With a career in writing which encompasses journalism, speechwriting and the publication of my own book, I have continually honed my writing skills – across a wide range of media.
I studied at Magdalen College School, Oxford, where I first became interested in public speaking. I went on to study French and German at Brasenose College, Oxford, where I was editor of the Union Society newspaper Debate and also editor of the satirical magazine The Hypocrite.
Following university, my first job was working at the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg. I then trained as a journalist on the Westminster Press course, in Hastings.
I went on to work for the Peterborough column of the Daily Telegraph and later did a spell on the obituary column of The Guardian.
In 1995, I joined Toastmasters International, an organisation which trains people in public speaking and leadership. I edited publications, achieved the Advanced Toastmaster award, won several humorous speech contests and became President of Grosvenor Square Speakers.
I did a spell in the City, as the head of internal communications at a prestigious law firm. I then set up my own communications business, Tarsus Communications Ltd, in 1999. One of my first tasks was to take up a one-year contract, writing speeches for the chairman of BP, Peter Sutherland.
In 2003, I published my first book – Men & Collections. It proved to be a surprise bestseller.
In 2004, I moved to Bournemouth, where I helped to launch the Bournemouth Literary Festival. I also set up the creative business networking group BomoCreatives. My interests include salsa dancing and psychotherapy.