Describe yourself in 5 words.
Happy ball of restless energy.
What inspires you? Where do you get your inspiration from?
- Sport: I love watching and participating in sport. Sport is an amazing concentration of human endeavour.
- Being outdoors: when I can I love exploring outdoors. There’s nothing more powerful than nature to make you wonder.
- Being with those dearest to me: my family and friends set examples that inspire me.
I’m good at…
Working with people, being part of and leading a team.
I’m bad at…
Knowing when to stop.
Can you explain how EdPlace started?
The seeds of EdPlace started when I was at school. I am dyslexic and I struggled in my early school years. However I was lucky enough to have extremely supportive parents who recognised I wasn’t getting the right help from school. Through hard work and their support I managed to turn things around and get top marks in my A-Levels and university degree. Four years ago I started to become really interested in what technology can do for education. It struck me that no-one was properly addressing parents needs, with lots of products to help teachers but few that were specifically designed to empower parents in their child’s education. Using technology to be a parent’s best ally in a child’s education was the founding vision for EdPlace. I set about making it happen. First by changing an existing website which could help us build a parent focussed site. Not long after my business partner Pat joined and we worked together to launch EdPlace.com.
Was there any areas that were particularly difficult or challenging?
It’s quite common to hear people say that their building or business project took 2-3 times longer than they thought. We’re no exception. From hiring staff, finding an office, recruiting suppliers, company administration etc… it all takes longer than you think to complete and a requires a lot of hard work. As you grow you get better at understanding how to manage things better. Despite the challenges it’s been hugely rewarding.
What is your top tip for children using EdPlace?
Set yourself daily goals and make sure they’re achievable. Use the badges and rewards and go for it!
What is your best advice for children when it comes to their studies?
Don’t be disheartened if you’re struggling with a topic. You can master it. That takes thinking laterally about how best to learn (not everyone is the same), ask for help and work hard.
Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass on?
If you have a knock, whilst at the time it sucks remember it’s often a positive. It’s the knocks in life that shape our character, challenge us and give us strength to deal with whatever comes our way. Be quick to remember this and bounce back stronger.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The harder you work the luckier you become.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I am morning person so I like to get up early and start work. However my first job is to have a good breakfast. It always sets me up for a good day. Luckily my office is only a 15 minute cycle away from my home. The most important part of my day is reviewing my to do list. I highlight the things that I want to achieve that day. As there’s always so much to do, it helps me focus on what’s important and once done I feel satisfied that I’ve had a productive day’s work. My day is interspersed with meetings both in the office and often out. Being in London really helps as you’re so close to so many. I spend a lot of my day on my computer. I try to break in down into chunks and make sure I take breaks. After work I typically try and take some exercise as helps me relax.
What is your most treasured possession?
My car. I love it because it’s the keys to freedom and exploration.
Who’s your favourite Style Icon?
Steve McQueen. He had simple effortless style.
Most inspirational person you have met?
My wife. Her never ending positivity is hugely inspiring.
What is your favourite location?
The Black Mountains in Wales.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is…
Something I heard that resonates with me: think it, feel it, do it. First think in your head about something you want to do, then feel in your heart that you can do it then the only thing that’s left is to do it!
