Describe your biggest obstacles in life and how you mastered them.
My biggest obstacle is writer's block… hmmm, I still haven't mastered it.

What was your biggest epiphany: the moment of life-defining change that shaped you into the person you are today?
Getting my head mostly around the theory of evolution, it is a handy ready reckoner for trying to work out the why, when you have no idea about what is going on.

What is your life philosophy? How did you develop this philosophy?
As you so often find, a Maori proverb best encapsulates what you want to express: Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua - As man disappears from sight, the land remains. Growing up next to, and in, native bush and planting out a lifestyle block over the years, I have slowly grown to appreciate the importance of the real world in our lives, and the effects of its absence.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My dad, who survived WW2 battle of Britain, fighting in the Malayan emergency, bringing up 3 kids alone, and was still humble, kind, and fun.

What led you to your career?
The opportunities for learning.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Raising two children to moderately respectable adulthood.

What is your hidden talent or superpower?
Handyman “fixit” skills and power tool collection.

What book/podcast are you reading/listening to now?
Future thinkers, Stuart Craninier & Des Dearlove. Lots of quick punchy ideas.