I DID. YOU CAN.: Recent Episodes
Phil Crompton
People from a wide range of backgrounds, jobs, interests and geographical locations share their stories. How did they get to where they are ? Are they living the life they imagined when they were 14 years old ? What advice would they offer a young person setting off on the journey of life ? Phil Crompton - author of " In Search of My Alumni" and a former school leader - finds out how they did it and how others can do something similar. There will be something for everyone in this series. We all need role models. Here are plenty.
I've written a book called " I Climbed Kilimanjaro- and learnt things". I drafted in a guest interviewer. Tony Roe worked for the BBC for a few years. He knows what he's doing. It was good to chat with him in his garden and relive the ascent of the highest mountain in Africa.
And how does this fit into the podcast series. Well, if I Did You Can !
Thanks Tony.
In this episode Phil Crompton introduces his new book " I Climbed Kilimanjaro and learnt things ( and if I Did You Can )". Available through Amazon.
He sets the scene for what's to follow.
Jacqui's story is remarkable. She is now Head of Crime for a major legal company and is a highly respected solicitor. But at 14 she was firmly of the view that the Law wasn't an appropriate career for a girl from a working class area in North Western England who attended a large comprehensive school. Indeed she studied Social Studies at university and became a Probation Officer at a ridiculously young age. By the time she was 30 she had grown just a little frustrated by hearing her reports read out in Court by barristers and solicitors and decided to study further. It involved much work a pay cut. Oh.... and she had 2 small children.
Jacqui's story just has to be heard. It's amazing what you can do with your life.
Sonia is from East London. She earned a degree by studying at a university in France and one in England. Alternate terms in each country. How brave is that ? She suggested that 'Women in Transpor't might need a CEO and that she was willing to do the job. "But there no money " they said. " Don't worry" said Sonia " I'll raise it myself". What a creative thinker. Loved chatting to Sonia.
I've known " Two Careers Carlisle" for a long time. He says he's lucky. I suppose he might be but there's far more to him than that. He spent a long career as an engineer, travelling all over the world in a variety of roles. Then he set up a camper van business. And that worked better than expected. Great to chat with Peter about growing up in South Wales, messing up his A levels and then turning a holiday job into a career.
I met Gemma when she working at one of our schools in Nottingham. I was sad when she left because she was a very good Head of Year. Now she lives in Hong Kong. At 14 she wasn't really sure what she wanted from life but knew that she loved to be creative and it would be wonderful if she could travel too. When I spoke to her she was able to show me her view over Hong Kong with the harbour in the distance. Her working life gives her the chance to create and to help others create. Things have worked out for Gemma. I'm pleased.
Really interesting conversation with Lewis. He went to Harrow School - that in itself was an eye opener. Very few vets seem to have emerged from Harrow, but Winston Churchill did. Lewis has worked in Florida, Queensland and at the home of horse racing, Newmarket. He currently operates on horses in Leicestershire. I had never had a conversation with an equine vet, let along one who went to Harrow. A very illuminating chat.
At just 24 Mansfield born Fraser holds a key role in the FA disciplinary system. It's been a rapid rise. Qualifying as a referee led to Fraser gaining an understanding of how the rules of football should be applied and after a regional role he rapidly moved into the national picture and an office at Wembley Stadium. "If you're good enough you're old enough "
Matt is an experienced financial advisor. He's now got his own company. In this episode Matt explains how he made his way through the rigorous qualification system to become a financial advisor. But he also tells us how he had dreams of becoming a goalkeeper for Leicester City and how he actually did become an undercover police officer. It's quite a story.
Jessica found her early teens difficult. And now, at 18, she doesn't always find things easy but she is now a published author and the world is looking brighter. To anyone who hasn't always fitted in I say " Listen to Jessica."
And here's the link to " Vigilance"
https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/jessica-faulkner/vigilance/paperback/product-k2p8n5.html?page=1&pageSize=4
James runs a digital agency that specialises in creating accessible services. He loves his job. But it hasn't always been the easiest of journeys. James found book learning difficult and he was 17 before dyslexia was diagnosed. He made it to university and had a great time but struggled to find a job after graduation. Having worked for local authorities, grown in confidence and accumulated a bit of money he set up his own business and now he employs 7 people, travels the world and speaks to audiences about his company.
