Wife: Juliet
Son: Tom – is turning 35 (in 2024) in mid-June. Tom is a comedian (he gets his sense of humour from his mother). He got married in November 2023 to Demi who is also a comedian (they’re a bundle of laughs together). Last year, Tom was invited to do some gigs in Korea. To my relief, unlike his father, he didn’t have to travel via Italy, India and Japan to get there.
Business
My business, Strand Estates, has just turned 35. Its focus is currently the management of a small portfolio of industrial property. In earlier times, I have been intensely involved in a number of refurbishment and development projects. I have been a sole operator for many years and have been fortunate to select a couple of business partners who have stood the test of time. Neither Juliet or Tom has any interest in the real estate industry and, in the last year or so, I have endeavoured to wean myself of involvement in day-to-day activities. Fortunately, I believe I have been able to find someone to take charge of things, as and when I (as my accountant calls it) take a permanent holiday. I have to confess I have found the transition to a less active work-life difficult and I am probably best described as work in progress.
Reflections on IMI
I had the privilege of meeting Campbell Brown, son of Ian and Petula, prior to his acceptance into the IMD MBA program. Campbell asked me about my initial motivations for embarking on the MBA at IMI and its impact on my business career. Firstly, the greatest surprise was being accepted on the course. My motivations were multiple and included a desire to expand my practical and intellectual horizons. I also thought the MBA would give me a passport out of the real estate industry. As things transpired, I elected to rely on my core real estate skills and remain in the industry. I also decided to turn my back on the corporate world. I am a clearer thinker, strategist and problem solver as a consequence of my time at IMI. Knowing what I know now, I would still jump at the opportunity to study at IMD.
Friendships are one of the greatest gifts from my time at IMI. In the past 40 years, I hope we have all benefitted from friendships with classmates from all over the world. Apart from my Australian compatriots, I have been fortunate to keep in touch with many. Raj has been to Sydney several times and, over the years, we have enjoyed visits from Jonathan, Ian, Johan, Klaus, Tilak and Poochi, Norm and Patti and Fredy and Franzisca. On several occasions, whilst visiting the Montreux Jazz Festival, we have been regally entertained by Ian and Genevieve. I also engage in semi-regular correspondence with Bob who is gracious enough to tolerate my despair for the future of his country and its impact on the wider world.
Interests
Theatre
Live music – particularly jazz and blues
Golf
Skiing
Coordinates
3/111 North Steyne, Manly, NSW 2095
Company: Suite 2, 12-14 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW 2095
Updated 2024-06-11