Two days before his interview for a graduate role, Ryan Pereira didn’t realise that ExxonMobil, the company he was applying to, was one of the largest companies in the world. Thankfully, he got the role and never looked back.

From growing up in a tight knit family in Leicester where he dreamed of being a snooker player or a pilot, to heading to the bright lights of the City - Ryan has enjoyed a remarkable and successful career and is now Global Director, Gas and LNG at GaffneyCline. However, along the way he has faced significant personal loss and challenges.

Here he talks about how he gathers the resilience to move forward, the importance of counting your blessings and dealing with knockbacks. Ryan also shares how his faith, his love of football and his passion for exercise, have served as important coping mechanisms.

"Be that perfect leader. Be that perfect role model and always be willing to give of yourself as you're willing to receive of other people."