As we step into April, the whirlwind pace of 2024 has reminded me to pause and reflect a little. With a couple of bank holidays providing a breather, I found myself compelled to share a personal story that might resonate with those seeking a bit of inspiration.

Over the recent holiday season, I was struck by a big loss—the passing of my father, Ian Jewell. His battle with a prolonged illness, spanning back to 2004, was a testament to his resilience and strength. Despite the countless setbacks to his health, my dad wore a smile that could light up a room. He defied medical odds time and again, earning him the moniker of a "medical marvel" in our family.

His story of courage and perseverance helped our family but also many others facing their own battles. Dads passing has made me think about my own journey.

Keep Going

I could write how dad had multiple stem cell transplants, heart valve replacements and daily chemo and how he battled through all of that, how others with their own battles took courage from Dads story, or that of recovering and doing triathlons!

OK well I have touched on that a little now, however I have chosen to mention how Dad over 25 years ago helped me start a career in IT.

Take Your Chances

I recall a moment over 25 years ago when my dad nudged me towards a career in IT. Disenchanted with formal education after a brief stint in college, I found myself a little bit adrift :) I spent a couple of weeks fishing on the River Taw for founders and playing football at weekends.

It was my dad who recognised my potential and helped me seize an opportunity in the IT industry.

With his support, I applied for an IT Junior role at a local company. Little did I know that dad knew the owner and it was a done deal! Nonetheless I applied, popped on an ill fitting suit and only went and got the job. This was a great role and I learnt a lot about basic networking and IT support. Through dad's work in engineering he heard about an apprentice scheme where you would get an NVQ but also have access to funded formal training. Dad got me on this scheme (no idea how) but I quickly got an NVQ in technical engineering and over the course of 9 months and 7 exams attained an MCSE (look it up).

My dad's foresight and encouragement opened doors that I never thought possible, and maybe even some bending of the rules!

Make it Happen

Anyway I moved between a couple of jobs and then eventually decided to apply for a 'contract' role in the summer of 2004, unable to drive a car for a role that was 90 miles away - however my grandad took me and I got the job!

Just needed to find away of getting there every day :) - I found a way.

This role was fantastic, using what I had learnt previously alongside some enterprise scale exposure to the Public and Private Sector as I was working for Hewlett Package on a government account. None of which would have been possible without Dad helping me get on the ladder and finding a loop hole for some training!

Don't Burn Bridges

This role ended up corresponding with Dads illness, and with the travel each day I wanted to be a little closer to home, as advised by Dad don't burn your bridges you might want to go back I explained the situation as mentioned I was going to look for something closer to home, Ironically i secured a role in the NHS . 14 months later - I was back at Hewlett Packard :)

Keep Going

I could bore on about a technical career that has taken in working across the UK, staying in hotels, moving to London, working for big players - however for me it was more about exposure, akin a little to my Dads sporting achievements, rugby, running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, I liked going in to environments making a difference and then doing something else.

The Birth of Integy

All of this history lead to starting INTEGY in 2019. This time Dad was like, what are you doing, you have a secure contract role what if you don't get any customers!. My response to Dad was "we will, we will make it happen, we have the skills and experience, we will keep going, take our chances, use our contacts and make a success of it" - Sat here in Easter 2024 I think Dad will be proud.

We have created a business, that has provided local and national employment, have the best possible clients that we work with closely to deliver, have made some mistakes, learnt and got on with it.

I think if James and I actually sat back and took a look would say we have created something rather special - I don't know when that step back will happen but today I am eating some chocolate for my Dad [Ian Jewell], I just wish he was eating it for me as he always did!

This post is for anyone that is 'in the moment', everything that you do leads on to the bigger picture, don't take it to seriously.