Was this career shaped by people or by chance?

Abstract

This paper discusses the people and events that influenced my career and the lessons I learnt along the way. In this essay I attempt to pass these lessons on to others. Born and growing up in Cape Town, from my earliest recollections at the age of four I have wanted to be associated with fish and the sea. My first mentor was the Professor of Zoology at the University of Cape Town, who gave me the opportunity to go to sea on the University research ship, and later to join the International Indian Ocean Expedition where I met others who influenced me. Then a postdoctoral fellowship in Nova Scotia led me to meet Ken Mann, a SCOR working group, and a series of wonderful colleagues and friends. The contribution of each of these to my development is discussed, along with the lessons learned. The friends I have made on my journey in marine science and my academic family of former students have enriched my life enormously and if I had my life again, I would have it no other way.