I'm currently studying a master's in regenerative economics at Schumacher College, near Totnes in the UK. I've returned to the UK from 22 years in Australia to do this.
I've enjoyed a 15-year senior corporate career (mainly the UK then headhunted to be a subsidiary CEO of ASX100) and a 12-year entrepreneurial journey in Melbourne that brought me much 'success' in the way many measure success. I also became very involved in my local community, leading the chamber of commerce for 4 years, establishing a new tourism association and sitting on the board of my local 'eco-centre'.
In 2009 I converted an existing business I owned into pretty much the first 'paddock to plate' cafe/restaurant in Australia (named Slow Down) before 'paddock to plate' existed as a term there. We bought directly from local farmers, producers, brewers, wineries, and distillers and literally had farmers walking in through the front door when we were open and talking to customers about what they were delivering. Provenance became key and telling the story of the food on the plate became our 'thing'.
In representing my business community I also led a local campaign to stop the development of public land by the beach into a shopping centre by stealth. We mustered 9,000 locals and it prevented the development from taking place. One parliamentary investigation later and another investigation into the local council, leading to the entire senior team 'leaving' and 2 councillors being named for misconduct, would later (when the 9,000 were no longer there) lead to me living through a mini-series of the Sopranos which cost me several million dollars and almost my life.
I've seen how corporates work, I've been an entrepreneur creating businesses (I believe in a good way) and I've seen how ruthless and corrupt the system can be when big bucks are involved.
These days I mentor business leaders, mainly in the hospitality & tourism industries and I'm building a tribe of leaders under the banner of "Future of Hospitality" writing articles, creating other content including videos and about to launch a podcast.
I'm learning about new ways of running economies so (at the tender age of 58) I can attempt to bring together my experience, skills, knowledge and passion, to contribute in whatever way I can to the change that's needed.
