Oliver Warren

Priestley 08 – 11

Weymouth 11 – 13

oliver Warren

I left Mill Hill in 2013 and took a gap year and spent time perfecting my Spanish in Bogota, Colombia. My mother comes from there so I stayed with family as I went to a local university there. I love Colombia, it is one of the most diverse and beautiful country in the world. My time spent there taught me a lot and really prepared me for starting university. unfortunately, it did not prepare me for the cold and rain of the North East of England.

I studied Geography at Newcastle University, my education about the world continued. I chose modules that were largely human based as standing in rivers isn’t all that fun. There was a broad module list and I was drawn to Geopolitics, International Relations and War and Conflict. Studying governments worldwide and leaders actions and dramatic affects they can have was fascinating.

My life has always been centred around sport. Having played tennis from the age of three, there was rarely a moment that didn’t contain sport. I represented the foundation in Rugby, Hockey and Cricket, as well as on the fives court, in the pool and on the tennis court. I played in the men’s first tennis team at Newcastle University for three years where we won our league in my final year, only losing one match in the process. It was great to round off my university career with an unforgettable moment winging the final match to seal the tie and bring home promotion for the team. Upon graduating, and unsure what to do with my degree, it was only natural that I would work in sport considering I already obsessed about it.

I embarked on a career of freelance sports social media. I started the OMRFC social media accounts which I still run with the rest of the clubs new social committee. I am very proud of the work we have done online for the Rugby club and there are many more projects to come this season so watch this space.

In May 2018, I started working for tech start up PlaySight. The company is a world leader in tennis video analysis and has now opened its advanced Artificial Intelligence systems to other sports. I handle the clients based in the UK and Belgium, and help the clubs with implementation and support. PlaySight’s systems are used from elite professional sportsmen and women to grassroots and junior programs.

I run the accounts for the Belgium Basketball league and Chelsea Football Club. These two accounts are on very different levels so having the opportunity to witness how they both run is highly informative and interesting.

In the future I would like to develop my skills more around sport strategy, on field and off field. I am also keen to live abroad again, I love to immerse myself in new cultures and places.

Do you keep in touch with any OMs?

Yes, I do. I stay in touch with friends from my year and naturally via OMRFC the rugby club it is easy to connect with OMs. It’s a lovely mix of different generations where we share and compare experiences from our time at school.

What’s your driving force?

My family and being passionate about what I do. I’m really close with my family and when something goes right they are the first people I tell, they are my biggest champions. When things don’t fall my way they are the first to give me constructive advice to help me move forward and grow in the process. This really helps me to push on when I don’t feel that motived. And my passion for sport helps. I obsess about sport and watch and read about all different sports, and in my job, I interact with up to 30 different sports and levels so it is fascinating to see what is happening in the industry. Rugby, Tennis and Football are my favourite sports to follow and analysing the progress of each sport and the methods taken to improve I find fascinating.

Most inspiring teacher at school and why?

Hands down Kevin Kyle. Kevin has an amazing ability in being able to assess what kind of mood someone is in and nurture them in the way that they need. In upper sixth, Kevin managed to influence me to put as much focus into my studies as I did with sport or music. Without his mentorship, I arguably may not have started to revise prior to my exams and then enrol at University.

Favourite memory at Mill Hill?

Can’t really say one specific moments, there were a lot of good ones. Representing different sports teams, performing in the music school and being selected to go to Tamil Nadu on a partnership. Singing at our Valedictory service is also up there. It was a really special day and contributing to the service was a huge honour. I sang a mash up of Don’t Stop Believing, There She Goes, and Never Forget (Take That). Somehow it all fits together.

Which four famous people would you invite to a dinner party?

Taika Waititi, Sarah Silverman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Roger Federer.

Your favourite quote?

“Proper Planning and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” Don’t know who originally came up with it but my tennis coach said this to me after losing a match 6-2 6-1 and it stuck with me forever.

A piece of advice you would pass on to those leaving Mill Hill School?

The world is a big place so don’t be afraid to explore it. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Lastly, don’t fear failure or starting again, from failure comes growth…. and that is important.