Will is a co-founder of Synthesis. Day-to-day, his role bridges our key client partnerships and our technology development, ensuring that our Data Science and Engineering teams are working on unlocking their thorniest problems in the most inspiring and impactful ways.
The Yussef Dayes Experience, in advance of seeing him play in Singapore. Love the videos of his concerts played to nature in these beautiful locations — check out the Joshua Tree set when you have 20 minutes to disconnect from the rest of the world.
Taskmaster. I know this should probably be a high culture selection, but this has been a treat on two counts. First, as an evening ritual with my two daughters who have loved connecting with its singularly British weirdness. Second, as a talking point with friends in the US who have discovered new parts of the British comedy scene.
Atul Gawande — Being Mortal. This is an incredibly poignant book, and such an insightful one in relation to how we have prioritized extending life beyond any other measure of wellness or happiness. It’s a great reminder to pause and reflect on what are the things we wouldn’t want to compromise.
My balcony at sunrise. I have always been a morning person, and having that moment of quiet solitude to spend with a great story or an article someone has shared with me—and a coffee so I am ready to give some energy for my kids when they wake up—sets up a much more thoughtful and measured day.
Philosiphize This. In an era of two-person conversational podcasts, Stephen West does a great job injecting his passion while retaining clarity of complex concepts while running solo. His recent episodes on Kafka and his influence on Hannah Arendt were an inspiration to revisit the original material.
“Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride”
Eddy Merckx
I love this quote from one of cycling’s great champions, which applies to so much beyond cycling. It’s so easy to obsess over whether you're doing enough, doing it right or doing it well, but your best bet is to just start doing it.
The South Bank in London. It’s where I went on my first date with my wife and where we subsequently spent many happy evenings and weekends at the galleries, theaters and markets, along with our two daughters. I even planned to propose to her there (in Gabriel’s Wharf), but had second thoughts and popped the question in private!
Comics… but not the Marvel or DC variety. My daughters both love graphic novels and have been experimenting with their own stories for years. I have saved a few of my favorites from the recycling. There are some real gems. I hope you’ll get to experience the joy of reading about Super Buff Chad some time in the years to come.
Olives. Ever since I was a kid I’ve never been happier than when sitting and working my way through a bowl of olives. If I had to choose…? Some good oil-rich Nocellara olives. But I think the habit started with salty Kalamata olives back when I was still in a pushchair in Crete.
I run or ride my bike. As the body works and you feel that focus on the effort of going up a hill or keeping good form, there is a beautiful freedom for the rest of the mind to wander. All the better if I can get outside and feel the change of the day in the morning or evening at the same time.
Playing the guitar. I was inspired by my dad, who took it up in his retirement. I had told myself there wouldn’t be enough time to learn an instrument now, but 6 months and 15-30 minutes each day and I’m able to play some recognisable tunes. It’s a wonderful break to switch mental gears towards the end of a day.
Travelling to new parts of the UK with my daughters. We’ve lived away from the UK for most of their lives, so each trip back for the last few years we’ve been building in trips to visit different parts of the country to build their connection to the stories from Britain. Next up: Glasgow and the Trossachs.
Email him at will@synthesis.partners
