Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Ross Pakes: With two girls aged 5 and 9, I don’t get much choice — they’re the best kind of distraction. They’re both full of energy and always up for games, so that time with them in the evenings and on weekends naturally creates a real break from work. It keeps me present, grounded, and reminds me what all the hard work is really for.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
Catching up with my daughters — hearing about their school day, helping with homework, reading books before bed. It’s a small window of calm that helps me shift out of work mode and back into family life. It’s probably the most important hour of the day.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
Embarrassingly, jigsaws! There’s something incredibly calming about them. You have to focus, but in a different way, and it’s totally absorbing. That said, I’m quite particular about how I do them — I like to set them up properly and get into a rhythm, so I’m not the best at sharing them with others!
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I listened to a Masters of Scale episode with Brian Chesky from Airbnb, and it really made me stop and think. He spoke about how travel is no longer just a service, it’s becoming a cultural exchange. That idea of designing for connection, not just convenience, really hit home. It’s shaped how I approach private travel at Ten Lifestyle Group — looking beyond the functional and focusing more on experiences that feel emotionally relevant and human, especially in a world that’s increasingly digital.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
Definitely out walking — ideally somewhere a bit wild and off-grid, like the coast or deep in the woods. Being in nature helps clear the noise and I always end up solving problems I didn’t even know I was stuck on. Fresh air and movement just help ideas flow better.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I have a quick 60 minutes to plan the week out — what I need to deliver, which projects need more time, and where I need to show up prepared. I also go through upcoming meetings to make sure I’m not scrambling last-minute. It’s a small thing, but it helps me start Monday in control rather than on the back foot.
Best reason you've had to turn your 'Out of Office' on recently?
Watching my daughter’s ukulele concert. Not something I thought I’d ever find myself doing, but it was a genuinely sweet moment — and a good reminder that sometimes the small things really are the big things.
Your go-to out of office outfit: Something polished enough to feel put together, but relaxed enough to pretend I didn’t plan it.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: The Maldives for uninterrupted relaxation
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal — the tasting menu is a knockout. His reimagined Hunter’s Chicken is worth the reservation alone.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: Cheltenham Races — living in the Cotswolds, it’s a bit of a seasonal ritual. Even if you don’t know much about racing, the atmosphere, people-watching, and energy make it a standout day out.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: A Diary of a CEO podcast episode with Daniel Ek, the founder of Spotify. He talks about balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution — and staying laser-focused on solving the right problem. That mindset’s been really helpful as we scale our Private Travel arm.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Playing the piano
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Airport lounge access. Once you’ve had champagne and a charging point instead of standing at a crowded gate eating a sad sandwich, there’s no going back.
Best luxury under £25: A big, bold bunch of fresh flowers. They make your kitchen table feel like a boutique hotel lobby — even if the rest of your life is more Lego bricks and laundry piles.
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