The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Martha Lane Fox
at 25, Baroness Lane-Fox, now 47, co-founded lastminute.com. In 2009, she was appointed Digital Champion for the UK and, in 2013, entered the house of Lords. She lives with her partner Chris Gorell Barnes and their identical twin boys.
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Having one mantra by which you live your life is dangerous. it’s better to look and listen, and learn and remain curious about what’s going on around you. You’re a composite of all the things that happen to you, which i s why i t’s important to stay open-minded.
i was lucky enough to be born into a happy f amily, who gave me many advantages as i was growing up. My parents were, and are, interested in the world, and i must have picked that up myself by osmosis.
i’m sure i’ve i nherited whatever entrepreneurial flair i may have. My dad, Robin, is a historian and gardening writer who has published his own books. My mum, Louisa, started a business called the Last Word Lunchtime Lectures. i’ve always gone to them for advice.
i still respect Dad’s judgment, although when i showed him the business plan for lastminute.com, his only comment was that he counted 15 split infinitives.
My mum is a particularly wise person, who helped me when i started attracting unwelcome publicity. My friends have an expression, WWLD — which stands for What Would Louisa Do — because she’s so good at navigating complicated relationships and situations.
in 2004, i broke nearly every bone in my body in a car accident in Morocco. i was in hospital for the better part of two years. it changed my life for ever and reinforced my feelings for my friends and family, who were so spectacular throughout. it emphasised my desire to contribute to the world and not let life pass me by, too.
it also made me determined to pass on to my twins the richness that the world has to offer, as long as you have eyes to see it. i’m an optimist, something you can be in even the darkest moments.
if we’ve learned anything from the last year, it is the importance of kindness and community.
Martha is one of 22 contributors to a Few Wise Words (amersham Publishing), sharing personal insights and advice.