Just a very good bureaucrat

I've several friends who have started their own businesses. I think they're tremendously clever... like my ethical PR chum Trine, and the tremendously gifted science whizz turned graphic designer, Kerry. Then there's my dad, who's committed to 'moving people forward', and my crafty sister in law Amy who I can't wait to order some groovy I SPY hats from.

There was a time when I wanted to set the world on fire by coming up with a genius idea and seeking my fortune in the world of business. After all, I am strong and clever, my nose is pretty... Sadly,I lack the courage and the nerves of steel that a business requires. I am fundamentally risk averse. I would obsess about the need to build the business while secretly procrastinating cold calling because I loathe it. I would be far more likely to end up like some other friends, whose businesses are sadly no more.

And if life has taught me anything, it's to play to your strengths. Mine, I fear, are an obsession with detail, a geeky determination to nut out the most convoluted bits of nonsense, and an innate determination to provide frank and fearless advice in the service of the greater good. Oh, and sometimes I'm an absolute academic snob.

In short, I'm just a very good bureaucrat. Thank goodness they let me in at the UN.

(It don't get more bureaucratic than here...)