about me
A different version of you exists in the minds of everyone who knows you.
unknown
This quote resonates with me. When asked to describe myself, the answer certainly depends on the audience with whom I am speaking. How do I define myself?
There’s many different ways that I could describe myself: by what I do, the kind of person I think I am, the kind of person I’d like to be. At the end of the day, any telling I can give will be biased.
Let’s start with the basics: I am male, in my mid-40s. I am – at time of writing, which is the beginning of September 2023 – somewhat overweight and unfit. I am about 1.80m tall (5’11” in old money) and I suppose most people would call me “big” – I tip the scales at 116kg (255lb or 18st 3lb). I am balding blonde, have blue-gray eyes, and a reddish beard.
Does that define me? I’m not sure, but it gives some physical parameters to fit the rest of the pieces of the puzzle around.
Professionally, I am an IT Solution Architect. I have formal qualifications as a photographer, a boatbuilder, and a powerboat and VHF instructor. None of that defines me though. I am a sailor, a boatman, a musician, a cyclist, a reluctant runner, a mountaineer and – since recently – starting to become a diver again.
I still don’t feel that that defines me. But we’re starting to add some more details to the picture. I enjoy solving problems, I love geeking out about any number of eclectic topics. The more obscure, the better. I am fascinated by the weirdest things – I will stop to appreciate the play of light on the hills, the sound of the wind passing over the landscape and the feel of the rain on my face. I can happily sit and stare at the sky, watching the clouds chasing each other across the blue or the stars wheeling overhead.
I would like to think that I’m kind. I try to be honest, open and generous. I feel strongly that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right; even if that’s not always the easiest way.
Is that enough to define me? Not really – how do you summarise 16,200 days of existence and experience in a few short paragraphs? I don’t think you can.
So I reached out to some close friends and family, asking them how they would describe me to a complete stranger. This is what they said:
Scott Tacchi
I first met Simon through social media where I quickly learnt that he is a man of many talents!
We discovered that we had plenty in common, especially when it came to photography. Simon has taught me valuable information to help me with my photography.
Not only is he a great photographer but he is also a very talented music composer, sailor and I have enjoyed many conversations with him over a pint when he came down to visit!
Sean Chilton
I have known Simon for roughly 5 years now, and the first thing that struck me is that he is a man of many talents.
From his joinery/shipwrightry, photography, cycling, scuba diving, and sailing (both as crew and skipper), he throws 100% of himself into all of his endeavours – as well as showing an enthusiastic interest in the endeavours of his peers.
Dr. Miranda Bailey-Wild
Simon is a great brother who knows far more about the minutiae of things than most people have general knowledge; and he doesn’t mind sharing that wisdom (no doubt painstakingly acquired) — ask and ye shall receive! But seriously, he’s someone who will always look up stuff — because he’s secretly a complete geek 🤓 (no secret there) who also always has a helping hand for those who need it. 🥰
Robert Wild
“You’re doing it wrong, dummy”
Lucas Kwok Ting Lee
Jasmin Steiper
Simon is for me a very inspiring and intelligent man with various talents and the constant will to learn and grow whilst being very humble at the same time. He has one of the biggest hearts I have ever met and is always there for his friends, supporting them, even from a distance. And a good sense of humor comes along in this package as well 😊
Wolfi Lochmann
Simon, the reincarnation of a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman – a multitool you would want to have with you in any situation. Whether with digital or analog skills, above or below the water, crafting with his hands or making music, Simon unifies everything – and does it with heart and humorous charm. A man ready for all circumstances.
Lisa Schoißengeier
Simon is not only someone who messages back instantly and has an answer to EVERYTHING. He is also someone who cares most about the wellbeing of others with his helping hand and sense of empathy.
Martin Kraft-Fish
Simon’s a man of many practical talents and interests, adapt at turning his mind to all sorts of projects. He loves the outdoors and is just as comfortable on a boat as he is on a bike. Best of all he’s a great friend who can always make me laugh.
But who am I really?
At the end of the day, I am Simon. It’s a pleasure to meet you, stick around: it’s going to be fun.