Life beyond Radford
James Dunn
- Bachelor Degree, The Australian National University, Law, 2001-2005
- Director, Proximity, 2011-Present
What does life look for you now?
I live in Canberra with my beautiful wife Ali (also class of '99) and our two little boys, Jack and Charlie. I am co-founder of a business called Proximity which is a new model law firm and commercial consultancy.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am passionate about Canberra - it really is one of the best cities in the world and thankfully not too many people know it yet! I love mountain bike riding and swimming with my boys enjoying the great outdoors. I am also a Melbourne Demons fanatic (it's very sad) and love watching and playing footy.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play AFL for the Melbourne Demons. I didn't get that close to achieving it but had a great time travelling playing footy and making great friendships.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Year 9 camp - hands down. To experience 10 days in the outdoors with my mates and take on new challenges and experiences was life changing for me. I probably should also mention meeting the love of my life, Ali!
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mr Craddock was my role model. We shared a lot of the same interests (outdoors, midnight oil) and he had such a balanced view on life which really resonated with me.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
I took a year off after Year 12 to clear my head and travel. This was great as it gave me the chance to then make the easy decision to go to uni and study to become a lawyer. I then took another turn a few years later when I decided to start a small business which has been life changing.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Becoming a lawyer was fairly planned but I never thought I would start my own business and that decision gave me a lot of confidence and a new lease on life.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
You can do whatever you like in life, regardless of your grades at school. Once you find something you are passionate about (which might happen quickly or after many years) you will be successful at it and enjoy it.
What advice do you have for current students?
Enjoy school as much as you can and don't worry too much about your marks or feel you have to know where you are going next. And if you become passionate about something - run with it. Life's too short to do things you don't enjoy.
