CHIEF EXECUTIVE The Drum, Birmingham (2005–present)
A well-worked business strategy and a desire to transform the Drum were the drivers behind a change in perception and performance. In the beginning, we had to work hard at building relationships, confidence and trust through formal and informal consultative settings – a lot of talking! Five years on we could measure our achievements by annual increases in audiences and box office, the success of the Young Gifted Brum programme or improvements in customer care. I would suggest that the steady development of partnerships with artists, venues and others as the heart of our success.

CONSULTANT and DIRECTOR 360interventions Ltd (2002–2005)
At the beginning of this period of my career, I analysed my past and decided my future. This enabled me to undertake some excellent interim positions, as Director of Environment and Leisure, Northampton Council and Cultural Strategy Manager, London Borough of Harrow.

CHIEF OFFICER Arts and Leisure Services, London Borough Waltham Forest (1992–2000)
This was the most enjoyable part of my professional career, because I was faced with all of the challenges necessary to make a job interesting. I was fortunate to have had an enthusiastic senior management team and senior officers who understood the power of consultation to work with to bring about the merger of arts and libraries with recreation, restructure services into three neighbourhoods and make the case for arts and leisure.

NEIGHBOURHOOD LEISURE OFFICER London Borough Tower Hamlets (1988–1992)
This was a very challenging time for me: I was studying for my MBA and had to develop a service within the context of demands for better housing and services for the local Bangladeshi and wider communities. This was the period in my professional life when I learnt the most about management, communities and politics.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTS OFFICER London Borough of Haringey (1986–1888) It was an honour to have worked for Bernie Grant, Leader of Haringey Council, to develop communities through the arts and to help run the Festival Against Racism. In 1988, I was appointed the festival’s organiser with overall responsibility. I was surely in the deep end but soon discovered how to trust and empower others, and went on to deliver two successful festivals.

CO-ORDINATOR Jenako Arts (1983–1986)
In 1983 I made an important decision; to move from the fashion industry to community arts. I was fortunate to have received some good advice from a member of Hackney Council arts team. The advice was simple: if I wanted to work as an arts and entertainments officer I should get as much unpaid arts experience as possible. I quickly gained valuable information about African and Indian music and dance and was comfortable being the co-ordinator and salesman amongst artists. This led me to a Diploma in Management Studies.