MOVERS and SHAKERS: Jem Duducu, Historian and Author Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know @GaroNazarianDDS #cosmopolitandental #loveyoursmile
Jem Duducu
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Life is a journey without a set map; when Jem Duducu left university with a B.A. in Archaeology and Medieval History from University of Wales College of Cardiff UWCC, there was no way he could know where his journey would take him. The love of history had always been there, and history had always seemed exotic and exciting whether as a nine-year-old staring into the unblinking 1,300 year old face of the Sutton Hoo helmet to reading about the crusades at university in Cardiff.
Fast forwarding nearly 25 years, and Jem Duducu is happy, proud and humbled by his accomplishments and the great people whom he calls friends and family. Knowing his degree was somewhat useless in the real world initially, Jem fell into sales, as many do. He was good at it, and in the realm of media sales in London, Jem achieved the level of assistant in under a year, and full manager year later at age 23. Undeniably the degree had taught him to explain himself in a passionate manner, however, that was the sole skill his love for history brought to the commercial world then.
A job for life is something that our parents or grandparents experienced, but today in the modern world it simply is not how business is done. In this first job in media sales, every time Jem was bored, he kept being given a new role or new project to work on. It kept him busy for the best part of a decade, but then he struck out with a colleague to start their own London-based company in the summer of 2001. Everything was going great in the first quarter, beating projections and bucking the trend of startups needing time to make money, but that all changed on a sunny late summer day on 9/11/2001. Suddenly Jem’s dissertation on the crusades and the clashes between Christian and Muslim seemed far more relevant than he could have ever imagined. The company bumped along for another 18 months but it never really recovered- who did?
But Jem picked himself up and got on with things, and as his career progressed so did his love of staff development leading to him moving into the world of training. As a sales trainer, you have to have done the hard stuff. Salespeople won’t take tips from people who have never been in a pitch meeting or cold called or handled objections. It was as if everything that had happened early in his career had set him up to be the business trainer he became. Then after nearly 20 years for mainly working for large corporates (except for the whole startup in 2001), he decided to become a freelancer. Every weekday up until that point was a process of getting up, putting on a suit and commuting to work. Now things were more flexible. It led to training in far flung places such as Amsterdam, Houston, New York, Las Vegas and Barcelona, were the sexy ones- Telford, Hull and Norwich were a little less exciting. When he wasn’t travelling, more time could be spent with his family, and while the safety net of a large company was gone, the cash flow was his responsibility alone, the ultimate motivator when you have a wife, two kids and a mortgage.
At the same time, Jem’s love of history began to be rekindled, and he became a published historian. At the time of writing, he has had seven non-fiction books published and of those, two are self-published (one being a historical novel). The publisher got him in contact with BBC History Magazine and now articles were being written promoting the books to a wider and more appreciative audience. They were so successful that standalone projects were specced covering such diverse topics as Roman inventions to unusual facts about American Political figures. This aspect of his life led to two important achievements.
Firstly bringing together both his love of training and love of history he has created a management training course where the art of leadership is split into a number of disciplines, and each one is represented by a historical figure, The response has been electrifying. It seems whether you love or hate history, everyone gets excited about whether they are better at delegation than Queen Elizabeth I. Its currently under talks to be turned into a book.
It was also led to a podcast. NEON takes a piece of pop culture and reveals the real history behind it, did you know that Star Wars a new hope shares DNA with the Samurai and a World War Two bombing raid by the RAF? It was picked up by Acast almost instantly and of all the thousands of podcasts out there, was featured by Apple- a real sign of success. We are so pleased to present Jem Duducu as our latest Mover and Shaker. Peachy Deegan interviewed Jem for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What are your favorite five moments in British history and why?
Jem Duducu: 793 AD the first chronicled mention of the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gets so hysterical it even mentions dragons!
1066 AD the epic events of that year starting with the death of Edward the Confessor leading to three different kings clashing in England and culminating with the famous Battle of Hastings, whats not to love?
Henry VIII, he can be read as a comedy, tragedy or psychological horror. He’s good value for money.
1759 this was the year Britain went from an imperial power, to the imperial power during the Seven Years War (where a young George Washington was fighting for the British).
World War Two, it’s not often in history a country is willing to do the right thing at a likely huge cost to itself. Britain lost an empire because of that war, but we did the right thing. America by contrast took 2 ½ years and an attack on Pearl Harbor to work out Nazis are bad.
What are your favorite five moments in American history and why?
New England is so named because it reminded the explorers of home. Maryland was so named in honour of Queen Mary. However I would have loved to have seen the conversation about the way to honour Queen Elizabeth I was to name a region Virginia because of her virginity. A breath takingly personal proclamation.
James Town colonial America. Similarly (and apologies to our American cousins) we weren’t very good at naming things. There was also a James River and a Fort James too… guess what the name of the monarch of the time was and what other names were they thinking of?
