On Reflection

The key to learning is observation. This series of in-depth interviews with high achievers from a range of fields distils out some simple and inspiring life lessons.

No two successful people are the same. Events shape them differently, they adjust and adapt as they pilot their way through life. All of those interviewed have mastered their different trades, sometimes from challenging beginnings. Their ingenuity and determination in doing so has been unusual and each has an inspiring story to tell. Together the sixteen conversations offer some valuable clues to getting the best out of your talents, fascinating insight for anyone looking to lead a rewarding life.

A book for those at any stage in their own careers interested in learning from the experiences of others.

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About the book

“Sometimes the future is informed by the past. People have always drawn on the experience of others for ideas and inspiration, it’s the way of progress. Unfortunately successful people disinclined to write an autobiography rarely find the time to reflect on their experience such that others might draw on it. Perhaps they feel modestly that no-one will be interested in their musings.

“Personally I am deeply interested in what makes other people tick as well as their back stories and so I set out to interview a broad range of interesting people to ask them about their working lives and what they had learned from them as they approached the end of their careers. Contained within this book is a distillation of insight from a very diverse group of very successful people who I asked to sit with me and reflect on their stories. They talk candidly and incisively about their industries, influences, life lessons, breakthrough moments and lasting impressions.

“Together the sixteen interviews contain a treasure trove of learning as well as a riveting read for anyone interested in what lies behind curating a rewarding life.”

Chris Woolston - May 2023

  • “These stories are open and honest and give insight into the person, not just the career. Each chapter gave a new perspective, a different approach, or a unique understanding of how success can be achieved. The examples of ingenuity and determination catalogued in these conversations shone a light on each person’s journey and were inspirational.”

    Ian Garner, Yorkshire Times

  • Peter Openshaw

    Professor of Experimental Medicine
    Imperial College London

  • Sara Beck

    Chief Operating Officer
    Saïd Business School

  • Tudor Brown

    Co-Founder and Ex-President
    ARM Holdings

  • Peter Drummond

    Chief Executive Officer
    BDP (Building Design Partnership)

  • Sophie Daranyi

    Global Chief Executive Officer
    Omnicom Commerce Group

  • Grant Brooker

    Partner
    Foster + Partners

  • Jeremy Hocking

    President
    Herman Miller International

  • Paul Buttigieg

    European Operations Head
    Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

  • Peter Mantle

    Managing Partner
    Jones Lang LaSalle

  • Martin Lewis

    Chief Financial & Operating Officer
    Taylor Wessing

  • Ralph Thawley

    Founder
    FMB Publisher

  • Ailsa King

    Chief Client Officer
    Marsh

  • Simon Marshall

    Managing Director North America
    Unilever

  • Graham Whitehair

    Stakeholder Advisory Group
    Bank of England

  • Carl Johnson

    Head of Talent & Learning
    Interserve

  • Helen Hughes

    Chief Executive
    Patient Safety Learning