Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
The first one that comes to mind is a get-stuff-done kind of a bloke who just gets on with doing things without procrastinating and without over-analysing data.
My closest mates would tell you I am conscientious and a go-getter.
I also do not believe in karma so it’s all about here and now.
What do you like most about your job?
This is the only sector I’ve ever worked in – so clearly I quite like it. To see the students we’ve placed become successful is immensely satisfying. About 18 years of experience has taught me that it’s about the journey, not the destination. Students who we’ve placed at universities over the years have circled back to us to become our ambassadors and to talk about options available for their friends and family. This is hugely rewarding, not to mention a massive endorsement.
Our industry is exposed to government policy and it’s my job to ensure that Hallbridge stays ahead of the curve and prepares for upheavals, but more importantly that we’re also ready for potential opportunities to scale up the business. I love it when a plan comes together!
Best work trip/Worst work trip?
Russia, and specifically Siberia. Places like Irkutsk, Tomsk, and Novosibirsk – the regional capital – are stunning and like nothing else on the planet. This is back in 2012, as I had flown in from London, connected in Moscow for a flight to Novosibirsk, and had clearly underestimated the distances (these are further east, and further south than you imagine).
Couple of flight connections later, and without seeing either dusk or dawn because of the time difference, my luggage was lost, and I found myself ringing the hotel at two in the morning from an airport deep in Siberian territory – I was two full days late checking in!
Pro tip: Lake Baikal is a sight to behold in the late Autumn sun.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
At a personal level, Tamil, as it’s a language that rivals Sanskrit and Latin as a classical language, and it reflects Indian maritime history like no other.
Professionally, it’s a whisker between French and Arabic.
What makes you get up in the morning?
It’s my children, there’s never been any doubt about that.
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
You’ll find life’s real heroes here among the Global Teacher Awards finalists.
Best international ed conference and why
ICEF Berlin is right up there, and I ended up knowing Berlin so well because I have been to ICEF about a dozen times.
I recall attending EAIE and enjoying the European camaraderie, but haven’t been to one in years.
Worst conference food/beverage experience
None particularly, although I should warn my fellow industry colleagues that East Asia is a difficult place to travel if you’re not open-minded about the food you eat.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
Blue Ocean Strategy is probably the best there is, although I suspect most business owners and entrepreneurs in our sector would have read it. If you haven’t yet, drop everything else you’re doing and go read it now!
I strongly recommend How Big Things Get Done – it was on the FT shortlist last year. The book will be an eye opener, and is an authoritative insight on leadership and management.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you
Hallbridge has come a long way from a work-from-home set up few years ago to now two, and soon three offices in different countries with dozens of team members. We’re now right in the middle of this exciting phase about to launch a new product within the higher education space – and it’s not just about student recruitment.
I would like Hallbridge to get to a stage where multiple offices later, my team members can move freely between office locations/job roles – the goal being to be able to retain the core staff by offering them opportunities within the business.
