The last time I did a CV was over 30 years ago so I had only a sketchy memory of a template to fall back on when applying for the chairmanship of the BBC last week. Making the application was enjoyable as it allowed me a reflection on a very blessed personal and professional journey through life so far.
In truth it is not a role I expect to be awarded as my personal background has been entirely entrepreneurial rather than corporate. However friends in government and at the BBC urged me to apply. As ever in life, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The vacancy description is clear: “We are looking for an outstanding individual with demonstrable leadership skills and a passion for the media and public broadcasting, to represent the public interest in the BBC and maintain the Corporation’s independence.” I certainly fulfil these criteria. I passionately believe the BBC is the greatest broadcasting corporation in the world and must be protected, both from naysayers who would love to see its demise and from government diktats.
We would be all the poorer if the BBC was no longer with us or existed in a lesser form. There are challenges to be addressed such as the funding model, locality, on-demand, diversity and impartiality. But recognition should be given to the immense contribution the BBC makes to the creative landscape of the UK, providing an invaluable public service. I would love to do the job and wish the very best to whoever succeeds in landing the role.
The passing of Des O’Connor gave me personal sadness. I met him in the 90s through his wife Jodie, when she was a West End star. Jodie played Cinderella to Des’s Buttons. We had the most joyful dinner one evening. Dining with Des was like being with royalty. Everyone in the restaurant wanted an autograph. As we walked back to my Plymouth hotel afterwards, cab drivers wound down their windows, shouting their love for this great man.
Cycling down Oxford Street last week I could not fail to notice the words “Let’s change the way we shop” emblazoned on the corner of Selfridges, a department store, always ahead of the curve. In 2011, Beyoncé chose Selfridges to launch her fashion line, House of Deréon, in the UK. Katrina and I were invited to the launch, where we all crammed into the Selfridges car park.
Sitting in between Alexandra Burke and Ellie Goulding, we waited patiently in the sweltering heat for Beyoncé to arrive.
River Island is the hidden jewel of high street fashion. The indefatigable Bernard Lewis opened his first store over 70 years ago. I once referenced a particular store to Bernard and quick as a flash he came straight back at me with full knowledge, even down to the square footage. And that from a man aged over 90.
Sir Richard Branson is another retail genius I’ve spent time with. Royal Navy helicopter pilot Trevor Jones rescued the Virgin tycoon from the sea after his ill-fated attempt to cross the Atlantic by balloon. A few years later Trevor was horrifically injured in the Navy skiing championships, and has needed 24-hour care ever since. I became involved with the Trevor Jones Tetraplegic Trust and, when asked, Richard immediately joined me as patron.
I visited him on Necker, his private island paradise in the Caribbean a few years ago. He greeted us at the landing jetty in his buggy. We then had lunch at the highest point looking out over his archetypal tropical paradise.
Two special birthdays coming up: My wife Katrina on December 18. After ten years of marriage I can truly say she has changed my life irrevocably for the better. I am the happiest I have ever been and love her completely, absolutely and totally.
And congratulations to my client, 2019’s Best TV Presenter, Susanna Reid, who turns 50 on December 10. Susanna has no inhibitions about the landmark, and says ageing is a blessing and today is a golden age for midlife women. She is the consummate professional, and it says everything about her that throughout Covid she has never missed a show and seen her ratings rocket by 25 per cent.
My charity shout-out this month is for Norwood which offers supported living and residential care for people with learning disabilities, short break schemes for children with special needs, running family centres and providing special educational services to schools. Please go to www.norwood.org.uk and donate.
Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE is chairman of The InterTalent Rights Group
