I’ve always been curious about how things work. That curiosity is what led me at 13 years old to start programming and experimenting with computers. I’ll never forget the day I pushed my limits a little too far and broke my father’s PC. I was absolutely terrified and thought I’d be in so much trouble. But instead of panicking I made up my mind to fix it before he found out. I spent the rest of the day figuring out what had gone wrong, learning as I went. By the time my dad came home the PC was working again as if nothing had happened.
That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t just about fixing the PC, it was the thrill of problem-solving, the joy of understanding and the realisation that I could teach myself to tackle challenges head-on.
By the time I turned 15 that passion had evolved into something bigger. I started my first business, building custom PCs for friends and people in my local area. I loved the process of understanding what someone needed and delivering exactly that. Each build felt like a small victory and seeing how happy my clients were made the hard work worth it. That early experience taught me not only the technical side of things but also how to communicate with people and run a business.
I loved the process of understanding what someone needed and delivering exactly that. Each build felt like a small victory and seeing how happy my clients were made the hard work worth it.
Later I founded Swiftcore, which was a small MSP serving just 5 or 6 companies. For me, it was the natural next step, a way to take my skills and knowledge further and help more people. Building the company was an incredibly rewarding experience. I thrived on the challenge of creating solutions that not only met but exceeded expectations. When the time came to sell the business, it was bittersweet, but I knew it was the right decision. Selling Swiftcore opened the door to new opportunities and I was ready to take them on.
Those opportunities took me to the UK. Moving halfway across the world wasn’t an easy decision, but I’ve always believed in stepping outside my comfort zone to grow. Working within hedge funds, private equity firms and with asset managers gave me the opportunity to contribute to global projects, deepen my expertise and witness how technology can have a truly international impact.
Through it all I’ve carried with me the lesson I learned at 13 when I fixed that PC. Challenges might seem overwhelming at first, but they’re just opportunities to learn, grow and adapt. That mindset has shaped who I am today. My curiosity and drive to solve problems haven’t faded, if anything they’ve only grown stronger.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come – from a curious teenager experimenting with computers to co-founding Charles Square and spearheading exciting projects on a global scale. And while the tools and technologies may keep evolving, one thing remains constant: my passion for innovation and making a difference through technology.
6 lessons I learnt growing up that I use in business still to this day:
1. Curiosity fuels growth
Curiosity is where growth begins. That itch to understand how things work, whether it’s tinkering with a PC or tackling a tough business problem, is what sparks innovation. It’s the drive to explore, experiment and discover new possibilities. Keep asking, “How does this work?” or “What happens if I try this?” because every breakthrough starts with a question.
2. Start small, but start
When I was 15, building custom PCs for friends didn’t feel like a big leap it was just the next step in following my curiosity. But those small projects laid the foundation for bigger opportunities, like founding Swiftcore & Charles Square. The key is to take that first step, no matter how small. Whether it’s experimenting with a new idea or tackling a challenge, starting small makes the unknown feel less intimidating.
3. Listen more than you speak
As a child, my father helped me understand that you don’t learn anything new by talking. I remember quietly sitting back absorbing information before analysing and deciding to speak or take action. In business, listening helps you truly understand your clients, teams and what really matters, before making decisions.
4. Adapt or get left behind
Growing up, adapting wasn’t just a skill, it was a way of life. Whether it meant changing schools, joining new teams or finding your place in different circles – adapting was how you kept moving forward. In business, flexibility keeps you relevant when markets shift. This is even more evident these days with such rapid change in technology.
5. Treat people well, it comes back around
Respect and kindness cost nothing but create lasting trust. In business, your reputation is your most valuable currency. There are so many of you who may be reading this that have helped me on my journey to where I am today.
6. Don’t fear failure – fear not trying
The worst moments growing up were missed opportunities, not mistakes. In business, calculated risks are the only way to achieve growth.
Looking back, every step of my journey has been about pushing limits, embracing challenges and staying curious. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones, it happens when you take risks, adapt and keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way aren’t just about business, they’re about life. Stay curious, start small, listen deeply, adapt quickly, treat people well and don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. These principles have guided me and I hope they inspire you too.
