At the end of the year I always like to reflect and count the many Blessings that I have been given – so that the world knows that I appreciated them and will keep them flowing. So as the year draws to a close I am writing down the highlights of the year gone by so that I can see how things have developed when I do this next year.
The Institute of Public Policy and Research include me in the publication for the ‘North-west top 50 boldest and brightest’
YHP names me as ‘one to watch’ for 2011
Passed PhD Viva examination afte r 5 hours defending my thesis on ‘The Numerical Solutions of Weather Derivatives and Other Incomplete Market Problems’
Moved back to London after sp ending a total of 8 years in Manchester (I certainly did a lot of growing up in that great city).
In Feb 2011, decided to follow my dreams by working on developing and expanding GiveMeTap rathe r than seeking employment – life has never been the same since I made this decision J
March 6th 2011, woke up on to find that GiveMeTap has made the front page of The Observer insert The New Review – this led to us selling out of GiveMeTap bottles within 2 days.
I went back to Manchester o n March 9th to sit on a panel to provide insights into starting an enterprise.
Partnered with amazing crea tive design agency called Squint Opera – who agreed to support GiveMeTap with all the graphical and design work! These guys are amazing!!!!!
Invited to Google HQ to represent Future Leaders and speak with young computer scientist.
Invited to The StartUp Britain event
Turned 26th on April 10th!!
Hogan Lovells agrees to support GiveMeTap with pro-bono legal support
May arrives and the GiveMeTap bottles sell out again.
GiveMeTap now operates in 4 cities: London, Manchester, Bury and Salford.
Awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Student Entrepreneur’ by UnLtd.
A keynote speaker at the Powerlist Foundation’s Leadership Summer School, sponsored by Deloitte
Launched the new stainless steel GiveMeTap bottle and Limited Edition T-Shirt
Rewarded myself with a two week vacation as a reward for passing my PhD viva.
August first intern, Yetty, joins GiveMeTap after learning about what we do at the Summer School.
On return from vacation I finished The Three Peaks Challenge climbing the three tallest mountains in England (Scaffell Pike), Wales (Snowdon) and Scotland (Ben Nevis)
Invited to the House of Lords on September 8th to receive the ‘Rare Rising Star’ award
Within a month of joining, Yetty takes GiveMeTap fans to over 1,000 – woo hoo!
Attended the Future Leaders awards in September and met with amazingly talented black students (and Boris Johnson).
GiveMeTap stall set up at the London Thames Festival - met so many amazing people who really understood what w e are doing at GiveMeTap!
On September 31st resubmitted my PhD thesis with corrections. Relearned the meaning of hard work - working 19-20 hour days. Glad this is done now – Phew….
Spent some time reflecting on my pers onal direction in life and making sure that I was on my own track. My spirit was truly tested. Juggling studies, work, personal life, health, family life, finances, etc was very tricky, so this time I had by myself was crucial for reminding me why I do what I do, and how best to go about doing those things.
First time on TV in almost 15 years where I was invited to sit in the audience on the BBC3 Up For Hire show.
Had to cancel my 10-day meditation trip due to lack of cover at GiveMeTap, but this was a blessing because it motivated me to hire people to join GiveMeTap.
16th November, won The Virgin Media Innovation Challenge with a team of great guys – see the picture :)
Completed a speaking tour at Kings College, Southampton Solent University, University of Manchester, Nacue Conference, Deloitte New Entrepreneurs Foundation.
After speaking at several events I was approached by several people interested in joining GiveMeTap as interns - now there are 5 interns working at GiveMeTap :)
Invited to meet Sir Richard Branson at his book launch in November – and also met with Sir John Bird (The Big Issue).
Started reading The Alchemist for the 2nd time – so many new insights found during the second read.
Spent Christmas with my wonderful family
Today I am Alive!
Stay blessed and Love Life!
Edwin
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