Business, Curiosity and a European Way of Life
I am a businessman, board professional and advisor, but my interests have always reached far beyond the boardroom.
Business, communication and leadership are an important part of my life, alongside a deep interest in culture, history, travel, design, books, cities, food and the traditions and ideas that shape Europe.
This site brings those worlds together. It is a place for reflections from work and business, but also for observations, experiences and stories from the places I visit, the people I meet and the things that catch my attention.
For me, work and life have never been completely separate. They influence each other, and together they shape how I see business, people and the world around me.
BUSINESS AND LIFESTYLE
My blog
Welcome to my blog, where I bring together perspectives on management, communication and board governance with a personal interest in style, culture, travel and the European way of life.
It is a mix of business insights, observations, experiences and the things that shape how I work, live and see the world.
As sardines are on today’s menu, the table runner features Stig Lindberg’s fish motif, woven by Ekelund Linneväveri
Today’s setup brings together: The table is by EMU, the Italian outdoor furniture manufacturer founded in 1951. The chairs are polypropylene models...
Then let me pack my favourite Fortnum & Mason picnic bag
You told me: Take me back where I hear water flowing. Where I see butterflies to-ing, fro-ing. And please don’t tell me anything. I’d rather fall...
Passalacqua Mehari, one of Naples’ most iconic espresso blends
My Smeg espresso machine is now loaded with Passalacqua Mehari, one of Naples’ most iconic espresso blends. Rich, full-bodied and beautifully...
Now it’s time to make a batch of traditional pickled cucumbers
One of the best things about exploring the countryside is what you discover between the heritage sites. After historic places, you often come across...
I found myself standing alone in the silence of Heda Church, face to face with the nearly 900 year old Heda Madonna
I found myself standing alone in the silence of Heda Church, face to face with the nearly 900 year old Heda Madonna. At first, I admired a...
Interior Design of the Week: This week, my styling, as always, embraces the clean lines of Nordic design, now enriched with a subtle Mediterranean...
Apples, Boxing and Progress
Back in my secret garden once again. Over the past week, the apples have grown and are beginning to turn red. And perhaps I’ve grown a little too....
Fresh shrimps from my local fishmonger
I used to buy fresh shrimps from my local fishmonger, then take my boat out and anchor in my favourite bay for lunch, just as we do on the west...
I’m reading a book about every President of the United States and creating my own ultimate ranking
I’m reading a book about every President of the United States and creating my own ultimate ranking. I haven’t made my way through all of them yet,...
President Ronald Reagan visited West Berlin and delivered one of the most remarkable speeches of the twentieth century
Europe regained not only its unity, but also the opportunity to rebuild and protect a way of life that belongs to one of humanity’s greatest...
I found my own places, just as Hemingway once did
I never made it to Pamplona to sit in Ernest Hemingway’s favourite café, take his seat, and look across the grand salon that inspired so many...
A Gothic quatrefoil, a decorative motif common throughout Europe
One of the joys of wandering without a plan is discovering unexpected details. This small metal ornament caught my eye because, at first glance, it...
I sometimes bring boards out of the boardroom and into the world of art
I sometimes bring boards out of the boardroom and into the world of art. The purpose isn’t to discuss art itself, but to gain fresh perspectives,...
Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me
I am ready with two well-chilled Marianitos, the Basque version of a Negroni, and she is approaching the table. Now it’s my chance. Let’s go with...
They seem to have made Romans 11:33 a little more straightforward
”…et investigabiles viae eius”Romans 11:33 In the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz, they seem to have made Romans 11:33 a little more...
I don’t want to look like everyone else.
So, when hardly anyone wears a tie on a summer evening, I do. I like being a little eccentric and making the look my own. The top button of my shirt...
By skewering green olives, salted anchovies and pickled guindilla peppers
The Gilda was created in the 1940s at Casa Vallés in San Sebastián by skewering green olives, salted anchovies and pickled guindilla peppers. It was...
Communication has become one of the most important competitive advantages in business today
In this case, the board was given a different assignment. They were sent out into the city to look for examples of design and communication that...
Walking through Bilbao, searching for the design, architecture and atmosphere
I spent the day walking through Bilbao, searching for the design, architecture and atmosphere that fill me with inspiration, spark creativity, and...
Blondes have more fun
Blondes have more fun when I match their colors in the dress code.