I was born in a small mining town in Africa, on “The Copper Belt” in Zambia, where my father worked as an accountant for Anglo American.
My junior school days were spent at a boarding school in Zimbabwe—a different country. Getting there involved a two-day bus trip with three border crossings, which quickly fostered my independence. The small school I was lucky enough to attend was set on 20,000 acres of African bush, surrounded by farmland. This was a remarkable environment for a young boy. Weekends were filled with sailing on the local dam, riding horses, and holidays spent hunting, fishing, or working on nearby farms—herding cattle and exploring the land.

High school took me to Prince Edward Boys High School in Harare, Zimbabwe, one of the country’s most historic and respected schools. There, I learned the value of tradition, discipline, sport, and cultural involvement. The school’s motto was “Tot Facienda, Parum Factum” (So much to do, so little done). These were reportedly the last words written by the British explorer David Livingstone before his death. These words have come to be me deeply important to me. As a student, I initially saw it as a indictment on my lack of academic achievement! But over time, it has become a personal mantra. It has instilled in me a passion to strive for continuous growth and learning, and to contribute meaningfully to society. I am grateful for being part of a journey of ongoing discovery and improvement.