About Craig Starling
Most people know me through my role at ICS, but at heart I’m just someone who believes that if you want something badly enough, you’ve got to put the work in. I learnt that mindset from my dad, who remains one of my biggest inspirations.
I’m happiest keeping active, travelling and taking on new challenges, whether that’s completing triathlons, planning my next adventure or learning a new skill. I’ve also experienced some tough periods in life, particularly while supporting my family through illness, which taught me the importance of resilience, perspective and looking after your mental health.
Above all, I value people, relationships and making the most of the time we have. Once I’ve ticked one goal off the list, I’m usually already planning the next.
Q&As
Describe yourself in three words?
Resilient, adaptable, thoughtful.
What was your first job?
My first paid job would have been as a paper boy; I started when I was 13.
What frustrates you?
I’m a calm person, so it takes a lot for me to get frustrated, but stationary traffic when you’re trying to get to a meeting will do it.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I spend it with family, friends and exercise, whether that’s swimming, cycling, running or going to the gym.
What is your go-to comfort food?
McDonalds Double Cheeseburger.
What temptation can’t you resist?
I definitely have a sweet tooth, so it’s got to be some sort of sweets or chocolate.
Where are you happiest?
When I’m with friends and family, or when I am on holiday.
What is your number one karaoke song?
Backstreet Boys, ‘I Want It That Way’. Not sure why, but maybe just because it’s an easy song to sing.
At school, what were you good at?
This is a hard question as I wasn’t very interested in school, but I wasn’t too bad at sport, IT and art.
What would be your plan B as a career?
Before I chose IT, I was considering being an architect. The thing was, I didn’t want to go to university, so I chose a different path.
Which one luxury could you not live without?
I would say good coffee.
Which three people, dead or alive, would you invite as dinner guests?
I would say both of my grandads and my nan.
If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
I would visit any time before the internet, mobile phones and social media. I feel like most things were better before those arrived.
How many attempts before you passed your driving test?
I passed both the theory and the practical first time.
