There has been much debate recently in the UK about the current GCSE exam format. On the one side are those that argue it should be scrapped in favour of a complex testing process to produce stronger candidates; others believe this disadvantages those youngsters who buckle under the pressure of examination conditions. Both sides have valid points but surely what’s being ignored is the bigger picture - making sure these future employees graduate with the life skills needed for their working lives ahead.

Blue sky thinking

In a classroom environment, children who question teachers are labelled as trouble makers, and those that take things apart as delinquent. But surely that’s exactly what’s needed in today’s world?

Rather than a workforce of followers, I like to hire people who think outside the box, question everything and challenge the rulebook – as long as it’s legal. Let’s face it, if Columbus hadn’t sailed out to check, perhaps many would still believe the world was flat.

As a hacker, my instinct is not just to try what I know works but look for ways so that it doesn’t. As a businessman I recognise that just because something’s always been done a certain way doesn’t necessarily make it right. I need to constantly evolve, and ensure my business does too, if we’re both to survive.

What about the box?

The same is true for technology. It too is continually evolving and employees who are scared of change are going to hinder utilising these advancements.


In the classroom children need to embrace exploration and excite in the discovery, not run from the prospect. As we continue to rely on technology, for even the most basic of functions in the workplace, the ability to look at a problem from every conceivable angle, to discover a working alternative, is a necessity.

Does this mean we need a shake-up of the examinations our children take? Who knows, I certainly don’t claim to be informed enough to make that judgement. What I do know is the curriculum and teaching practices need revolutionising to ensure technology isn’t just used for other subjects, but learned in its own right.

Play to your strengths

When playing video games as a child, I would always look for ways to ‘break’ the code to secure myself additional ammo, extra units or create different guises. There will be some who see it as cheating, but is it? Surely I’m just using my skills effectively. For me, the fun of the game is beating the game designers. If it gives me an edge then shouldn’t that be applauded rather than something to be ashamed of?

Transferring this to my career, I wouldn’t have got very far if I gave up at the first hurdle. Similarly, I wouldn’t have made many sales if I stopped with the first no. What we need our youth to value is tenacity, not just an A*.