How do you make it as an investment banker? What qualities are required to become the BBC's Middle East Correspondent? How do you set about rebuilding your life and continuing your career in the wake of a life-changing assassination attempt?
Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent and former Harrodian parent shared his appropriately frank views on these diverse subjects in an anecdote-filled, entertaining and, often inspiring discussion with HSPA chairman, Reza Beyad, staged in the school theatre on 23rd January as part of the Parents Association’s In Conversation series.
Mr Gardner made his journalistic name as a respected Middle East expert with the BBC, the organisation where he still works. But, while he was able to trace back his fascination with all things Middle Eastern to an inspirational teacher at Marlborough College, it was surprising to discover that, despite taking a degree in Arabic at Exeter University, Mr Gardner began his career as an investment banker.
After ten years, Mr Gardner quit finance and methodically set about re-inventing himself as a journalist, rising quickly to the position of BBC Middle East Correspondent. The audience learnt about the career strategies that carried him to the top in both fields and heard stories of encounters with Yemeni warlords and Somalian pirates as well as gaining insights into Gardner's balanced and objective approach to journalism. 'It's not for us to tell people what to think', he told Reza Beyad and the assembled parents, pupils and teachers. ‘I prefer to present the facts and let people decide themselves.’
Reza Beyad also asked about the horrific moment in 2004 when extremists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, mounted a gun attack on Frank Gardner’s BBC team killing his cameraman, Simon Cumbers and leaving Frank with six gunshot wounds that still leave him partly paralysed in his legs. Remarkably, Mr Gardner survived and has refused to let this disaster hold him back in the 14 years since. Despite his disability he has rebuilt his fitness and continues to travel all over the world and to indulge twin passions for skiing and scuba diving.
Frank Gardner has also written two non-fiction best sellers, one Blood and Sand which documents the story of the Riyadh ambush and recently completed his first novel, entitled Crisis. All three books are available for purchase from Rachelle at Harrodian reception.