Check it out
https://www.horlix.com/
David was a teacher for a long time. A very successful one. But then his career started to dart around a bit. He's written books. Some about education, some about life in North Wales -under his pseudonym Ambrose Conway- and he's also become immersed in space travel. David has adapted his working life to meet new circumstances on so many occasions. Check him out, so resilient.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Ambrose-Conway/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AAmbrose+Conway
Alice is the Executive Director of Forum Strategy- an organisation that supports and develops leaders of Multi-Academy Trusts. She experienced bullying in her school days. It wasn't easy. Her career has been a squiggly one not a straight line but now she's in an influential role having had roles with local authorities, the National College for School Leadership and the College for Policing. Alice's story is uplifting. And she spent the Covid lockdown in Brazil !
And here's the link to Forum Strategy
https://forumstrategy.org/
John had a pretty unhappy time at school in Ashton-in-Makerfield in the north west of England. He left as soon as he could to become a painter. Very soon he had set up his own company and employed over 60 people. The company thrived. And alongside this John had a passion for Egyptology. He started to teach about the Ancient Egyptians and was called upon to speak at conferences. I think John's story is unique. I'm so pleased he was willing to share it.
https://www.wiganarchsoc.co.uk/content/News_Letters/news042.htm
Clare knows a lot about transport. She's a key player at the Urban Transport Group which works with all sorts of organisations to help them clarify their transport policies. Having studied geography at Sussex University Clare then took on the challenge of a PhD. It wasn't always easy but Dr. Linton made it through. Given that he dad sailed to Jamaica it's not too much of a surprise to find out that she achieved her goal. She's now Leeds based and is looking forward to playing cricket in the summer.
Etienne Stott won an Olympic Gold Medal at London 2012. Just pause to think about that. He had devoted so much of his life to pursuit of that medal. And then he had it. Wow. But what next ? Etienne still paddles his canoe but most of his energy goes into trying to draw attention to the climate crisis. Etienne shares his story from school in Bedford to the Olympic Games and then to his work with Extinction Rebellion. What a journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx9PpUJiVGQ relives that wonderful day in 2012
Neil is a Chartered Accountant who had a key role in the Fire Service. He was brought up on a council estate and dreamt of being a jazz musician, preferably a saxophonist. In the early part of his career he was just a bit lazy. He couldn't see any reason to push himself. But then he started to see people leaving him behind as they climbed the ladder. Neil was spurred into action. Neil tells a compelling story of a boy who started his life in a working class family which had low expectations of him and yet who managed to have a career that he loved - and to play the sax.
John was brought up in north Manchester. His dad was a primary school headteacher. At 14 there were few signs that John would end up leading a company that had 24,000 employees in 70 countries. It's funny how life works out. After an energetic few years at Hull University he worked for Gateshead Council and then the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. When a career in politics beckoned he decided instead to move into a corporate world that involved lots of travel, many meetings and so many decisions. It's been quite a career and John remains as self-deprecating as you'd expect for a lad from Middleton who grew up supporting the old Manchester City.
Growing up in Elstree Ross Crombie had little idea of what the future held. Could it be journalism ? Well, he and a friend started a newspaper called 'Impact Weekly' - but he didn't follow that path. Ross had a passion for history- but failed his O'level twice so surely that wasn't to play a part in his future life ? Oddly enough he then excelled at A' level and at university. So it turned out that it did. However, it was marketing with Boots that Ross was in his element . He worked at their HQ in Nottingham for a long time and had many careers within one career. If you want an insight into life in a major company then give this a listen.
Alex was a student at the very first school that I led in Nottingham. He was 14 when I turned up. I'm embarrassed to say that he didn't find his education very engaging. However, I was delighted to find out that he was living a great life in the USA and was more than happy to talk about his journey from the English Midlands to Texas.
