What do you currently do?
I’m an entrepreneur and essentially, I help build, run and invest in new businesses. Right now most of my time is spent on a business called Azimo, launched in July, which is changing the way people send money around the world by making it much cheaper and easier.
Along side that I act as an advisor to Small World, which I founded in 2006, and is now one of Europe’s largest payment businesses. I still own a stake but it’s mostly owned by a couple of private equity firms so the part time involvement suits both parties.
I have a few side projects and personal investments in digital industries and I sit on the development board of the RoundHouse, which as well as being a great music venture, performs valuable outreach work engaging young adults in music and the arts.
Perhaps most importantly, I’m also a husband and father to one (soon to be two) kids
From a leisure perspective, I love music, art, wine, skiing and biking – when I get the time!
What is your inspiration in business?
Working in small, motivated teams to make things happen. JFDI as they say. I guess that’s why I love working in new businesses – the reward of seeing them become successful speaks for itself.
What defines your way of doing business?
Be real and authentic in your dealings with people – reputation is key and people have long memories so what goes around comes around. And have fun, I mean hey you’re going to spend most of your life doing it so whatever your work best to enjoy it.
Who do you admire?
Bill Gates for having a vision of how the world could be. Relentlessly pursuing it and then using the vast wealth his success gave him to change the world for the better
Also, my wife – for putting up with me.
Paul Jones
Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media's automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.
