The wait and the warm-up
March 11th, 15:10. Going up to the hotel’s business center, I feel the nerves and anxiety that you might expect: after all, I am about to meet one of the most famous vocalists in the history of rock, and a world-renowned public speaker. It is a unique experience, as I try to balance the levelheaded businessman with the fan of over 30 years, who is ready to explode with excitement.
The door opens, and there is Bruce, dressed in sportswear, friendly and full of his characteristic energy. I cannot believe it – we shake hands, and after showing our press passes, he offers us a drink or a cup of coffee, and invites us in for a chat.
The man behind the fame
In person, Bruce is friendly, warm, frank and full of the characteristic energy of genius. He tells us about his interpretation of the music that he has made along with his band, separating the truth from the myth. There is plenty to discuss: Iron Maiden’s music is open to multiple critical interpretations, even leaving aside those that see them as some kind of malign influence. What is clear is that Bruce is a world-class artist, but also a consummate businessman. We could go so far as to call him a kind of “Da Vinci” of our times, not for his inventions but for the multiple activities that he has been involved in, with a great deal of success. He runs an aviation business, is a CEO, a company director, a writer; he has been an Olympic champion in fencing, a television director and radio presenter, he studied Ancient History at Queen Mary University and Westfield College at the University of London, was an active member of the conservative party, and on top of all that, has recently beaten cancer. What for others might be many lifetimes’ worth of accomplishments, Bruce has managed to achieve in just one. What’s more, he is warm, amiable and down-to-earth, with an insuppressible energy and a strong sense of clarity. His is an inspiring story, and one that offers lessons and encouragement for many. As he says of his public speaking, “I just talk about my life experiences, and give my perspective on how we can improve the current climate for business and entrepreneurship”.
Meeting with
Bruce dickinson
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