Nigel Richards

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Semi-retired

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Investment and music.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Business and music have been twin passions since I was 16.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The lasting element has been the friendships/contacts with classmates. The highest and the lowest were the group exercises. Underlying that was the updating of my business skills.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The classmates.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

20 minutes from home. At 68 that was significant though I’d though about Oxford and London for a second Masters.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Two ears one mouth, articulateness, sometimes the ball only bounces once, persistence and focus – so easy to get diverted.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

No-one could. I left school at 16 with O levels and could not wait to get into business. After becoming a millionaire I went to TCD at 47 and 4 years later graduated top of the single honours class. At 68 I did the One Planet MBA at Exeter after 40 years of owning and running my very successful businesses. Best advice is to follow something you really enjoy. The destination may change/evolve en route but it will be in the light of your increased knowledge especially of yourself

What are your plans for the future?

Music, investment, family, friends. travel when it’s safer, putting something back.