In 1987 I had completed my D.Phil in Philosophy of Mind in Oxford, been working for 3 years in London and wanted to study a practical subject - Public Administration - where I could learn both from academics and from colleagues in the very different environment of Newark, NJ.  My focus changed from developing theory to understanding the practical importance of contingency - studying HR with a Marxist professor in the Jersey City Police Academy; an internship at Newark Hospital at the height of the AIDS crisis; and preparing a dissertation on Peer Review of grant applications.  My student peers were in full-time work, intrigued by me, super-hospitable and happy to exchange learning from their practical experience and perspectives.  Diversity of thought, background and physical characteristics was not just an important academic topic but an even more important ,and conspicuous, part of lived experience that year.  Even the fun was educational and the education was fun. 

My career has been as a Finance Director in professional service firms and educational institutions with voluntary work as a Mentor and as Trustee on Charity Boards. I am on the Board currently helping to establish the newly formed Citizens Advice London, am Treasurer of Citizens Advice Westminster and a Trustee of Highgate Cemetery supporting a seven-year, £18 million project 'Unlocking Highgate Cemetery'.