Tell us a bit about what you’re doing now.

“I publish two educational websites www.economicshelp.org and www.biographyonline.net and have published two economics books.”

How did you get to where you are today?

“I was keen to follow a more independent career and pursue self-employment. I wanted to avoid the ‘9 to 5’ lifestyle, so I focused on what I enjoyed doing which is writing on economics and biographies.

Working for myself allowed me to spend more time cycle training.”

What is your biggest achievement to date?

“Winning the 2013 UK national hill climb championship cycling.”

What inspired you to get into cycling, and in particular what led you to start racing in 2004?

“I like being physically fit.

It’s a good complement to writing at a computer. Racing allows you to see how far you can stretch yourself and to transcend your previous capacity. There is a great sense of satisfaction to continuously improving your performance.”

How would you personally describe how it feels to tackle a cycling challenge (e.g. a Hill Climb or time trial)?

“In a race, especially a short condensed race there is a feeling of great intensity.

You’re on the edge of what is possible and you have a heightened sense of awareness and focus.”

We see you offer meditation classes as a member of Sri Chinmoy Centre – can you tell us a bit more about this?

“In my last year at university, I got interested in meditation.

I found it gave a new dimension to life and realised that being able to quieten the mind and bring the heart to the fore gave a very valuable sense of inner peace and happiness. Now, I give meditation classes for the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Oxford (and sometimes York) where we give people the opportunity to learn about meditation and try it for themselves.”

How do you feel BGS prepared you in terms of your mindset for the future and your achievements?

“I think it was a well-balanced schooling. Good from an academic point of view, but exams were not the only priority.

Cross country running was important, but also the climate which encouraged students to think for themselves, read beyond the syllabus and also learn to respect people with different opinions or cultural backgrounds.”

What are your fondest memories of BGS?

“Cross country training was an influential experience – I learnt about discipline and focus.

I enjoyed A Levels the most (Economics and Politics) as I learnt more about independent thinking and they were subjects which you saw in the real world so I took a greater interest in what was happening in the world of economics/politics.”

Happiness is key to individual achievements at BGS; we note that you have written about happiness, is there any advice you would give to BGS students in their endeavours?

“Yes. It is important to value those things in life which give a more lasting sense of satisfaction.

Sometimes it is good to turn off the electronic screen and challenge yourself in different ways. It can be sport, music, writing etc.Also, there is great happiness from offering some form of service to other people – picking up litter, helping local community or even just being thoughtful and kind.”

What further advice would you give to current pupils at BGS?

“Work hard, get a good education but also there is more to school time than just passing exams.

Take an interest in your subjects and try to work out what really matters to you. Also make time for something outside work – be it sport, music or something else.”