I got into the events industry because of Sir Chay Blyth’s book ‘Only Wind and Water’, the story of how he built up the BT Global Challenge event contrary to advice from the dear old health and safety brigade. I’m fascinated by ordinary people who push themselves to achieve something extraordinary. A lot of people on our Ride Across Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats are not natural cyclists and some have not done exercise for a while, but with proper preparation and guidance they push through the tough days. When you consider how busy people’s everyday lives are, I find this sort of human endeavour inspiring and that gets me up in the morning.
I have worked here since we started Threshold Sports in 2008; three old friends (me, James Cracknell and Charlie Beauchamp) determined to use sport to make a difference to people of all abilities.
I was attracted to this particular role because I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny so I could sit back in 20 years with James and Charlie (over a good bottle of red) and say look what we did fellas – all off our own bat. What keeps me going is working with energetic people who seek to improve and want to do new, cool events – that’s more interesting than how much turnover and profit we make, although Charlie will kill me for saying that.
Not many people know that every entrepreneur has days of real doubt – it’s about how you mange the insecurity and stay relentlessly positive.
My worst experience at an event was on our very own Deloitte Ride Across Britain. During the stage between Bath and Okehampton this year the cyclists had to deal with a 30mph head wind and driving rain for three hours. It was miserable. When they crossed the line they looked drowned and I felt responsible for their misery – not much fun.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s persistence is omnipotent.
The best event I’ve been involved in was our Ride across Britain – you have to do it to understand what I’m talking about. It’s much more fun than chasing over-paid tennis players round the world as per my previous job.
If I could do it all over again I would start the business ten years earlier.
The one thing I can’t stand is arrogance – if you are lucky enough to be uber talented be thankful, not arrogant.
Outside of work I spend my time surfing and trying to make my children Oscar, Barnaby and Wilbur laugh.
If money were no object I’d have a house in Mosman, Sydney, a weekend surfing pad in Noosa, Queensland… can you see a theme here?
The one event I'd never miss is our Ride Across Britain.
The next 12 months will be hard work. We have a lot going on with 2012 and we’re launching two new events of our own.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be the sports minister. Let’s get on with putting proper investment in to sport and proper governance so people are accountable. We also need to make coaching an aspirational, respected career rather than relying on very kind volunteers.