Debbie Millman’s ongoing project “What Matters,” an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers, is now in its third year. Each respondent is invited to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Nathan Gainford is chief client officer at HB, a specialist B2B brand and marketing agency working with multinational brands. Prior to HB, he was Managing Director of Grey London. Gainford has worked across notable clients such as Virgin brands (Atlantic, Media, Trains, Holidays), Helly Hansen, O2, and T-Mobile. He lives in Hertfordshire, England, with his Italian wife and two sons.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Cycling. I used to run but became increasingly frustrated with picking up little niggling injuries, which prevented me from doing exercise. So, as I hit 40, I did the stereotypical thing. I purchased a bike and a load of Lycra.
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of exercise, I’ve discovered the mental well-being benefits to be far greater. It’s my version of mindfulness. Whether I’m running or cycling, I don’t listen to music – instead I just focus on my breathing, how I’m feeling, the environment I’m in, where I’m landing my feet, or pointing the front wheel of the bike. This focus really helps me relax from my to-do list and the usual stresses of work/family life. It’s 30 mins to 4 hours of me time.
If ever I’m grappling with a problem, I know a bike ride will bring clarity to the situation.
The joy of simply riding my bike is the same at 49 years old as it was when I was 10. It never tires. Unlike my legs nowadays (and btw, no one looks good in Lycra, but with acceptance comes peace!).
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
At the age of about 14 or 15, a mate and I were told by his dad, ‘why don’t you jokers just turn the music down, get out the house and go and do something constructive instead?’. So, we went to the garage and built a mobile disco. Within a few months, we’d secured a loan from said dad, bought more kit and records, and were being hired to play at private parties. Jokers Disco was born!
It was around this time that I started to tinker with mixing records together. And as my love for house music grew, so did my creative ability to fill a dancefloor and take people on a musical journey. I still have a set of decks in my home office and regularly mix vinyl (albeit mostly to myself nowadays).
What is your biggest regret?
Everything happens for a reason and everything is connected. It’s human to think about ‘what could have been,’ but equally, that thing could have diverted life on a different course – for better, or worse. I personally don’t spend a great deal of time dwelling on what could have been. Reflect on the experience, learn from it, accept it, and move on. Life is short and living in the past is a distraction from today.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Do you ever? Processing something so raw into something you can look back on with fondness is a big, important part of life.
What makes you cry?
It depends if we’re talking pre- or post-children. Pre-children, I would not cry often. Only the big stuff. Post-children-me cries at a lot. Big, small, in-between, and at quite unexpected things. Clearly, having children has flicked a switch in me, which means I feel far greater empathy and emotion. My wife is the same, so we’re a blubbering mess watching certain movies!
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Probably not as long as it should. There’s always the next thing to do.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I’d like to believe there’s something else waiting for us, but I’m not convinced. So, I try to just get on with the life I have right now – just in case!
What do you hate most about yourself?
The self-critical voice. Sometimes it’s useful, often it would be more useful if it just kept itself to itself. That, and how I look in Lycra.
What do you love most about yourself?
Love is a bit strong. But I like the fact I have a strong sense of loyalty and fairness.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
This is one of those impossible questions. I LOVE food. My wife is Italian, and there are many dishes she makes which I love. And don’t get me started on my mother-in-law’s cooking. Delicious. Too many to choose from, and ultimately, as long as we’re around the table, together as a family, I’m in a happy place.
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