We had to cancel out first appointment because Alex had forgotten that it was Thanksgiving. Pleased that he was able to re-schedule. Quite a story about a young man who always had an interest in design has made a career of it.
Donna had a good corporate job in the UK but gave it up to follow a dream. She wanted to live in Ibiza- and she loved to run. So now Donna organises runs for tourists. I think many of us have been on holiday and thought that it would be fun to stay in Greece, Italy, Florida or Spain. Donna actually did something about it. What a story.
John didn't have the easiest of teenage years. Polish was his first language, he was taller than everyone else and was usually the last person picked for sports teams. But then he discovered basketball and his life started to change. John's story is a remarkable tale of setbacks, new dreams and resilience. It's little wonder that his motivational talents are in demand across the world. John has bounced back many times- and keeps doing it.
Eric had passed the 11 plus and went to a Grammar School. But it didn't suit him. He had little interest in an academic education and at the first opportunity he left to start work as a coal miner. Eric was identified as a young man with promise and was encouraged to take qualifications and ,eventually, he became a mechanical mining engineer. A serious job in a serious workplace. He had assumed that his career would be spent in the mining industry but by the 1990's the government had closed all the mines and Eric needed to find alternative employment and further qualifications.
Eric's story shows that it's hard to predict where life will take you when you are 14 but with hard work and some flexibility it's amazing what can happen.
Tina and her sister were brought up by their mother in Huntingdon- not far from Cambridge in the UK. Childhood was fun but without boundaries. School was pretty dull and she left with just moderate examinations results - and a passion for music which provided a platform for later development. Tina had no role models in her younger days but, despite that, now has a PhD which involved her investigating the problems facing people from disadvantaged backgrounds as they try to settle into Higher Education. Tina talks about impostor syndrome, the difficulties of fitting in when you are from a less advantaged background and how if circumstances had been just a little different she might have become a lawyer, a flight attendant or a police officer. Funny how life works out.
Paul Harris and I were friends at school. We played in the same football team and had the same English Literature A level experience. Our lives were destined to go in very different directions. When I caught up with Paul after a gap of 40 years I was delighted that he agreed to share his story. He is now one of the world's most prolific Choreographers in film, TV and theatre - with the Harry Potter franchise included on his CV. Did I see him going on such a journey ? Well, let's put it this way - nobody who knew him at school would be surprised. Paul talks about his memories of school, his ballroom dancing days, becoming an actor and then the moment when he realised choreography was his destiny. It's a fascinating story.
Gerry's story takes us from a childhood at the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic during 'The Troubles' to his current life working with housing associations to find land for development.
Gerry left school with a hope that he could make get a job but had to emigrate to London to find work. It wasn't easy.
After years in the building industry he decided he would like to work in an office and applied for a manager's role with William Hill the bookmaker. But that wasn't enough for him and he was soon working in the world of housing. Years after leaving school he made it to university and armed with qualifications he eventually set up his own company.
Gerry now works for himself, spends a lot of time in Spain - and watches Leeds United.
Syd Samuels is the daughter of a project manager from Cambridgeshire and a psychotherapist from Sierra Leone. She has packed a lot into her 25 years. At the age of 11 she appeared on the Junior Dragons' Den. Peter Jones invested in her idea ! At her school in south London she wondered about becoming an actor but instead studied English and Philosophy at university before being offered a place with a Japanese Bank. After 2 years Syd decided to leave her secure job and began to run a tech start as well as becoming a career coach. Not much seems to daunt Syd. She once hitchhiked from Sheffield to Slovenia (via Berlin of course ) for charity.
" Think Less, Do More " says Syd. She described herself as " not risk averse". Indeed !
Gerry's story takes us from a childhood at the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic during 'The Troubles' to his current life working with housing associations to find land for development.
Gerry left school with a hope that he could make get a job but had to emigrate to London to find work. It wasn't easy.
After years in the building industry he decided he would like to work in an office and applied for a manager's role with William Hill the bookmaker. But that wasn't enough for him and he was soon working in the world of housing. Years after leaving school he made it to university and armed with qualifications he eventually set up his own company.
