Mark Haviland, made the bold move of leaving a successful corporate career to embark on a journey to find a deeper purpose. This led Mark to an extraordinary mission: protect and restore 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.

Jane Stillwell, guest judge for Circle Square’s photography competition, discusses how her passion for photography has evolved over the years, and how creativity has no age limit. Jane’s work is a mix of macro, portrait, and landscape photography. More recently, she has gone through a metamorphosis into the exciting world of creative abstraction. Each composition is an exploration of the unknown—a journey into creativity without boundaries.

Georgi ‘Jojo’ Dimitrov is a talented Bulgarian classical guitarist currently pursuing his MA at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, London, where he has been awarded the Bicentenary Scholarship. As an active solo musician, Georgi’s diverse repertoire spans from the works of Dowland and Bach to contemporary composers. He frequently collaborates with RAM fellow composers, premiering new works, and has performed in major venues across Europe. He will be playing for Circle Square members on the 17th December.

Avivah’s journey started in Canada, where she studied Computer Science and Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto. She then spent 30 years in Paris, where she founded 20-first, a consultancy guiding organizations through the complexities of gender, generation, and culture. Now based in London, Avivah is a regular contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, hosts the longevity-focused podcast 4-Quarter Lives, and publishes the Elderberries Substack. A TEDx speaker and an educator, Avivah’s work continues to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide.

Circle Square member, Nick Sayers, is a retired corporate lawyer and author of the history of “The Jews of Lithuania”. He demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving your ambitions. This book is the result of a personal quest to understand more about his own family background in eastern Europe. It led him to dig deeply into many of the big questions about modern Jewish history in Lithuania. Find out about Nick’s journey to becoming an author, and the impact he hopes his work will leave.

Koukla Maclehose was a literary scout, who pioneered the crossover of literature into new markets and cultures. She founded a scouting agency in London, which grew to operate in 22 countries before retiring in 2022. The agency is now called London Literary Scouting. Author, Jonathan Coe, who had never been translated, before meeting Koukla, went on to receive offers from seven European publishers and said, ‘There are very few people who have truly changed the course of my life, but you, Koukla, are one of them.”

History runs through Circle Square member, Eleanor Levy. She holds history degrees from The Open University and UCL, and taught history for many years at Regents College. She now runs adult history groups for her local U3A and continues to explore historic sites, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions. Her trips include a Circle Square trip to Cairo Genizah, one of her favourite exploration sites. Read our spotlight to discover how Eleanor’s lifelong love of history continues to inspire.

Keith Bordell joined our “Planning Your Next Chapter” programme after concluding a near 40-year career as a solicitor. Keith’s journey so far perfectly reflects the core values of Circle Square: embracing life’s transitions with optimism and curiosity. As Keith wisely puts it, “Age is no barrier to trying new things and living a full and fulfilling life.” In the light of his inspiring outlook, we’re pleased to share how he is navigating his next chapter, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

When Covid struck and people faced unprecedented challenges, Naomi felt motivated to make a difference. She began collecting goods in her local neighbourhood and taking them to food banks. This initiative led to the founding of Food Bank Aid, a charity which now delivers goods to 33 food banks across London and Hertfordshire, helping approximately 20,000 people including 5,000 children every week. Naomi would love to involve Circle Square members in the activities of Food Bank Aid.

Marc shares insights about building up his successful residential property business, Arlington Residential, one of our trusted services. The agency sells high-end luxury homes across London and for over 30 years, it has built up a reputation for personal, professional and discreet service. Marc describes the changes that have shifted the property market in London and beyond, and how Covid enabled him to work with more freedom, which he hopes means he can keep working for longer.

John was Managing Partner at Clintons law firm, one of our Marketplace partners, for over 25 years, and has recently transitioned to a new role, sparking an enlightening conversation about “reframing retirement.” John has no intention of stepping away from working life. Instead, he is pursuing several unique passions alongside it. He is an enthusiastic collector of memorabilia with a particular interest in items related to Winston Churchill. His passion for research has led to him finding out many an unknown fact!

