For our next Staff Spotlight, we talk to David Cooke, our second Graduate Consultant. He loved the idea of being a maths teacher once upon a time. He enjoys playing rugby and going to the gym. His previous work experience includes working on set with Margot Robbie, featured in Hell Boy and a year and a half spent in the world of IT B2B sales.
1. 10 years ago, what did you think you would be doing now?
I think 10 years ago I had just decided that I didn’t want to be a History or Drama teacher, but instead wanted to be a Maths teacher…. Yeah I would have been 16 at the time, and I was going through my GSCEs, and in all honesty I just really, really enjoyed some subjects, and loved the idea of teaching; and about 10 years ago I just fell in love with GSCE Maths (not the coolest thing to admit to I know!) but yeah, a maths teacher!
2. What quote do you live your life by?
There are two actually that come to mind: “Not all those who wander are lost”, which for me brings comfort in times where it isn’t easy to see what’s ahead, and the appreciation that it’s okay not to have a plan in life sometimes, it’s just the route we take. The second quote (which ties in nicely to the first) is: “Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not all right, it is not yet the end.”
3. What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
People, with everything that is occurring in the world right now – it has just highlighted how important people are to each other.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Prior to this job and lockdown, I was incredibly active in my spare time, a normal week to me would include training and playing rugby twice a week, 4 or 5 gym sessions, and potentially an Aussie Rules session too as well. More relaxing hobbies do include playing guitar and the odd bit of photography.
5. What are you listening to/reading/watching at the moment?
In terms of reading; I’ve had Ant Middleton’s second book on my bedside table for an age now, and I keep meaning to start it having really enjoyed his first. Listening wise; very partial to House of Rugby podcast but I’ve also have recently discovered an artist called Tom Misch, who I’ve taken an interest in.
6. What’s your previous working experience?
My CV is varied to say the least; since finishing my PGCE at Bath Spa I have worked as an Activity Leader in London, worked in retail for 6 months, laid footpaths and filled potholes, farmed sprouts and planted trees, worked on set with Margot Robbie and featured in Hell Boy, and spent a year and a half in the world of IT B2B sales.
7. What’s your favourite thing about life at Stimulus?
Only been here a few weeks at the time of writing this, but I’m going to reuse one of my previous answers: People. So far I’ve seen nothing but a warm welcome, and witnessed a strong level of personal investment from everyone working here.
8. What are you excited about during the next year at Stimulus?
It’s tough to know what’ll be round the corner and what challenges will present themselves, but I’m really excited about all of it – it’s a brand new set of challenges but I look forward to developing my knowledge, and skill sets, to try and tackle them. (Also very much excited about meeting Dante! And the Company Socials when they’re able to take place!)