Gordon’s spoke to Mr Tom Mundy, the Head of Commercial. He has worked here for just over two years.

What do you do in the school?

My role is all about generating revenue for the school, in other words this is money for the school that does not come from fees. That includes renting out the sports hall and other facilities; managing residential hire for boarders; overseeing the school shop; running holiday camps and supporting Primary Schools with physical education provision.

What do you love about your job?

I love that no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new happening, so I’m never bored. I also enjoy working with a brilliant team – the Gordonian Officer, the Comms Hub and our assistants all make the job rewarding and fun.

How did you first get interested in your profession?

I originally qualified as a teacher, but at the same time I started my own business. At first I balanced both – teaching while running the business. I left teaching for a while to focus on the business. Eventually I sold the business and returned to the school environment because I genuinely enjoy this kind of work. Coming back felt like the right move  and I’m pleased I did.

What are your most memorable achievements from your career so far?

I’ve had the chance to work on some incredible events, like the Harry Styles tour, Formula 1 events at Silverstone and major sporting events.

Have you ever entered any events or competitions in your career?

No. But back in school I enjoyed sport and I took part in various school sports competitions, for example football and rugby.

Have you faced any challenges in your profession?

Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to collaborate effectively within large teams. A big part of the role has been helping others see how commercial work can really support the school. It wasn’t something everyone immediately recognised, but watching that understanding grow has been quite satisfying.

What keeps you going in this career?

Seeing success, both financial and operational, keeps me motivated. We have outstanding facilities and ensuring we make full use of their potential is incredibly satisfying. Not all achievements are measurable, but the impact is truly rewarding to see.

How do you plan out your day?

I live by my diary. My days are usually filled with meetings and I rely on that structure to keep everything moving. Occasionally I get time to focus on bigger projects but most days are fast-paced and varied.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue your job?

If you have an idea for a business or even just a spark of interest in something, the most important thing you can do is start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it rarely arrives. People often think that successful businesses begin with a flawless plan or a huge sum of money but, in reality, most of them begin with someone simply trying to take the first step – even if they weren’t entirely sure where it would lead.

• Olliyah