Jem Stein is a social entrepreneur turned social investor. After founding The Bike Project in 2013 and leading it for ten years, he launched Daring Capital in 2023. Daring Capital aims to connect investors with exceptional and underrepresented social entrepreneurs committed to building profitable businesses that have a positive impact on the world. As one of our Marketplace partners, Daring Capital shares our values of wanting to be active in society and make a difference, whilst also investing well. Jem discusses his experiences in establishing two different organisations, both driven by social missions.

Clarissa is an expert on UK tax and valuation issues applicable to art and heritage objects. Heritage has always played a significant role in her life, starting from her childhood in St Andrews. She worked at Sotheby’s for over 11 years, where she was a Senior Director in Tax, Heritage & UK Museums. Then, in 2023, she moved to BHL Art Group, an independent art business for collectors, professional advisors, executors and beneficiaries. Through her work, she has encountered beautiful and historic objects, with many a rich past.

John Bowers KC is Principal of Brasenose College, University of Oxford. He was called to the Bar in 1979 and took silk in 1998. Described as ‘an employment law rock star’, he is the author of fifteen books, including Bowers on Employment Law, The Law of Industrial Action and Trade Union Recognition and Whistleblowing. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Whistleblowing charity Protect. Since 2005 he has been a Bencher of Middle Temple. In his new book “Downward spiral”, John examines collapsing public standards and how to restore them.

Sandra Davis, Partner of the Mishcon de Reya Family department, has over 40 years’ experience of family law practice. She has represented high-profile individuals including Diana, Princess of Wales, Jerry Hall, Thierry Henry and Tamara Mellon, and is proudly named as one of the Top 100 Lawyers and one of the Top 50 women in the London Super Lawyers directory. Sandra describes how she climbed to the top of her profession and how she intends to use her experience, knowledge and wisdom with those who might benefit most from it.

Michael Anderson, runner-up in the Circle Square x Rankin photo competition, left his Corporate Finance Partner role at a city law firm after 30 years, ready for a new chapter but unsure what this looked like. He joined our Planning Your Next Chapter programme and with its support, uncovered how he wanted to live his next chapter. Here, he talks about his biggest passions including gardening, travelling, and volunteering and how photography plays a significant role in these.

Circle Square member Duncan Salmon’s lifetime passion is sailing. He started sailing with his dad when he was 11 years old and has continued to sail ever since. He has raced big boats, dinghies and yawls, and, despite a long career in law, sailing has always been a significant part of his life. Now retired, sailing provides him with immense pleasure, as well as camaraderie, an outdoor lifestyle, and plenty of health and fitness benefits. And even better, his daughter shares his passion for sailing too!

Brenda reflects on her highly successful career. After working in the Psychiatric Department at Middlesex Hospital (now UCH) , Brenda pivoted to working as a consultant and coach in the public and private sector, and eventually established her own executive coaching practice. What has followed in the last few years, is a gradual transition from executive coach to mentor. Sometimes, our “What’s Next” is not about discovering a new passion but building on what we already love.

Isabelle Seddon is a historian, author, theatre-lover, intrepid traveller, counsellor and volunteer. Isabelle has so many strings to her bow, driven by an innate desire to help people living on the edge of society. She is a member we admire for her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life. Her latest book is “Intrepid Pioneers: Jewish Women in the Public Arena”, a book that examines the achievements made by British-born Jewish women since the late 19th century.

Martin Taylor won first prize in the Circle Square x Rankin Photography Competition for his incredible photo of the Open Air Laundry in Mumbai. He has had a hugely successful and fulfilling career at the accountancy firm HW Fisher. But his creative side has burst out in his passion for photography. He travels the world, capturing breathtaking images of landscapes and wildlife. It’s a pleasure to share Martin’s zest for life and some of his mesmerising photos here.

Carole Fenton shares her inspiring story about transitioning from being a GP to a figurative sculptor, driven by her passion for sculpture. Her story teaches us that pursuing our interests can open up many possibilities, and that age should not be a barrier when it comes to pursuing a new career later in life. Notably, she has also achieved commercial success, with one of her pieces being purchased by a collector in New York.

Paul Fineman, former CEO of IG Design Group Plc, a global multi-product organisation, generating over $1 billion in revenue, will share his insights on navigating career transition and the lessons he learned along the way. Now, as an investor, advisor, and mentor to smaller, fast-growing businesses, Paul is applying his decades of experience in dynamic work environments and finding great enjoyment and fulfilment in working with tomorrow’s leaders.