Gerry now works for himself, spends a lot of time in Spain - and watches Leeds United.
Jack was one of the biggest names in UK Athletics in the 1980's. He mixed it with the biggest names - Coe, Cram, Ovett, Elliott etc. Jack was European Champion in 1986 setting a time that is still a record today. He moved on to take a high profile role with Adidas before an ill fated experience as the owner of an orchard in New Zealand. He returned to work for Sport England and then lead British Triathlon and now British Swimming. There's a lot to learn from Jack's story and his approach to life.
Check out Jack winning Gold in 1986.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaXCOcxiplI
Jack Buckner was a top athlete then a high flying businessman and now is the leader of British Swimming. The full 30 minute interview will follow soon. Here's a taster.
I knew Jan when she was a student at Hull University. It was great to catch up with her to find out how her life had moved on. She's had quite a journey. Her last post was at Manchester University but she has also had senior roles at Leeds, the London School of Economics and the British Library. Libraries are important parts of society and their leadership is demanding. Jan's knowledge and experience has been in demand around the world with regular visits to the United States, Europe and Australia to attend conferences and offer guidance.
And Jan failed her 11 plus, was "lazy" in her early school years and chose to study history at university without feeling any passion for the subject. Things turned out pretty well though.....
County Durham pit village to teacher of technology to headteacher to presenter to novelist. Gary is a an energetic force. He loved primary school, didn't like Grammar School, eventually made a friend of Bob at university and doesn't like wasting time. By the time you read this he might well have embraced another challenge.
Gary was brought up in a mining village in the NE of England and at 14 was finding life tough. He's kept pushing the frontiers. His full story will follow soon. Here are some snippets from our 30 minute chat.
Ian is brutally honest about the path his working life has followed. At one point he calls it " a disaster". Brought up in the NW of England between Manchester and Liverpool Ian 's life changed dramatically when he had an accident which led to the loss of a leg. Soon after his family emigrated to Vancouver in Canada. Two very significant changes in a short period.
Ian managed to earn a degree in communications but has not really committed to a job that requires him to be in the same place with the same people on a daily basis. That's why he found working in the film industry enjoyable. Keep your eye open for " Snow piercer" on ITV- he's in that, along with many others. So much in this interview. Please listen and share.
14 year old Laura dreamt of dancing on stage with Madonna. And why not ? After a journey that took her to Chicago, London, Florida and Sheffield she is now back in her home city of Nottingham working on a project that aims to support the well being of young people through music and dance.Important work. She's been an au pair, a restaurant manager, a recruiter and a charity worker. But it's not been easy. Laura Grant is well worth listening to.
I agonised over this. Could I really dare to tell my story on my own podcast platform ? How would it look ? Pretentious ? Arrogant ? And then after discussing it with a number of friends I decided that I should go ahead. Two reasons:
1. How I could I ask others to share their story when I hadn't done it myself ?
2. There's a story to be heard that might encourage others to aim just a bit higher.
Fortunately my daughter Maire was available to take on interviewing duties. I should probably ask her to do all of them.
The story is straightforward. Brought up between Wigan and St. Helens in the NW of England. no history of university education in the family and ended up leading a multi-academy trust in the Midlands. And now I coach and run a podcast series called I DID YOU CAN. Hope it's helpful.
I asked my daughter Maire to interview me to see what it felt like. I'd been told the process was enjoyable. And it was. Sorry if it sounds self indulgent but if others were prepared to tell their story then why shouldn't I ? These are 3 snippets. The rest is out later this week.
Steve went to the same school as me. We'd never met. And what a journey he's been on. After studying biology at university he quickly realised that ICT would be an important part of the future. Since then he's immersed himself in that world . Steve has worked hard to improve companies to the point that he can be made redundant. Fascinating approach to life. Oh...and he's got a recording studio.
Steve talks of his teenage ambition, what he does now and a regret. So much more in the full episode.
Alix didn't have it easy when she was growing up in Burton-on-Trent in the English Midlands. Her parents split up when she was 8, her mum was diagnosed with MS a few years later and, as an only child, there was lots of responsibility on very young shoulders. And now she's got a key role in Derby's work to improve social mobility. Who better ?
