When I spent the evening with two German tourists in their 80s who were learning the English language it made me realise that you can live a lifetime of learning and developing. All credit to them for never losing their thirst for new knowledge.

Some of us look at our work experiences and think we need to learn new skills like being more strategic. I see this regularly on the Peer into the Future programme, where HR directors aim to move away from real HR detail – some with more success than others.

During our work with aspiring chief executives, some want to understand their next career steps and what they need to do to springboard to the next leadership level while others want to hear about managing boards and politicians.