I've written a book called " I Climbed Kilimanjaro- and learnt things".  I drafted in a guest interviewer. Tony Roe worked  for the BBC for a few years. He knows what he's doing. It was good to chat with him in his garden and relive the ascent of the highest mountain in Africa.

And how does this fit into the podcast series. Well, if I Did You Can !

Thanks Tony.

In this episode Phil Crompton introduces his new book " I Climbed Kilimanjaro and learnt things ( and if I Did You Can )". Available through Amazon.

He sets the scene for what's to follow.

A shy boy from Letchworth who had trials with Luton Town FC is now one of the East Midlands' most experienced barristers. As a 14 year old he never considered the Law as a career.  Spending time in France picking grapes and cracking jokes  led him to think he had more to offer the world and he set off on the path to becoming as barrister. What an insight Phil gives us.

Ruth thought that accountancy might be for her but then she was so switched off by A level maths that she started to look at other options. She considered tree surgery and dental nursing after completing a degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies at Lancaster University. Then someone explained to her that maths was less important than a love of numbers and an ability to get on with people in  the world of accountancy. 10 years later she's an experienced Chartered Accountant. Funny how life works out.

Jacqui's story is remarkable. She is now Head of Crime for a major legal company and is a highly respected solicitor. But at 14 she was firmly of the view that the Law wasn't an appropriate career for a girl from a working class area in North Western England who attended a large comprehensive school. Indeed she studied Social Studies at university and became a Probation Officer at a ridiculously young age. By the time she was 30 she had grown just a little frustrated by hearing her reports  read out in Court by barristers and solicitors and decided to study further. It involved much work  a pay cut. Oh.... and she had 2 small children.
Jacqui's story just has to be heard. It's amazing what you can do with your life.

Naomi is a rarity. She knew from an early age what she wanted to do with her life. Her career as a midwife has brought her so much satisfaction. It's lovely to hear someone who is in her element.

Really interesting conversation with Lewis. He went to Harrow School - that in itself was an eye opener. Very few vets seem to have emerged from Harrow, but Winston Churchill did. Lewis has worked in Florida, Queensland and  at the home of horse racing, Newmarket. He currently operates on horses in Leicestershire. I had never had a conversation with an equine vet, let along one who went to Harrow. A very illuminating chat.

I've known " Two Careers Carlisle" for a long time. He says he's lucky. I suppose he might be but there's far more to him than that. He spent a long career as an engineer, travelling all over the world in a variety of roles. Then he set up a camper van business. And that worked better than expected.  Great to chat with Peter about growing up in South Wales, messing up his A levels and then turning a holiday job into a career. 

I met  Gemma when she working at one of our schools in Nottingham. I was sad when she left because she was a very good Head of Year. Now she   lives in Hong Kong. At 14 she wasn't really sure what she wanted from life but knew that she loved to be creative and  it would be wonderful if she could travel too.  When I spoke to her she was able to show me her view over Hong Kong with the harbour in the distance. Her working life gives her the chance to create and to help others create. Things have worked out for Gemma. I'm pleased.

Sonia is from East London. She  earned a degree by studying at a university in France and one in England. Alternate terms in each country. How brave is that ? She suggested that 'Women in Transpor't might need a CEO and that she was willing to do the job. "But there no money " they said. " Don't worry" said Sonia " I'll raise it myself".   What a creative thinker. Loved chatting to Sonia.