I grew up in the mists of the Scottish Highlands, went to Saint Andrews University (the one ‘Wills and Kate’ famously hooked up at) and then bolted to London post-grad to see if the streets were paved with gold. They weren’t, of course, but there were many other attractions and benefits. I was London-based for 14 years before moving to New Zealand in the mid-nineties, and I now live in its wild and windy capital, Wellington. Apart from the earthquakes … and the interminable wind … it’s a great place to be.
Philosophically
I believe you can’t let life happen to you—if your ship doesn’t come in, you need to swim out to it. I also believe, like Sophia Loren, mistakes are one of the dues one pays for a full life. Diamonds are, after all, only coals that stuck to the job!
As a writer
I love entertaining people through my eclectic observations. Writing has been part of my repertoire since I won a primary school story competition. I’ve written magazine articles, a column on business networking, Sects & the City for In-Business Wellington, a novelette about the final days of Anne Boleyn (an honours degree in Medieval History explains this) and an exhibition and short book Food Futures: The Face of Tomorrow. A few years ago, I ghost-wrote an autobiography for a top sales professional. I’ve just launched a book drawn from my professional practice, Brands with Moxie: Eight Steps to a Winning Brand, which is available on Amazon.com in Kindle and paperback formats. Check out my books.
My day job
Becoming co-owner and managing director of creative agency Moxie Communications in 2010 was a natural extension of a career focused on helping great ideas reach the world. During this time, I have led a wide variety of successful brand development projects, confirming the transformational power of carefully positioned brands.
Prior to Moxie, I worked for startups that went on to become global brands and co-founded several businesses. These include a pioneering smartphone app for events and New Zealand’s first virtual events producer. I’ve held senior management and governance roles in four countries across several sectors.
At leisure
I love singing, bush walking, animals and birds, reading, history, comedy and satire, summer … good food and wine. The last two are preferably shared with close friends and family.
Why I write
The world is a scary place at the moment. I aim to make my writing as upbeat as possible, and I imbue it with all the brio and humour I can muster to bring some cheer and respite from ‘the glums’, even when I’m writing about challenging subjects.
I am saddened by how many people feel invisible or less valued as they age. I wish everyone could feel valid, vibrant, and colourful, particularly as they age. I’d be thrilled if sharing my experiences and viewpoints could help, even in a minor way.
Most of all, I write because I enjoy writing. I’m an essayist at heart and relish the challenge of putting together a well-crafted story. I draw heavily on my own experience and observations or triggers from things I’ve experienced, seen or read.
I’ve lived a pretty full and varied life. It hasn’t all been plain sailing. But a lot of things that haven’t killed me have most certainly made me stronger, helped by a lot of navel-gazing to understand why they nearly killed me in the first place. Writing helps me make sense of it all.