This is the first of two posts introducing our team. First up today is Matt. In a couple of days, we'll meet the other half of Giftwhale - Tom.
Rather than sit down with a lengthy interview we decided upon a simple Q & A format. We have picked some questions from standard ice-breaker style events so read on to see how much you can learn about Matt and what his passions are...
What is the one word you would use to describe yourself as a child? Restless
How do you relax? I'm a bit of a workaholic so I tend to work on things I enjoy to relax. When I can break the habit of work, I'll relax by lifting weights down the gym or going for a nice walk away from all our modern technology.
What trait do you most admire in others? Integrity
What was your favourite subject at school? Maths
Biggest achievement: Starting my own digital agency with a good friend, and running that successfully for 4 years. Looking back I think the only reason we managed to get so far was pure naivety, which really paid off.
Favourite film: Fantastic Mr Fox
Favourite food: Pizza
When are you happiest? Scuba diving or snorkelling in warm water with my wife
Best holiday: Our honeymoon in the Maldives
What was your best toy as a child? Not so much a toy, but I had a fish tank as a child which I cared for, and loved probably more than anything else. I had a huge sucker-fish called Susan, and she eventually grew so big I was scared to put my hand in the tank.
What is the most important thing you have learnt in the last year? Luck doesn't exist. Through hard work, tenacity, and time management there is so much you can achieve, and none of it is down to the magical nature of so-called luck
Describe a perfect day: Waking up in a beachside cottage on a quiet part of a beautiful beach. A swim in the sea, a walk through the jungle, with some tasty fresh food throughout.
If you could sum up Tom in one word: Industrious
