Coffee with Mark Grenside
Mark Grenside
Age 60-something
Foundering Partner in Dragonfly Biosciences, Published Author, CEO MNG Films and Blogger
Zoom Coffee
Describe your career path in two or three sentences including any twist or turns ending with where you are now.
I always walked to the beat of my own drum. I look forward so from my point of view, I am headed in a straight line. It's only when you look back you can see the swerves.
Well, I think you are being a little modest so I am going to read from your bio.
You began your career straight out of school at Lloyds of London specializing in kidnap, ransom and extortion insurance.
Then at 25, you decided it was time to dump the suit and tie and make a career change and that started your 35 year media career. First, working for Jim Henson and The Muppets and later getting involved in almost every aspect of entertainment. You’ve been a producer for a number of television and mini-series and owned a music management company launching million seller artist Neneh Cherry.
In 2016 you decided to move to Malta in 2016 with your wife where you’ve morphed into a serial entrepreneur. Your are now a co-owner in one of the largest licensed Cannabis companies in Europe Dragonfly Biosciences. And in May of this year you published your first thrill book, Fall Out.
“If you keep on taking risks after risk after risk, occasionally you win. And that’s what matters.”
What advice would you give your 20 year old self knowing what you do now? And what advice would you tell her / him to ignore?
Do something you enjoy, not what someone else decides is the career for you. If you cannot decide, write down all the things you don't want to do and you will be surprised how this can point you in the right direction.
Where or to whom do you look for inspiration?
Anyone who took a long time to be proved right.
When you are feeling stuck or uninspired, what actions do you take or what questions do you ask yourself?
I go for a drive.
Because, I like slightly older sports cars that don't have traction control or any of the aids you have to concentrate. And if you concentrate on what you are doing, subconsciously its like a release gate, things sort of clear up and the problems don’t seem so difficult, even though you are not thinking about them directly.
We, and I also mean me, can become incredibly inward looking, sitting behind a desk and thinking oh no, the world is ending. Sometimes, you just need to completely change the environment and realise there are still good things.
In the last 5 years what new belief, behaviour or habit has most improved your working life?
We left the comfort and predictability of London and started somewhere completely new. It forced us into making new friends, learning another culture. It also helped regenerate myself, build up my self confidence and drove the hunger to keep learning something new.
If you could put one quote or piece of advice on a big billboard for everyone over 50 to see what would it be?
"It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly... who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.
Teddy Roosevelt
What is the book or podcast you most recommend for someone thinking about designing their post-50 work life?
You mean apart from The 50.50 Project?!
I think it's the voice inside saying 'I can do this' that is so often shouted down by self doubt and the jealousy of others less brave. Listen to the little voice.
