When I was a kid my mum used to say to me, “You can’t have everything.” What gives me a buzz is proving to people every day that they can certainly have a lot more than they’ve currently got. 

What’s the problem with 21^st century companies?

How long have you got? Probably laziness. There’s still a strong belief that being ‘good enough’ is ok – which it isn’t. Companies run endless initiatives aimed at improving performance but people don’t engage with it. The real carrot for these people is making them feel really wanted and valued in the organisation. 

What are you most proud of?

My daughter Lucy (11). I was a different person before she came along – selfish and perhaps a bit mean spirited. Also, building Minerva, bringing in a team of great people who also happen to be great mates; and then making a success of things by doing it our way. 

Biggest mistake?

The cardinal mistake all men make - hanging onto my bachelor years for too long instead of committing to my wife. We left it too late to have more kids, which I always regret. 

Consultancy cliché?

Whenever I tell people I’m a consultant they expect me to fleece them. But in most cases we’re really telling them things they don’t know. Sometimes a client will say, “Yes, but we already knew that.” My response is always the same: “Then why aren’t you doing it?!”

 How did you end up doing this?

I’ve worked in HR all my life and began my career at the UK’s first b2b telemarketing company. Minerva is my third successful business, and I’m still looking to build more of them! 

Any other business?

I was a failed footballer (Luton) – although I still play a decent standard today at 44 years old. My alternate career is definitely golf. My dream is to do the European Seniors Tour when I retire which means I have a few more years to practice.