What changed her life ? The Arts led to trips to Malta and Germany. The Royal Shakespeare Company offered her a paid internship. And there's much more. You've just got to listen to Alix's story.
Peter Gates is stimulating company. I first met him when I was running through a field and he passed me on a horse. Not sure how conversation broke out. But it did. Peter's like that.
He tells a story of growing up in Gillingham, excelling in mathematics , becoming a teacher and then an academic. But he also has views about how the systems works-or doesn't work.
30 minutes with Peter is time very well spent
Jenny is one of most unusual of school leaders. She isn't a teacher. She quite openly talks about experiencing impostor syndrome despite all the evidence showing she is a highly capable school leader who has the respect of colleagues, students, parents and trustees. So do you need a teaching qualification in order to lead a school ? It's an oft asked question. Jenny has so many amazing qualities. In her case the answer is a resounding " No". Take a listen. The sound quality isn't the best . It was the first time the podcast left Zoomland. Always learning.
Tim's an interesting person. At 14 he was switched off by school and left with just one one exam pass. He'd spent as much time at the Southport " Steam Port" as he had in school. How was life going to turn out ? He didn't have a clue. But it worked out pretty well. How did he manage to get on track ? Spend 30 minutes listening to his story. You'll not be disappointed.
Had a great chat with Sarah. To my surprise she lives near to me- even does the same Parkrun. But we'd never met. So pleased that she got in touch to share her story. She's got her own recruitment business and is also a Life & Career Transformation Strategist but there's so much more to the energetic Sarah Naylor. Worth a listen because it leaves you thinking that you should grab life with both hands and do things. I'm feeling revved up as I type. A great example for any young person wondering where life might take them.
And when this was first posted it was mysteriously only 14 minutes long. A gremlin had stolen the final quarter of an hour. This is the full Naylor. Enjoy.
Becky has thrown herself into the family business. But it's not always been that way. She was a Business Studies teacher. Like so many others Becky has found that a career doesn't necessarily follow a straight line. It's a very interesting 30 minutes. And she's got views about the impact of becoming as parent on working life.
Loved chatting to Liz. I knew her when she was a toddler. I knew her when she was a homesick undergraduate on the Welsh coast and I'm pleased to say I still know her now that she's a senior member of staff at the Island School in the Bahamas. Yes, the Bahamas. Who's not at least a touch envious ? She's got a great story to tell. Spare 30 minutes to listen and tell others to do the same !
And be where your feet are.
Sak was brought up in Burnley, Lancashire. He excelled in a variety of sports but his direction was influenced by a teacher who told the young Sak and his parents that he would make a great educator. The path led to London and a successful career in secondary schools before he took a leap which led to self employment. And now he coaches people to help them embrace life and develop resilience. Take a listen. It's a great story.
It's not easy to become a solicitor. Resilience is all. Liam Lambert is an inspiring young man. He has travelled from Preston to Durham to Shanghai in pursuit of his dream. Last week he was one of the winners of the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition 2021. Not much stands in his way. I really enjoyed chatting to him.
Nick was not the most confident of 14 year olds. Perhaps 3 out of 10. And now he's got a highly responsible job in the police force. He talks openly about his school days and about how he has progressed in a career that he has found very rewarding. It certainly hasn't been an easy journey but now he has a happy family life, plays golf and is much more confident than he was. Nick is very aware that young people thinking about how their lives might pan out often don't have role models who can help them move forward. Nick's story is well worth a listen.
I met Sue when one of the schools I led decided to build a new sixth form centre. We turned to Sue's company for help.
Sue always wanted to be an architect. She knew from a very young age. Perhaps the plan wasn't to be running her own company whilst still in her 20's - but that's what happened. Sue is an architect but also a manager and a leader. She's an exceptional role model for anyone interested in a career in architecture. But even if you aren't considering that option it's still worth listening to Sue.
