Guest article: Andrew Pincott
In 2021, Andrew Pincott ‘retired’ from his role as Director of Business Development and Marketing at the leading accountancy firm Kreston Reeves. Here, he talks to David Eaton-Jones and Jeremy Ford in preparing for retirement – or, as they agree, a second career.
A few years ago I returned from a 1,200km charity motorcycle trip across Zambia, raising money to mobilise African health-workers: the Managing Partner of my then City law firm said. “Very laudable. Now welcome back to the real world.” That day I knew there had to be more to life.
Professional services marketing and business development is for many of us a rewarding, well-rewarded, but all-consuming career. So what happens when your passions and life goals extend beyond its embrace?
In 2021, I ended my permanent role in professional services. While I loved the work and the people, I had a nagging feeling I was tackling the same challenges as in previous decades – to no better effect. A flirtation with cancer had also reminded me of my own mortality.
So I stepped back in favour of things that really captured my heart (sorry, ex-colleagues!) helping to run a health transport charity aiding people in Sub-Saharan Africa, volunteering at a local museum and working with the pilots and passengers of vintage aircraft at Biggin Hill.
I am now embracing roles and skills for which 30 years’ of professional services experience barely prepared me. New priorities, professionalisms, personalities and perceptions test my ability to learn, my flexibility (oh, and my fitness). And I am not alone.
As David Eaton-Jones, formerly Head of BD and Product Development at DAC Beachcroft says:
“I wanted to step away from over 30 years’ of life looking for a new challenge, unable and unwilling to put my feet up and become a pensioner. The corporate world, rewarding in many ways over that time, had lost its ability fulfil the need for learning, adventure and new social dynamics. At the same time the loss of several good friends and family members reminded me that time is precious.
“In June 2024, I stepped away from commuting, Teams calls, client demands, strategy meetings and budget planning to become a safari trails guide in a Big Five game reserve in South Africa. My expectation was not necessarily to just to become a guide…. it was more about testing myself, enjoying the journey and building my knowledge and expertise to be able to walk guests safely and respectfully close to some of the most amazing animals, flora and topography on the planet.”
David continues: “It has also been about engaging with new people, whether fellow students from around the world, incredible instructors, passionate conservationists and indigenous communities. When these all come together and you lead your clients (and some friends and family) to within 30m of lions, rhino, elephants and other awe-inspiring creatures, that decision to leave corporate life was totally the right one.”
For Jeremy Ford, former Head of BD & Marketing for Europe at Skadden Arps, “it was about what is next and continuing to enjoy all I do. I loved my job, truly. It was a hard decision to give it up, however, I wanted to explore what more I could do with my life.”
“This decision is unique to each person. For me, it was a few things: I had hit 25 years in the legal sector and was top of the game at Skadden so not sure what the next 5-10 years would really add to my life; my father is 82 and I don’t see him enough; and I have lost multiple close friends/colleagues in recent years to various illnesses, and sadly suicide. These things make you realise the true value of life is time, not money.
“I took 6-9 months to make my decision, think about my responsibilities financially, and try and scope out how the future outside of PAYE would look. Talk to friends who have done it, and get recommendations for a good accountant.
“My strategy was to focus on the two charities for whom I have worked pro bono for many years in the cycling sector, to broaden out my experience of the non-profit world, and to start writing creatively again.”
Jeremy adds: “It has all worked out better than I could have dreamed. I have done some incredible things since ‘retiring’ in December. I just spent five weeks at the Tour de France for both charities; I am being commissioned regularly by BBC Sport, BBC Africa and several other publishers; I got my press accreditation from the PPA; I have qualified as a Directeur Sportif (a professional Cycling Team Manager) and managed two elite level races; and I have spent more time with my dad than ever before.”
In David’s words, “so if you find yourself at a similar crossroad, do not look to retire, hit the re-boot button. Put on different shoes for a new path and ignore your own doubts and those of others. Believe in your ability to adapt and succeed. Your path may be different to mine but equally rewarding and rejuvenating.”
What have David, Jeremy and I learned?
— If you feel there is something missing, or something yet undone, experiment. Step off the treadmill for two weeks or two months and see if the challenge is something to which you will warm.
— ‘Retirement’ implies retrenchment or a withdrawal from challenge and energetic endeavour. It is an opportunity to embrace new challenges, experiences and relationships.
— Follow your passion, however plan ahead.
— Each of our passions involves collaborating more directly with customers, contacts and experts than before.
So, as I strap a passenger into one of our two-seat Spitfires, or David walks his clients through the bush in search of game, or Jeremy fundraises for more bicycles to African schoolchildren, I think we have discovered a purer – more direct, personal and personable form of client service. This is not retirement. This is stepping forward – into the next phase of your life.