George Washington’s inauguration as the First President George Washington in Federal Hall New York City. What a moment that would have been to witness.
The Gettysburg Address, what most people don’t realise is that Lincoln was not the main event. That was a 2 hour long oration by the Hon. Edward Everett called "The Battles of Gettysburg". Lincoln was meant to say a few words in summary afterwards. He did, but those were the ones that counted.
The hell of Omaha Beach D-Day 1944. It is simply America’s finest moment in all of military history.
What are your thoughts on July 4, 1776 and the American Revolution?
Not a lot actually happened on the 4th of July 1776. Fighting had already been going on for a year and it took months to get all the signatures. It’s also worth remembering that hundreds of thousands of Americans fought for the mother country and the rebels wouldn’t have won without French assistance.
These uncomfortable truths get swept under the carpet because they don’t make a good founding of a nation story, and that’s ok because all countries do that, it’s just America is such a comparatively young country that there’s a lot of historical evidence out there that makes a neat narrative hard to create.
What should the world know about British history that they probably don’t know?
That Richard the Lionheart was not a good king of England. In his 10-year reign he was here for just 11 months. He would have sold London if only he could find a buyer (an actual quote of his) he crippled the country with taxes to pay for his crusade and wars in France. Finally he spoke French not English. He is was however as brave as the legends say.
Please share with the world why history matters…
What’s happening in the news right now and why is your economy the way it is, is all down to history. History isn’t just about kings and politicians, there’s a history of art, economics, textiles and even hip-hop. History explains why you live in the world you do today, and if you can learn from the past’s mistakes, maybe you can do a better job for the future.
Do you also agree that studying history in school gives you an edge in the business world over your competitors that only studied business?
I think there are better degrees to help you in business than history. Saying that when I meet graduates with business degrees they always think they know everything, not understanding that to be really successful you have to have been knocked down a few times first. There’s no substitute for experience.
What should all Americans understand about the BBC?
It’s a national institution. No adverts, paid by the British population (you have to have a license for your TV in the UK or face a fine). So it doesn’t have to always be commercial giving us great shows like the Blue Planet and the longest running scripted TV show ever- Doctor Who.
Do you watch the History Channel by A and E in the USA and if so what do you think of it?
When the channel was first launched I lauded its intentions to spread popular history. But it turns out people can only see so many shows about the Romans and the Nazis so now you have cheap reality TV like Ice Truckers, how this can be on a channel called “History”, I have no idea.
Do you wish you had a job for life like previous generations?
No, I love the flexibility I have now, and what if you spent 35 years being miserable and finding out right at the end of your career there was the perfect job for one floor below?
What do you hope the world has learned from 9/11?
To understand history and geopolitics more seriously. That’s what I hoped, that’s not what happened.
Where do you enjoy traveling to the most?
Anywhere new. I’m embarrassed to say I went to Dublin for the first time last year. It’s taken me more that 40 years to get to the island next to mine. You can find something nice everywhere, and something bad too.
What does leadership mean to you?
Getting people to work WITH you not FOR you. If people feel that you’re on a mission together they will try their hardest. But you have to give them that vision and commitment.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in sales?
They try and tell the buyer everything they know. STOP THAT. Instead ask questions, qualify the client. If they want things you don’t have, thank them for their time and leave. If they want what you’ve got, focus in on those points. But sales is about asking questions and not making epic speeches.
What should everyone know about your podcast?
I am incredibly proud of NEON. It’s a new way of looking at history. I start with a piece of pop culture and then reveal either the deliberate or inadvertent nods to history. It could be something obvious like Assassins Creed a video Game set in the Middle Ages so I can talk about the Crusades. To the harder to reveal history in The Handmaids Tale which while set in a near future dystopia, tells us a lot about totalitarian regimes and breeding programmes.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My family. Every time I think I should be lazy I remember I’ve got mouths to feed. Also my wife is a perfectionist so an arched eyebrow of disappointment from her is a real killer.
What are you proudest of and why?
My kids, because they are the hardest work you’ll ever do, but so far (fingers crossed) they are both fun, smart and hard(ish) working boys who are always polite in social situations (but of course complete nightmares at home).
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Serious- a Ted Talk. I think I’d be good at it and its almost an unofficial award to be asked to do one. I would do it on one historical leader and what we can learn in the modern world from them.
Fun- a slot on the shopping channel. I just want to know if I can talk for 20 minutes about a product without stopping. It’s a real skill.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Nothing official, however getting published is really hard, so I’m proud of that. Also some of the lovely comments I get on LinkedIn mean a lot because there’s no politics or marketing about those. They are heartfelt thankyous.
What one word best describes you and why?
