Exploring the Past to Shape the Future: What Makes Me Who I Am

Going back to my roots.

Sitting on the roof of my Volvo, with my rooftop tent still for sale (by the way, don't let winter put you off!), I often reflect on what makes me who I am. Both professionally and personally, I've always been driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a passion for discovery, particularly when it comes to understanding the world of brands and, dare I say, "retail"—a word I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with as you know.

For over 30 years, I've immersed myself in the retail industry, working with founders, brands, and creatives. I’ve always sought to uncover the stories that shape their past, as it gives me invaluable insight into where their future could lead. What surprises me most, though, is how much of my own professional journey is tied to something deeper in my personal history.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that retailing might actually be in my blood. Neville family members like JJ Neville were already at it in the 1850s, selling items like shoes, beer, and other essential goods of the day. It's both a curious coincidence and a sort of fateful revelation. Is it DNA? An ancestral calling? Who knows? But while I'm not a billionaire family brand owner (yet), the learning, the passion, and the drive certainly continue.

This discovery about my family's past has only sharpened my focus on what really matters when working with brands: the connection between past and present, and how the legacy of history informs the next chapter. And so, as I continue to navigate my professional path, I do so with an awareness of how much the past plays a role in shaping the future, even when that past stretches back to the 1850s.

In the end, who I am today is a combination of passion, history, curiosity, and the thrill of uncovering what came before so I can better craft what’s next. It’s about more than just "retail"—it’s about understanding the deeper story, because in that story lies the key to creating something truly meaningful.

Finally many thanks for all the great feedback and enthusiasm around my ramblings it is truly humbling that you take time out of your busy days to read and share with me.

As always love and peace to you all.

Bob