OC Business Section
“I'm passionate about supporting OCs at whatever career stage they are at.”
— Dein Harry (SH 2010), OCBS Chair
What does OCBS do?
We encourage OCs working in similar professions or occupations to network, support each other and exchange ideas.
History
Early in 1919, the ‘professional and occupations’ section was formed to assist OCs returning from the Great War. Through the efforts of so many OCs, this support has continued through the decades, with a focus on providing guidance and advice.
Why I Do What I Do
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Blaise Boulton (TL 2008)
Career & Life Transition Coach
With over 10 years of experience in change-making across the justice system, Blaise empowers individuals to elevate and align their careers and lives with what truly matters to them through bespoke coaching and transformative workshops.
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Jonah Werth (NG 2010)
Co-Founder of Blend
On a mission to help business owners train, retain and engage the next generation of deskless workers through short form video and gamification - think TikTok for workplace training!
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Charlotte Boundy (TL 2010)
Founder of Bright Sparks PAs
Bright Spark PAs is a UK based Personal Assistant agency. We match superstar remote and in-person PAs on a flexible basis to busy business founders to help them focus on what matters most. Increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
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Jack Kreindler (SG 1992)
Founder, CEO, Principal Physician at Well Founded
A health service and performance programme, by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. We are a team of physicians and scientist optimising physical health, mental health and the performance of leaders - balancing and building stronger, happier humans & teams.
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Rachael Gowdridge (EG 2006)
Founder of Rachael Gowdridge Interior Design
Established in 2022, Rachael Gowdridge’s design studio blends bespoke design, antiques, and artisanal craftsmanship to create timeless, refined interiors. Our approachable, collaborative process ensures each project feels unique, personal, and enduring.
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Henry Sether (TL 2010)
Founder - Misfits
Making chocolate for the modern-day generation with a range of high protein, low sugar snack bars.
Now sold in over 10,000 stores across the UK and the US, Misfits is recognized as one of the fastest growth snack brands in Europe.
Our groups
Creative Arts and Media
Group Leader
Ian MacGregor (EG 1979)
Law
Group Leader
Michael Crisp (CH 1959)
Politics and Public Sector
Group Leader
TBA
Entrepreneurship
Group Leader
Dein Harry (SH 2010)
Medicine and Health
Group Leader
Terry Wong (TL 1979)
Property
Group Leader
Jon Polledri (SH 1987)
Finance and Fintech
Group Leader
TBA
Marketing and Advertising
Group Leader
Demi Abiola (HG 1998)
Technology
Group Leader
TBA
Join our LinkedIn group(s) to connect with Old Cholemeleians based on your region or industry to network with fellow OCs, and to be the first to hear about exclusive job opportunities and OCBS events.
Main LinkedIn:
Regional Groups:
OCBS industry insights
OCBS regularly hosts online talks and Q&As with OCs who work in a range of industries including law, medicine, tech, sustainability and much more. Often, young OCs and pupils get involved as speakers and interviewers.
OCBS Tech: Technovation
From the world of AI, with machines making decisions indiscriminate from people, to providing layers on the real world through augmented reality: we explore the fascinating growth and importance of technology and data across so many industries and sectors with our panel of OC experts: Oli Cleveley-Jones (FG 2006), Dawn Duhaney (FG 2009), Charlie Bruce (NG 2012) and Nat Martin (WG 2012).
The Future of Food: an Old Cholmeleians Q&A
An online Q&A with sustainability expert and Account Director at Futerra, Sasha Fox (EG 2008); Max Jamilly (WG 2010), the founder of meat alternatives company Hoxton Farms; and Nick Hooton (FG 2010), CEO of Jelly Drops.
Hosted by Gabriel Twentyman (SG 2021) and Bea Twentyman (SG 2019), with OC President Richard Brewster (CH 1959).
“One of the best events I've heard, not only virtually, but also in person.”
Spotlight on : Entrepreneurs
Jodie Hayes (HG 2008)
Jodie Hayes is an under-30 London-based entrepreneur, and the founder of Beautii. Beautii has become London’s leading editorial and celebrity beauty concierge service, offering the best make-up artists, hairdressers, manicurists and beauty experts straight to the client’s home, office, hotel, wedding or event.
After studying economics at Edinburgh University and working as a marketing consultant for a host of high-end London brands, Jodie set off to create her on-demand platform Beautii. The idea was in her blood, having honed her knowledge and interest in beauty, products and treatments from a young age, watching her mother grow one of London’s most-respected styling agencies Carol Hayes Management.
Oliver Bishop (SH 1995)
Having begun his career at Espotting Media in 2000, Ollie helped to launch Europe’s first search marketing business across 11 countries.
In 2005, he launched STEAK, the digital group whose clients included Virgin Holidays, Selfridges, Swiftcover, British Gas and Allianz.
In 2008, Ollie made what he admits was a risky move by launching three separate companies at one time – STEAK Americas, STEAK Asia Pacific and Minute Steak. The gamble paid off, with the STEAK Group being sold to media giant Dentsu Aegis Network in 2011.
In 2015, Ollie launched his latest venture, which is digital performance agency, ROAST and later launched creative agency, Kitty. The agencies are driven by performance, powered by strategic thinking and underpinned by unparalleled data and insight.