Stuart Rogers

My story so far 

During my early years, although a mischievous child, I was surrounded by a loving family, particularly my sister. Due to working parents, I became quite independent and although not particularly academic, excelled at sport and music.

My teenage years were defined mostly by playing bass guitar and singing in the rock band Likwid Ice, girlfriends, racing around on motorbikes and a first lads’ holiday in the seaside town of Newquay.

By 25, I married Jackie, my one and only choice and got my first proper job. We didn’t have much money; however, it was a good healthy time of life. The arrival of my son Jacob was sandwiched between two quite different roles, an agency fundraising for UNICEF and working for an American corporate. During this period I discovered my love for travel and extended my love for football by starting a Supporters Trust at Bristol City FC, and here I am 25 years later still involved!

Having already lost my mother who was aged 63, my father, who worked until he was 84, passed away aged 87, which bought about a heightened awareness of my own health and work life balance. That said, there was little slow down in volunteer activities through Church and Football.

Driven by a sense of injustice and inequality, particularly politically, being inclusive and increasingly aware of how I say things have become paramount, often learning from my mistakes. I tend to exude positivity and passionate energy and enthusiasm in all that I do. People tend to come up and talk to me, especially on trains and generally in public places. I find that focusing on active listening to give everyone my full attention and being hands on, leads people to follow me. Probably born out of a fear of being alone, I take a level of comfort being around strangers in various communities, especially women who I have a great admiration for, especially leading figures in sport.

Being made redundant on 3 occasions was beyond my control, however out of choice I fully commit and am loyal to all things I take on to see things improve for others. I see a future of learning and earning through a range of my own initiatives in collaboration with others. I love learning, especially in busy and chaotic places around the world, whilst at times feeling comfortable in my own space on a beach or other places to reflect. I choose to remain flexible and fit into situations wherever I find myself. I will be the first to acknowledge over consumption of fuel, energy, food and income, which I see reflected in people’s daily lifestyles driven through peer pressure, propaganda and greed. That awareness of the need to avoid illness nags away at me, so a late rush to eat healthier and exercise is in place. A timely reminder to remain active is the company of elders, where I revel in their wisdom and core values, honed during harder times of less choice and opportunity.

For me, being prosperous is not all about money, whilst that is an enabler. Being surrounded by people with good energy and seekers of opportunity provide my motivation. That, along with engaging in communities where there is benefit to others is massively valued and motivating.

The future will be a portfolio of projects both at home and abroad. Some leading to prosperity in its widest sense and others just for fun. I will surround myself with others, continue to learn and above all just keep myself busy.