GETTING AHEAD – SEUN AZEEZ
As we conclude Black History Month at RHS we look back at inspiring role models who remind us that the sky is the limit.
We caught up with former Head of School Seun Azeez (Hawke 2007) who himself was inspired by our first black Head of School, Tony Nicholson (Drake 2004). Seun studied law and then business whilst also volunteering for charitable causes. To date he has travelled the world working in finance and currently works in Australia for international finance company State Street, occasionally taking time out to catch up with old RHS friends.
What are your RHS memories?
My fondest memories of RHS are without a doubt the time spent in the boarding house, both Hawke House and Nelson in my final year. I carry countless memories of the laughter, conversations, and shared experiences that grew to have a far more meaningful impact on me than I could appreciate at the time. It’s a relative rarity to have the opportunity to spend seven years growing up in a close community with so many different personalities and it is one that I still speak fondly of. As for less pleasant memories, perhaps playing rugby during winter when the ground was too hard for studs or participating in CCF in similar conditions
What was it like following the (pretty impressive) Tony Nicholson. Did you feel any additional pressure to set an example?
Tony set a very high standard that I’m sure all his successors felt the pressure of, myself included. In truth, it was only after leaving RHS that the full weight of his accomplishment became apparent to me. I’m thankful for the standard he set for others to follow and the indelible effect he had on younger students to take pride in RHS and what the school represents.
Did Tony give you any advice?
Tony did indeed have some influence on me as Head of School and also when I joined the Marines as part of CCF. I still remember his immaculate appearance at all times, which he somehow maintained even in muddy fields during CCF. His encouragement to take pride in all that we did in school, certainly stayed with me after his departure. His confidence and air of authority were certainly memorable…being late for CCF with untidy kit was never an option under his watchful eye.
At RHS you were amongst just a handful of pupils from BAME backgrounds. Today around twenty percent of our pupils are from BAME backgrounds. Any advice to these pupils?
I believe RHS is a truly unique school in offering such a breadth of activities and opportunities for pupils to involve themselves in. I would encourage pupils to throw themselves wholeheartedly into all that the school offers. Above all else at RHS I consider my greatest accomplishment being my involvement in a breadth of activities ranging from the choir to the ceremonial guard and beyond. In this way, RHS sets pupils apart and equips them with a unique skill set with which to achieve outside of school.
You’ve had an interesting career path to date. Can you tell us a little bit about this journey? How important has continued education and volunteering been?
I’ve been fortunate to have a career to date that has allowed me to incorporate my passion for travel and living abroad. Working in finance has enabled me to live in interesting and vibrant cities including New York, London, and more recently Sydney, whilst working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. My commitment to finding time to volunteer was fostered at RHS and is something I’ve continued to hold firmly to. My experience at RHS taught me the importance of always looking for opportunities to assist others and contribute in a meaningful way to the local community in any place your personal or professional life may take you to.
How did you end up in Australia and what is life like out there?
I was very fortunate to be offered the opportunity to move to Sydney by the company I currently work for. My sense of adventure and wanderlust seems to be parts of my personality that I haven’t quite shaken after several decades. Sydney is a beautiful city that offers many outdoor activities more or less all year round. I play tennis weekly, jog with a local running club, go indoor rock-climbing and when feeling particularly brave I attempt to surf.
If you could give one piece of advice to RHS pupils what would it be?
My advice would be to make the most of all the opportunities that RHS has to offer. Being in a school such as RHS offers pupils every opportunity to pursue any and all interests. It was by pursuing these interests that I grew to realize my strengths and what I was truly passionate about beyond academics. It is by taking this approach that pupils leave RHS as well-rounded individuals ready to effectively contribute in whatever walk of life they choose.
Thank you Seun. One final question. What has been the impact of Holbrook on your life?
Other than providing one of the most scenic backdrops to my adolescent years, I’d say Holbrook played host to some of my fondest memories. I still remember the sense of accomplishment of finally making it to Nelson and being able to stroll to the local Co-Op after lessons to stock up on sugar-loaded treats.
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