I studied BA Combined Honours in Philosophy and Theology at the University of Exeter from 2006–2009, and my time there played a big role in shaping how I think and approach problems today. I’m now working as a consultant, focusing on improving how organisations operate and helping teams deliver better outcomes. What I enjoy most about this sector is the variety—no two challenges are the same—and the opportunity to work with different people to make meaningful, practical improvements.
Before CofE ministry, I had my own business, Open Projects Furniture, building bespoke solid-wood items in Kidderminster. This was an offshoot of an arts/crafts cooperative, Open Projects, that I co-founded in Liverpool, which included Open Design, Open Print and Open Productions. After early retirement from ministry, I managed Blagovest, a Russian Choir, co-founded the Anglican Dept of the global Catholic Redemptorist Publications, as an Associate Writer. I was appointed Deputy Editor of Literary Magic, an online magazine published from New York, and I wrote The Legend of Aranrhod, which won a national award for the Best Marketed Self-published Novel in 2007. During my ministry I wrote the lyrics for a trilogy of biblical musicals , Rock On Simon Peter, The Damascus Roadshow, and Saul – tour venues included churches, schools, a theatre and a prison. Finally, full Disclosure: firstly, I abandoned my PhD and an academic career, initially corrupted by reading Dr Zhivago on a research trip to Paris in springtime, but ultimately in order to translate, produce and tour a French miracle play around five cathedrals of medieval Mercia; secondly, I disgraced myself as Sec of the Uni Squash Team when I discovered girls. I hope by now I’m forgiven on both counts.