Sometimes it was a degree. Sometimes it was a career opportunity.
Sometimes it was simply a different perspective on life.
Looking back, each place shaped how I think just as much as where I worked.
Where the thinking was shaped.
Cheshire
UK
Early years
Life
Quiet lanes, proper weather, and a curious kid with too many questions.
Work
Not yet. Just watching, absorbing and building tiny things.
What stayed with me
Observing people and systems—usually quietly—from the sidelines.
A memory
Cycling everywhere with mates and thinking we were on a grand adventure.
Royan
France
Summer 2003
Life
A long hot summer by the Atlantic. Freedom with a side of baguettes.
Work
Beach, jobs, tourist season, and learning a few very useful French phrases.
What stayed with me
Confidence grows when you throw yourself in and figure it out.
A memory
Talking terrible French, eating far too much cheese, and late nights by the water.
Cornwall
UK
2003–2008
Life
Salt air, rugged coastlines and a slower pace. Mostly.
Work
Studied design. Discovered creativity as both craft and communication.
What stayed with me
Design is about solving problems, not making things look nice.
A memory
Early morning surfs before lectures and studio nights that wouldn’t end.
Tarifa
Spain
2008–2010
Life
Wind, waves and long days outside. Simple in the best possible way.
Work
Web projects, freelance work and learning by doing. Often the hard way.
What stayed with me
Curiosity plus consistency beats talent on most days.
A memory
Kitesurfing until I couldn’t stand, then doing it again tomorrow.
London
UK
2010–2013
Life
Big city energy, incredible people and a firehose of opportunity.
Work
Agencies, digital projects and learning how to ship things that matter.
What stayed with me
The value of great teams and clear communication.
A memory
First proper agency role and the thrill of seeing work go live in the wild.
Sydney
Australia
2013–2019
Life
New country, new friends and endless blue horizons.
Work
Growth, performance and helping businesses build better systems.
What stayed with me
Small improvements compound into massive change.
A memory
Fireworks on NYE over the Harbour Bridge never got old.
Thirroul
Australia
2019–today
Life
Ocean, community and family first. A better kind of busy.
Work
Building, advising and creating space for the work that matters.
What stayed with me
Focus beats frenzy. Work should fit around a good life.
A memory
Morning swims with the kids and coffee that tastes better by the sea.
I don’t know where the next chapter will be.
But if the last few decades have taught me anything, it’s that the best opportunities usually start with a little curiosity and a willingness to say yes.
The canvas is just a little bigger than it used to be.