At Circle Square, we want to celebrate the passions that our members are pursuing. Alan has been a GP for over 35 years and has pursued his passion for medicine further by returning to university to study for an MSC in Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He now volunteers for an Indian NGO called “Calcutta Rescue” which provides basic healthcare to those living in slums in Kolkata.

Barbara Weiss is a leading architect with a highly successful career designing beautiful and timeless buildings. She started her training under one of her greatest heroes, James Stirling, and has run her own firm, Barbara Weiss Architects, for over 35 years. In this spotlight, Barbara shares her thoughts on her legacy and the legacies of those she most admires.

Gillian Perry MBE is an inspirational leader, who started up the Anne Frank Trust as a one-person operation in 1990. The trust now reaches over 40,000 young people a year, telling the story of Anne Frank and the Holocaust, to empower children to challenge all forms of prejudice. Gillian is now retired but still acts as an adviser to the trust whilst travelling and lecturing on many topics, one of which is the social history of English afternoon tea!

Circle Square member, Alan Schamroth met Dr Jack Preger when he started volunteering at NGO called “Calcutta Rescue”. Alan explains why Dr Jack’s legacy is such an inspiration to him.

Sam, a Londoner through and through, is passionate about London’s history. After 40 years in IT, he has channelled this passion into a new career as a London Guide. Alongside various volunteering roles, this work involves everything he loves: meeting people, history, walking, and London. This new chapter of life has given Sam the freedom to find his own tempo and he is enjoying every beat.

We’re fortunate to have such an incredible community filled with curious and interesting members who continually share their expertise with us. Therefore, we’re excited to spotlight Alistair Viner, a wine expert and buyer, who hosts regular wine tasting events for our members,

Dr Sally Uren OBE has worked with wide-ranging businesses, non-profits and philanthropic organisations throughout her career and currently leads Forum for the Future’s mission to create a just and regenerative future, in which both people and the planet thrive. Her aim is to transform how the world thinks about, produces, consumes and values food and energy, and on reimagining the purpose of business in our society and economy.

Belinda embodies core Circle Square values of lifelong learning, following your passions and embracing opportunity, regardless of age. Now in her 80s, she reflects on her ‘life well lived’ story with art, family, and charity being major themes running through her life underpinned by an “it’s never too late” attitude to taking on new projects and learning new skills.

Stephen Bungay, management consultant turned military historian, channelled his fascination with WWII battle principles and practices into creating an unusual and pragmatic take on business strategy and its execution. His is an inspiring personal story on the transformational power of taking time out mid-career to pursue your true passion.

Prof. Yuval Shany is one of the world’s leading voices on international law. He’s passionate about strengthening or reforming international legal norms and institutions through the great changes brought about by momentous historical events, such as the global war on terror, global digitisation or the war in Ukraine.

Jane McDonagh, partner and head of Family Law at Simons Muirhead Burton, has built a career as a collaborative lawyer, taking great satisfaction in helping clients through the painful maze of separation. Jane is an advocate for alternative, constructive routes to resolution beyond the court room and enjoys ‘giving back’ through bereavement counselling and mentoring.

Professor Dennis Snower is a renowned economist, working on a new paradigm for “caring economics” focused on achieving true prosperity whereby economic growth isn’t mutually exclusive from social wellbeing. He’s putting his wisdom to work to define economic policies that serve the collective good.

Jen Jankel lives by the mantra, “Everything is about people.” Inspired and nourished by a world in which music and creativity intersect with care in the community, Jen encapsulates the spirit of giving back and continues to do so with undiminished energy well into her eighth decade.

Ex-audit partner at BDO, Gary is an alumnus of our Planning Your Next Chapter programme. Since “un-retirement”, he has embraced several fulfilling opportunities focused on giving back, channelling years of wisdom and experience into new and exciting ventures.

Productivity pro Juliet Landau-Pope has developed an expertise in decluttering spaces and schedules, and in helping students and busy adults to overcome procrastination. Her fascination with motivation has inspired a rewarding new career path.