Pete Bell hit some problems early in life. He spent 6 months in prison. Pete is very open about this. He emerged with a determination to change his own life and did that by becoming a football coach. He's coached a lot of people. However, that wasn't enough. Pete wanted to help others change their lives too and set up Step Out Stay Out. He visits prisons across the country to contribute to rehabilitation programmes. Pete's drive to improve his own life, his community and society as a whole is admirable. Everyone's got a story. Pete's is impressive.
I was slightly wary of meeting someone I was at school with. I left school a long, long time ago. However, I really enjoyed chatting with Dean Ratcliffe. His story includes Saturday morning detentions, working in France, the U.S.A. and Singapore and a flight to Greece from Paris that changed his life. Dean's taken risks and most of them have paid off. So pleased that Dean contacted me to offer to talk about his journey. He was great company, I might ask some other people I was at school with to join in now. Any volunteers ?
There are few, if any, people in the world who have taken the journey that Amy has been on. From working in the City to managing horses' hooves. Beat that. Lots of 14 year olds dream of working with horses. Amy made it happen.
She also makes the remarkably generous offer of a free place on one of her training courses. I guess it's first come first served. Check it out on her website : https://areion.co.uk/
Not that many years ago Sarah was 14 and wondering what the future held. She didn't know. Not many of us do. She certainly didn't imagine that she'd be running a company called Vein Train. You really should listen to find out what Vein Train is and how Sarah ended up as MD. It's quite a story. Everyone faces obstacles. Sarah keeps overcoming them.
Anyone ever wondered how you get to work for a Think Tank ? It's often occurred to me. David's the first person I've ever met who is employed by one. I was very excited to meet him. And also he's from Hackney but loved living in Sheffield in the distant North. He's back in London now though ! David is well worth listening to.
Sustainability is big news. I just had to get a Head of Sustainability. Rachel Morris contacted me offering to tell her story. Perfect. Especially in the week that COP26 was taking place. Rachel is a great role model for anyone who thinks they would like to contribute to the work to save the planet but isn't sure about how to move forward. Everyone has a different story. Worth spending half an houe listening to Rachel's
When I knew Jay he was a maths teacher. I got quite a surprise when I caught up with him. He packs a whole lots into his life. There's still a bit of maths tuition but it's now a bit of a sideline. Jay has certainly grabbed life with both hands.
Marcus was brought up in Milford Haven in South Wales. His father died when he was young meaning Marcus had to take on a lot of responsibility very early in life. Marcus has accepted many challenging leadership roles but calls his job " his livelihood" because it enables him to get involved in a wide range of charitable causes. He's currently planning an ascent of Everest. I know........
Find out more about Marcus Jones by having a look at his website. But listen to the podcast first.
Everyone faces challenges in life. Not sure many have faced as many as Claire and still emerged smiling. Her story includes herding goats in Cyprus, leaving school earlier than most, arriving at University later than most ( and getting a 1st ! ) and taking on a range of challenging jobs. Claire is so honest about what has happened in her life.
Apologies for the occasional internet blip.
Rob was born in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne and brought up in the coal mining town of Ollerton in Nottinghanshire, UK. He left school unclear about what the future held but suspected it might involve a lot of time underground. It didn't turn out that way. Rob's working life has taken him around the world and brought him to contact with a lot of high profile politicians. It's a great story and if you are interested in a life in journalism it's a " must listen".
Ivan was brought up in the Midlands of England and now lives with his family in Ho Chi Minh City, Vitenam. It's a tale of sport, travel, dyslexia and resilience. Is this the life he expected at 14 ? Well........
Debbie was brought up in inner city Nottingham, England. She's been on a journey that's included working for a local authority, for a major law firm and for a number of academy chains in the UK. She's also set up her own HR company. Oh.... and she tells us about a solo visit to Africa that she organised a couple of years ago.
Phil Crompton led secondary schools in the UK for 20 years. Now he's retired but is still energetic - and keen to help everyone fulfil their potential. In this podcast series he interviews people from all backgrounds to find out about their journey from aged 14 to where they are now. There will be something for everyone in the series. This sets the scene.