What is your greatest fear?
That I won’t make a difference

What is your biggest regret?
That I can’t play a musical instrument

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Holidaying with Kimarli and my two amazing kids on a remote, cold mountain somewhere [with an empty inbox]

On what occasion do you lie?
When I respond to an email weeks later and blame an overzealous spam filter

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I’m torn between my horse teeth and being too thin

What is your most marked characteristic?
Over optimism, dropping bricks

What is your most treasured possession?
Don’t want it held to ransom…

What is your greatest extravagance?
Just bought a Leica – it looks serious and can take full advantage of my potential

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Not getting to the point

Which historical figure do you admire most?
Winston Churchill

Who are your favourite writers?
John le Carrè – 20th century biographies and history

Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More – I really enjoy what I do now

What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
God is in the details

What was your favourite food as a child?
Sausages and mash. Now deadly

When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?
I went cycling around the country with some nutters. Temporarily lapsed, but I will be back!

What impact do you want to leave on the world?
To create the first Sri Lankan luxury leisure brand

Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Tintin

If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?
007

When you’re 90 years old, what will matter most to you?
That I feel 70