As Director of Faith & Belief Forum (F&BF), Phil’s mission is to help strengthen relations between people of different faiths and beliefs. Previously a global peace-builder, he brings the golden rules of dialogue, imagination, and sustained engagement to his work today.

Danielle describes herself as not your typical high-flying Circle Square member. We disagree! Her passion for sport, especially open water swimming, and her dedication to charitable work, has taken her on exciting adventures that are sure to inspire.

Setting up her interior design studio over eight years ago, Simone Suss stepped into the unknown as she changed her career path and embarked on a personal mission to marry interior design with conscious consumerism without forfeiting luxury.

Adam summarises his life so far as “surrounded by books”. Twelve years as book editor of The New York Observer, author of three biographies, a Harvard graduate with a doctorate in American Literature from Stanford University – he’s absolutely right.

Ardyn Halter has painted for as long as he can remember, exhibiting his work at the age of 9 in the Haringey Library. Talented in printmaking, stained glass and oil painting, Ardyn’s work can be found in collections and buildings from Rwanda to Cambridge to New York.

Gifford Booth has spent 35 years supporting leaders and teams in both startups and large enterprises around the world. Rooted in the belief true success comes from the boldness of stepping fully into who you are, rather than who you think you’re supposed to be.

Avron is an ex-Captownian who has swapped lying on the beach, climbing mountains and meandering through the wine routes of the Wester Cape for a more civilised life in London. Now he transforms and builds business with a focus on crypto, NFTs and the Metaverse.

Barbara is a barrister, mediator and arbitrator. As co-chair of Bar Council’s Race Working Group, she is responsible for leading systemic change within the legal system to tackle race and gender bias. She is also co-editor of the International Family Law Journal.

Carl Honoré is a bestselling author, broadcaster and the voice of the Slow Movement. His two main-stage TED Talks have racked up millions of views. His counter-intuitive message is simple but game-changing: to thrive in a fast world, you have to slow down.

Jackie has extensive HR experience as Recruitment Partner for PWC, Head of HR at BBC Worldwide, HR advisor to the NHS and to a Local Authority. She is currently working with the House of Commons on their Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.

John Steinberg spent many years in business before turning his hand to writing. “If you don’t at least attempt a change of careers then you can go through life not knowing what you might be capable of.” He has written and produced stage plays and authored a series of books.

Following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2003, Judy left a successful career in finance and dedicated herself to championing the patient voice, working tirelessly in a number of charitable roles, including as Chair of the Royal Free Charity and as president of Myeloma UK.

With an impressive 35-year career at Clifford Chance, Julia’s journey has taken her from M&A lawyer to heading up learning and development globally and is now responsible for coaching and partner development – a role she describes as an immense privilege.

Michael and Linda’s business idea was born one Sunday afternoon at the King’s Library at the British Museum. They pledged to reproduce one of the great manuscript treasures on display and today are renowned for making facsimiles of the most beautiful, rare works.

Nick Viner is co-founder of Circle Square. This is the third chapter in a career that began with 20 years at The Boston Consulting Group, and then shifted to not-for-profit, establishing JW3, a ground-breaking new cultural and community centre in London.

Noah is a long-standing member of Circle Square, our in-house IT support as well as our much relied upon provider of ‘IT in the Home’ services for members. His patience and tenacity make him a natural fit should you need assistance in solving IT headaches. 

Noam first acquired his management skills in the Israeli army, where he achieved top honours, as the youngest officer in the ‘Entebbe Raid’ and became a Captain in one of Israel’s elite squads. A seasoned entrepreneur in healthcare education and now, Circle Square.

Noeleen was born in Johannesburg, SA. In the turbulent 1980s and 90s, and as part of a commitment to building a better South Africa, Noeleen helped parents and children in townships develop core skills for school readiness, and taught literacy and life skills to domestic workers.

Raj has over 30 years’ experience in dentistry as a general practitioner, lecturer and dento-legal consultant. He was appointed MBE for services to dentistry and is a former policy advisor to the Department of Health.

Sue Conder is a former Deloitte Partner with over 25 years of experience in organisational change and leadership development. As an experienced business psychologist, Sue is passionate about ‘Embracing Your Third Act’.