What is your favourite memory of your time at Brighton College?
Playing in the musicals, getting the chance to support friends on stage from down in the orchestra, was great; Billy Elliot was a particular highlight. On a similarly musical note, House Song – for which I arranged many of Fenwick’s contributions – is definitely high on the list. Our second-place ranking was a true proud moment given the winner was Aldrich’s September – you can’t beat September! And I can’t fail to mention OddBalls: complete chaos, brilliant fun, and all for a great cause.
What takes up most of your time at the moment?
Other than work? I have a busy social life, and continue to enjoy playing the flute. My orchestra – founded by a university friend – recently performed at a community festival in Hammersmith, which was a lovely experience.
What about your life now would most surprise your Brighton College teachers?
Not doing music as a career, especially after reading it at university.
What about your life now would most surprise you as a Brighton College starter?
I think it is amazing how quickly, and how much, things have changed since arriving at College. If I were to meet my younger self I honestly do not think we would recognise each other! But the skills that I have now and rely on in my adult life – self-confidence, organisation, time management – were brought out at Brighton College.
What excites you about the future?
Working in energy trading, there are always new opportunities emerging. My day-to-day is at the forefront of technology and the climate emergency, and full of diverse opinions – it really is exciting to be working in such a fast-paced environment, making decisions with such far-reaching future impact.
How has your time at Brighton College shaped your outlook on life?
The standout legacy has to be kindness: from the simple random acts of kindness showcased in weekly assemblies to the yearly Make a Difference Day, kindness is the hallmark of a Brighton education and, to me, the defining quality of Brightonians.
What advice would you give to current Brighton College pupils inspired by your own journey?
I would recommend not getting too worried about choosing a career path too early. Firstly, you have decades of work ahead of you, so enjoy trying new things while you can! Secondly, there are always plenty of options out there, at all stages of life: my own unusual journey – from music to energy trading – illustrates that nicely: degrees are about learning skills and widening opportunities, not narrowing them.
What are the most challenging parts of your work?
Time management: I have to deal with a lot of requests from traders, and prioritise very efficiently. Any mistakes have to be rectified incredibly quickly (preferably before they happened!) and this requires a good degree of level-headedness.
What are you most proud of?
Maintaining that Brighton College kindness. It is all too easy to get lost in work or stressful situations, not to be able to see outside one’s head; remembering others makes all the difference.
Which is your favourite house and why?
Fenwick – has to be! If I said anything else I would expect a stern phone call from Mrs Hamblett-Jahn! Fenwick was my home from home, and I still meet up regularly with House friends.
What is the best thing about being an Old Brightonian?
Being part of a network that holds in common the ethos of Brighton. At the annual London drinks, it is wonderful to meet OBs of all ages and industries, knowing that we all share the same experiences and outlook on life. And of course the ability to reach out to OBs to ask for or offer career advice (I have done both!) is invaluable.