I yearned to reconnect with that 19-year-old version of myself, who saw the world as vast and waiting to be explored.

I took the leap, leaving behind the corporate safety net to carve out a new path. Transitioning to independence was exciting but not without its challenges. On one hand, I revelled in the freedom to choose how and where I invested my time, free from meetings or processes that didn’t align with my values. On the other hand, I had to build my own systems, structure, and discipline—which wasn’t easy.

I decided on 3 areas to focus on: education in the UK, environmental restoration, and my family. Without specific metrics or deadlines, I gave myself the freedom to explore what truly mattered to me.

In the UK, I now run workshops in schools and businesses, helping young people align their careers and operations with the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). In East Africa, I am deeply invested in protecting and restoring Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. With nearly 40 million people depending on its waters, the lake’s ecological health has profound social, economic, and geopolitical significance, not just in Africa but all over the world.

 

Alongside my founding partner, Vincent, who lives on Lake Victoria, we launched a Kenyan charity, Train My Generation, to improve women’s health and vocational training in the area. We’re now working to tell the untold story of the entire lake through film and media while rallying funding, research, and scientific resources to transition the region toward a regenerative economy. It’s an ambitious, 30-year project that requires persistence, investment, and collaboration.

I’m fortunate to have mentors who guide and inspire me: my wife, Shevaun, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, who encourages me to pursue what feels meaningful; James Perry, co-chairman of COOK, who offered me the invaluable advice, “Don’t worry about getting anything back for now. Just give, and you’ll learn what people need”; and Vincent, my partner on this African journey, who shares his wisdom and passion for the cause.

Every day, I’m juggling multiple projects, and while the work is challenging, it’s deeply fulfilling. I’m looking forward to sharing the Untold Story of Lake Victoria with Circle Members this year, and I remain grateful for the lessons I’m learning along the way.

Circle Square Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Curious, loyal, and optimistic.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? “This too, shall pass”.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? To still be loved by my family and friends after all these years.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? This reminds me of a Masterfoods advert from 2016. Parents were asked whom they’d like to have dinner with and mentioned people like Gandhi and Beethoven. When their children were asked the same question, they simply answered “Mum and Dad,”. I found that inspiring, so my answer is my Dad, before he developed dementia.

How has age strengthened your advantage? Confidence and an appreciation of ignorance. I don’t mind not knowing anymore, its just reveals more to be discovered.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? Seeking inspiring minds, to help me on my journey.