Talking to my former colleague, Kevin Parry, Chairman of Royal London Group, recently, I was reminded of just how much ground he and I had covered in the three years we worked together. We weren’t reminiscing, which evokes images of gentle chatter, instead we were discussing ideas for what is next as I leave my role at Royal London after 11 years. As we looked forward, we jumped seamlessly to-and-fro from the future to the past and back into the present, from events that were major to other minor moments. We had lots to talk about.

I left that lunch knowing I have many options and opportunities as I continue in my career. This is partly due to demand but mostly because I have developed my skills and experience to widen what I can do. I also know what I do well. This happy position has arisen from being restless. Like many Scots, I like to improve, adapt and achieve.