Bob Smale is a freelance writer, trainer and mentor with long standing interests in personal development and employee relations. Bob started his working life in banking and was concurrently a part-time professional musician. After becoming a mature student he completed a Labour Studies Diploma at Ruskin College, Oxford and a first degree at University of Kent. He has completed an M.Phil with University of Kent and D.Phil with the University of Portsmouth and is also a qualified holistic therapist. During 31 years in education he taught in further, adult and higher education, developing an interest in pedagogy and receiving an award for ‘Excellence in Facilitating and Empowering Learning’ From the University of Brighton. Bob is the lead author of two editions of ‘How to Succeed at University: an Essential Guide to Academic Skills, Personal Development and Employability’, published by Sage, which brought together his knowledge of personal development and academia.