"WHAT DOES THE F.R.S.A MEAN AT THE END OF YOUR NAME!?"

I've had this question 7 times already this week since I launched my new personal branding, so thought I'd answer publicly in case it's of interest to anyone else! (Totally fine if it's not, but seems a popular question! :)

It stands for Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufacture & Commerce. The RSA is a 250 year old organisation that been at the forefront of significant social impact for that entire time. Their proven change process, rigorous research, innovative ideas platforms and diverse global community of problem-solvers, deliver solutions for lasting change.

Fellowship is only awarded to those who can demonstrate that they have made significant contributions to social change, and support the mission of the RSA. Fellows of the RSA are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FRSA, and gain access to the RSA Library (Charing Cross) and to other premises, meeting rooms and function rooms in central London.

How did I become a Fellow?

In 1999, I designed an intelligent hand gun security device for the American market, designed to prevent accidental shootings in the home, that have for years caused thousands of preventable deaths in under 16s. This design, and the prototype device that I built, were entered into the annual RSA design awards in 2000, and of the 782 projects entered, from 19 different countries, mine won. I was subsequently made an honorary Fellow of the society, given a ￡10,000 bursary, and funded to travel the U.S. for several weeks to gain work experience and explore getting the device into production.

So, now you know! That's why I am Rick O'Neill, FRSA. And why I'm so proud of it.