What do you currently do?
I am the CEO of IWSC Group, a global events business focussed on the food, drink and arts space.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
We have a very simple vision, we seek to delight, inspire and connect people through great experiences. With events spanning from The International Wine and Spirit Competition and The Whisky Lounge, to the New York Craft Beer Festival and The Art Conference, we aspire to educate visitors about the ever-expanding and exciting world of food and drink. We already have a varied collection of both acquired and partnering events, with further expansion still very much on the horizon.
Who do you admire?
One person always springs to mind when I’m asked this and it’s the man who stood in from of the tanks during the Tianamen Square protests. It was such an astonishing act of bravery and of the individual making a stand.
Looking back is there anything you would have done differently?
I would’ve taken a gap year. I think a year travelling would’ve been a good foundation rather than diving straight into a career.
What defines your way of doing business?
Don’t email when you can pick up the phone, don’t pick up the phone when you can walk over to someone’s desk
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Make sure what you do gives you more than money. Whether it stretches your intellect, ignites your creativity, gives you a sense of wellbeing; whatever it is make sure that what you do nourishes the soul as well as the bank balance.
