WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? At the local greyhound kennels spreading sawdust on the training runs. I was accidentally paid double rates - £1 instead of 50p per hour - which was serious money for a 14 year old in those days! When they realised, my wages were quickly halved and I left!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROPER 'CITY' JOB? After my A levels I joined
WHEN DID YOU FEEL LIKE THE CITY WAS THE PLACE FOR YOU? When I moved to the new
ANY EMBARRASSING CITY FAUX PAS?
I once presented to a group of brokers and was introduced to the boss, whose office was an elevated glass box sitting above the open plan 'bear pit' where the young brokers sat. After the meeting, I turned and walked straight into the glass door. It's fair to say that the brokers below had their entertainment for the day and I could still hear them howling as I walked down the street with a very bruised nose - and ego.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CITY LUNCH? The restaurant at Tower 42 (the '
WHICH CITY FIGURE DO YOU MOST ADMIRE, LIVING OR DEAD? As a property banker, I would say
WHAT'S ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT THE CITY...?
The sheer human energy. The people who work here, from bankers to shop assistants, seem to have an extra ounce of drive which I find contagious. Despite the current doom and gloom, seeing the younger generations coming in and making the City their own is fantastic - a real melting pot of talent and optimism... AND ONE THING YOU'D CHANGE? The price of a sandwich! HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT 2023?
It's harder now than ever to predict how things will play out. But, it's always darkest before the dawn so let's hope that better days will follow soon Get back to me in 2024!
WE'RE GOING FOR LUNCH. WHERE ARE
WE GOING? Brat in Shoreditch. I love how the
QUICKFIRE ROUND FAVOURITE... DRINK: TEA OR COFFEE?
A FLAT WHITE FILM: QUADROPHENIA - I'M STILL A 'MOD' AT HEART ARTIST OR BAND: THE TESKEY BROTHERS - A FANTASTIC AUSTRALIAN
For a good cocktail and great views, The Aviary on
WHERE'S HOME DURING THE WEEK?
High Barnet, the end of the Northern Line, which has been fortunate on a few occasions after a late night, back in the day!
IT'S A SATURDAY AFTERNOON. WHERE WILL YOU BE?
Playing golf with my mates at my club,
If I'm feeling masochistic, I might be at
YOU'VE GOT A WEEK OFF — WHERE ARE YOU GOING, AND WITH WHO ? Ile de Re in
(c) 2023 City A.M., source