Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > OV Interviews > Eleven Questions (Don't Focus on the Money!) - Russell Lowe (OV2000)

Eleven Questions (Don't Focus on the Money!) - Russell Lowe (OV2000)

The second Eleven Questions interview focuses on Corporate Partner to the school, and OV2000, Russell Lowe.
Russell Lowe OV2000
Russell Lowe OV2000

Featured

Rugby, Red House
1. What is your most lasting memory of your time at BVGS and what are you doing now?
Whilst I have many, my fondest memory would be the German School exchange I took part in. To be sent to live with a foreign family with barely any understanding of what they were saying certainly meant I had to learn to communicate in other ways quickly!
I’m now a Director of a Wealth Management business, dealing primarily with Company Directors and High-Net-Worth Individuals.

2. How did BVGS prepare you for the path you took after leaving?
I think BVGS instilled in me the discipline needed to succeed. Whilst all my friends from the local school were home two hours earlier than me and with half the homework, at the time it seemed unfair but now I realise it actually did me some good.

3. What was your favourite subject at BVGS and how did it impact you?
Economics – We did an exercise where we picked a virtual share portfolio and then bought and sold them as the year went on to try and generate a profit. This was the start of my involvement with the world of shares and markets, something which I continue to be involved in heavily to this day.

4. Which of your teachers at BVGS was most influential for you and why?
Without a doubt, Mr Sadler.  He had the rare ability of being able to make lessons hugely enjoyable whilst still commanding absolute respect from his pupils. I always looked forward to his lessons.

5. Is your life similar or different than the way you imagined it would be when you left BVGS and how?
When I left after A-Levels, I had no idea what I was going to do, just that I wanted to earn as much money as possible. By luck I ended up working in share-dealing in an industry I already had an interest in, and have worked hard ever since to establish my own business.

6. What advice would you give your 18-year old self now?
Don’t focus on the money – focus on what makes you happy.

7. How do you define success and has that changed over time?
Immediately after leaving school, I would have defined success by the amount of money you earnt.  Actually, success to me is about being able to do what you want, when you want and having the ability to enjoy life with your family to the full.

8. What extra-curricular activities did you take part in at BVGS?
In the earlier years, the Rugby team.  However, in the later years ‘extra-curricular’ activities involved all the things I don’t think the school would recommend!

9. Do you still keep in touch with your BVGS contemporaries? 
Yes - most of my best friends are from my time at BVGS – I even have one of them working for me.

10. Which house did you belong to?
Red House

11. Is there something you would do differently if you could go back to your time at BVGS?
I’d definitely have made the most of all of the opportunities available. At the time you don’t realise it, but BVGS offered so much I didn’t take advantage of.

Similar stories

Paul Giannecchini (OV2002) delivering his seminar on engineering

A number of former students returned to school last weekend to assist current students with careers advice as part of the school Jobs and Careers Fair. More...

Geography teacher and rugby coach Tom Greenwood (OV2009) shares some of his experiences of his time at Vesey. More...

London Networking

The first London Old Veseyan social networking event will be held on Tuesday 7th November. More...

Chairman of the Old Veseyan Association, Paul Wallis

Our new Eleven Question interview is on Paul Wallis. Veseyans Rugby Club stalwart and current chairman of the Old Veseya… More...

25 Corpoate Partnerships have now been confirmed

The Corporate Partnerships programme has now been capped at 25 until Septmber 2017 after the remaining two places were s… More...

Most read

Discover how BVGS recently hosted a dynamic Careers Day, featuring esteemed alumni sharing their insights and expertise with current students. More...

1st XV Rugby 1949/50

The Old Veseyan Association was conceived in its’ present format in July 1913. The mantra of the Association is “The Renewal of Old Friendships and th… More...

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of one of our former Vesey staff, Mr Mike Sadler, Head of Languages for 37 years.  More...

Have your say

 
This website is powered by
ToucanTech