Reflecting on my journey from RGS to my current role at Nothing Technology, I can see how each stage has shaped not only my career but also my approach to life and learning. RGS provided me with a platform to develop the mindset, work ethic, and sense of responsibility that have stayed with me ever since. The environment encouraged ambition, high standards, and a healthy sense of competition. Mentors like John and Jane Manfield left a lasting impression with their resilience, approachability, and vision to find a path through any challenge. Beyond academics, the opportunity to take on leadership and coaching roles - whether on the rugby pitch or through the Sixth Form mentoring program - taught me the value of accountability and responsibility, lessons that have served me well as I have grown into my career.

Looking back, some of the most enduring lessons from my school years were about maintaining clarity under pressure and mastering the softer skills of interaction - how to greet someone genuinely, show respect, and build rapport without trying too hard. These lessons proved invaluable as I navigated a career spanning sales & marketing in the technology industry.

At Nottingham University, I built on the foundations laid at RGS, learning to put myself forward, engage with new people, and work out the kind of person I wanted to be. Experiences like running for University Rugby Club President drew directly on the confidence and public speaking skills I had developed at school. Academically, balancing sport, social life, and studies tested my discipline, but the habits instilled at RGS helped me achieve the 2.1 degree I aimed for.

My first professional role came during the 2011 recession, at a small marketing agency. It was a competitive market, and I quickly learned the value of early work experience, humility, and the willingness to start at the bottom while building momentum. Success in the early stages of a career often comes from attitude, curiosity, and perseverance rather than prior accolades - but opportunities are easier to create if you’ve invested time gaining work experience at a younger age.

From early account roles to senior commercial roles at Samsung and now at Nothing, a few pivotal moments shaped my trajectory. Moving from Agency-side to in-house in Samsung’s TV/AV division was a significant step, but a true turning point came when I was invited to switch from Marketing to a Commercial role in the Mobile division. Managing the Carphone Warehouse account - a massive, high-profile responsibility - was a baptism of fire. Taking the leap was worth it; I found my true passion in the commercial arena, and proved that the faith placed in me was not misplaced. These experiences reinforced the importance of taking calculated risks and trusting yourself, your ability and the guidance of others.

These experiences have profoundly shaped my leadership style. I try to lead with trust, personal connection, and the goal of clearing the way for my team to do their best work. Principles like doing the right thing when nobody’s watching and appreciating the value of listening and understanding first. Adaptability has also been essential. After nearly a decade at Samsung, I embraced the challenge of joining Nothing Technology, a fast-growing challenger brand, where I aimed to contribute meaningfully in an ambitious tech business in the UK & Ireland.

Along the way, relationships have been crucial. From the healthy rivalry with my brother George (who also captained the RGS 1st XV three years after me) to the mentorship of leaders like Guy Sanderson, Neil Roberts, and Dai Bader at RGS, I’ve learned the importance of support, challenge, and accountability. Complacency is dangerous; it’s the drive to improve quietly behind the scenes that makes a real difference.

My motivation now is strongly shaped by my young family - I want to give my children a good life while also being present in the everyday moments. I aim to bring this roundedness into work, understanding diverse perspectives, listening, and making decisions informed by a broad view and the experiences of the team around me.

Jack's Top Tip

For young professionals starting their careers, my advice is simple: build your network, stay humble, be willing to fail and learn from it, and always treat people with respect. Self-awareness, curiosity, and a willingness to help others are invaluable tools - they leave lasting impressions and open doors you can’t anticipate.

Ultimately, every stage of my journey - from school projects to leading teams in a competitive tech industry - has reinforced that progress is about discipline, adaptability, cultivating relationships, and the courage to take calculated risks when the right opportunities present themselves.