Alex McPherson
Founder at Ignition Law
Alex McPherson is the founder of Ignition Law, a London-based commercial firm for start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs and fast-growth businesses. He shares his passions and interests with The Brief.
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How do you like to start the day?
An hour of exercise first thing! I’m a creature of habit so follow a routine on each day of the week of an hour of activity from Thai boxing, tennis, weights, cycling and yoga, and a very slow jog - to try and start the day with energy.
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
My Rega Record Player and Records – right next to my desk in the summerhouse at home, where I love to work. When the inbox calms down on a Friday, putting a few records on with a beer to finish off the week is heaven!
Who is your closest colleague?
Over the last ten years, stepping up as a leader, relationships change a fair bit from back to my trainee intake at Freshfields, where it felt like a natural extension of university and law school. There’s no set one colleague, but rather a superb structure of fellow partners, our Senior Leadership Team, and Operations Team and number of superb rising star colleagues – all of whom I really appreciate different conversations with.
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
My late father’s priceless prized Taylor acoustic guitar, and am trying to learn to play on it.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
Baz Luhrman’s 1999 “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” – Some amazing life advice for the “class of 1999” – the year I finished High School to go to university.
What’s your favourite play?
Othello by William Shakespeare.
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Al Pacino – spellbinding to watch every time.
What’s your favourite book?
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE – Phil Knight
What book are you reading right now?
Losing and Finding my Virginity by Richard Branson – an honest and balanced reflection of Branson’s own life.
What book do you wish you had written?
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think By Hans Roling
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
Artificial Intelligence… hopefully!
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
Football!
Who inspires you in business?
Hugely successful entrepreneurs who wear their success lightly – often wrapped in down-to-earth modesty and (best of all) good humour in multiple follow on ventures!
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
I tend to just dress as I do at home, with a bias towards shirts! I dread the occasional need to wear ties and suits.
Where do you go to relax?
Norfolk or the Cotswolds. Family holidays are our passion with our two girls. Our favourite spot is Calcot Manor for New Year with friends, as is north Norfolk for its beautiful beaches, restaurants and walks.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Japan!
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
Embarrassingly, my Airpods, Macbook and work rucksack with various gadgets, gizmos and charging cables. Not particularly cool.
What’s the best part of your job?
Listening and learning, surrounded by smart people. In particular I love watching people grow in self-esteem beyond their comfort zones; both (1) lawyers returning to law/progressing into leadership at Ignition; and (2) clients achieving the alchemy of starting, and scaling, businesses out of thin air – to create jobs and help solve problems, in new areas of our economy. It’s great seeing folks who are bootstrapping one minute and seeking counsel then worrying about scale and expansion the next.
How do you unwind after work?
Socialising – our home has non-stop friends coming and going – with nice food on the go. I also love playing tennis, listening to music, watching movies, walking our dog, cycling, and increasingly amateur gardening!
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
I collect gin, and love a glass of nice wine. We act for an amazing new English Rosé client called Folc Wine – a glass of cool rosé in the garden on a sunny weekend while over-cooking sausages on the BBQ is definitely my guilty pleasure!
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