The best career advice I never took (and why that’s OK)

Twenty years ago, someone told me that I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t go to university. I smiled, nodded, and then proceeded to do the exact opposite. Today, having led teams across hospitality, education, and asset management. Having sailed across the Atlantic, worked in the USA, and earned an MBA. And now leading a thriving, impactful business supporting ground-breaking science, I know that being adaptable and grabbing hold of every opportunity is the key.

My career hasn’t followed a straight line, it’s been more of a zigzag. I started in hospitality, where every day taught me that nothing goes according to plan. Being adaptable wasn’t optional! Those years taught me to think on my feet and to remember that behind every spreadsheet is a human being. They also helped me to develop a solid understanding of key business principles, including finance, operations, sales and marketing, people management and board level stakeholder management. I loved the world of hospitality, moving between the magic of hotel operations during the corporate day, to a low-light bar in the evening. 

The fundamentals of good leadership don’t change when you change industries; only the vocabulary does.

My eyes were opened whilst studying for an MBA some fifteen years later. I saw the potential I had when I met people from airports, the fire service and large corporate companies. Being surrounded by these incredible people made me realise that despite our very different industry sectors, we shared common challenges and common goals. Most of my leadership skills were transferable – even when yachting between the UK and America. But that’s another story.

I was inspired to branch out and asset management was calling. I questioned myself about whether my background was relevant, but during my studies I’d learned something invaluable: whether you’re managing a hotel or an asset, success comes down to understanding what people value, anticipating risks, and staying calm under pressure. The context changed but my core skills travelled with me. Flexibility and an agile culture were essential, as well as having that creative flair for identifying new income streams.

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

Another turning point came from hosting the first cohort of women from the United Arab Emirates who were training to become nurses. I was back in hospitality but this one event heralded a realisation of what I wanted from my career. Yes, it was a huge milestone for the county and the women themselves, but personally, I was inspired by those women. Small acorns indeed, but it set the tone for the next stage of my career. 

I demanded a social purpose to my work and a role as Commercial Director for a highly regarded college fulfilled this requirement. Here, the need to generate income had to coexist with delivering meaningful work experience for students, whilst supporting passionate teaching staff inspiring the next generation. I was also introduced to the benefits of partnerships with different levels of government, and the rewarding opportunities that come from apprenticeships. 

Today, leading a commercial business that supports the start and scale up of a portfolio of innovative agritech businesses, I draw on every skill I learned from each unexpected turn my career has taken. And as part of the wider research campus that is looking at how we sustainably feed the world, I’m guided by the social purpose of my work.

I now have a breadth of knowledge into business principles, but more importantly, I have met and worked with a diverse range of people with a variety of passions, styles and motivators. Whilst the business practices can often be a clear process, I’m interested in what motivates my team, and I relish identifying talent and nurturing this for individual growth and progression. 

What I really want young people to understand is that their path won’t be linear, and that’s not just okay, it’s an advantage.

To teenagers wondering about their future

Don’t let anyone convince you that changing direction means starting over (or that university is your only option – even though it’s a great choice for many). Every experience adds to your toolkit. The first job in retail – it teaches you customer service. The student who codes for fun – you’re learning how to solve problems. Every opportunity you take gives you a new skill.

My message is ‘stay curious, embrace discomfort, and remember that the skills you’re building now, including resilience, communication, and creativity, are the ones that will matter most.’

To leaders looking to inspire their students

Some of the best leaders I know aren’t experts in one thing; they connect ideas across different worlds. That’s the kind of thinking our young people need modelled for them.

It’s why I’m eager to contribute as a trustee and a mentor. Having benefited from taking risks and pivoting careers, I want to help create environments where teenagers feel empowered to explore, fail safely, and discover their own zigzagging path. Our education system needs voices from varied backgrounds showing students that there isn’t just one ‘right’ way forward. Can I help you with this?