Enthusiastic
I’m a ball of energy. When podcasting I have to stand up and wave my arms around. In a training room, I’m forever bouncing about- it’ great exercise.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
This is the hardest question. My mother is from small town America (near Pittsburgh) my father is from small town Turkey and I was born in the unfashionable part of London. I just feel like “me” and I’ve always felt that way. It pains me to hear about those who have identity crises or feel that they are unworthy. It’s just something I can’t relate to, I know my strengths and weaknesses and I’m ok with them.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
The Guggenheim. And it really is the “place”. Some exhibits are amazing, others are ok. But just walking around the place with its sense of space is always a soothing experience, particularly 30 minutes before it closes because the crowds are gone.
And in London?
The British Museum. Why? Well look at everything I’ve said!
And in the UK outside London?
Oxford is an amazing city, do you now they have a blackboard in the basement of one of their museums which was written on by Einstein, and they preserved it.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Cinnabon on Liberty street. Hear me out- we don’t have them in the UK and I have a real sweet tooth. So cinnamon, carbs and sugar…mmm…
And in London?
Games Workshop Uxbridge. You will have never heard of it. I used to be into the table top modelling and gaming hobby when I was a teen but gave it up because…well…you’ll never get a girl that way. Now my boys are into it, we paint and play there. It’s so welcoming, a real community of geeks. All kind, smart and no bravado, it’s the opposite of a sports bar.
And in the UK outside London?
The gift shop at Harry Potter Studios in Watford, does that need an explanation?
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He seems like such a nice guy and is all about positive energy and belief in yourself. Also if he can get Rampage to make money, it shows he can sell ANYTHING.
What is your favorite drink?
I’m teetotal, it would be freshly squeezed orange juice with a splash of lime juice.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
A woman came up to me and asked why I hadn’t spoken to her. She then went on for quite some time calling me Kevin. She was so emphatic that I was Kevin, I started to play along. Using my sales techniques to ask her questions about herself while revealing nothing about Kevin (because, and I can’t stress this enough, I’m not Kevin). She walked away happy with her reconnection with Kevin about ten minutes later. I never saw her again, I wonder if Kevin did see her again?
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Anywhere in China Town. I love Chinese food, and you can’t go wrong there in my experience (although I know it’s not the cheapest).
And in London?
Zedel, just off Piccadilly. It’s French food in the most amazing art deco setting, and it doesn’t cost the earth either.
And in the UK outside London?
The Red Hot in Leeds, all you can eat buffet of world foods. Want grilled octopus, or lasagna, or curry, take your pick. I have no idea how they make money.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
American Psycho and Patrick Bateman. Come on, it doesn’t get much more New York than that.
And in London?
Sherlock Holmes (pick any of the books or anthologies). He even has a plaque and statue on Baker Street. Not bad for a fictional character.
And in the UK outside London?
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. Written entirely in colloquial Glaswegian. It came out about the same time as Brit Pop was becoming big. It’s just cool, and a challenging read.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
The Dalai Lama, he seems lovely and calm. I’m a fizzing ball of energy so I’d love to feel that soothing calmness. Also I can find out if he really is the reincarnation of a semi-divine being.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
I’d like to plant a tree in Central Park and have a plaque next to it with my name. Something organic in the big concrete city.
And in London?
Let’s go big- The Jem Duducu Museum rather than the British Museum.
And in the UK outside London?
The best find I discovered while on archaeology digs was a Mesolithic hand axe (some 8,000 years old). I’d like that farm renamed in my honour.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
I was taken to a Yankees game about 20 years ago. It was my chance to see the great American sport up close and personal. I found it really dull. And that is my only American athletic experience.
And in London?
The 2012 Olympics. I was in Excel watching the boxing where this guy called Antony Joshua had his first fight. He looked good even then. The atmosphere was incredible. Watching the commentators when I got home, they said they’d never seen a boxing crowd make so much noise. I was part of that verbal riot with my wife and father.
And in the UK outside London?
Climbing Tryfan, in my school days I did quite a lot of mountaineering. Tryfan is a mountain in Snowdonia which at the top has two great stone promontories called Adam and Eve. It feels like you’ve climbed to the sky (even though Snowdon nearby is higher, that has a café on the top of it so its not as romantic).
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
When I’m in a hotel, try and get the best angle of the skyline. I was up the Twin Towers in February 2001 and just seeing Manhattan spread out before you is amazing. It’s a film set. So many places are in moves or TV shows. It makes you feel like you’re a film star. I am aware this makes me sound like a tourist.
And in London?
The walk from Westminster to Saint Paul’s along the southbank of the Thames. You see everything from the medieval to the modern. On a sunny day its one of the best 40 minute walks you can have.
And in the UK outside London?
Going to Tintagel. It isn’t the birthplace of King Arthur (he’s a legend) but it sure feels like it and it’s such an epic location in any weather. If it is sunny and calm it’s like a postcard. If it’s wet and wild you get to see the tempest play out before your eyes.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
Jesus. Because one dinner would clear up a lot of questions.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
Hamilton…mike drop.
And in London?
Seeing Johnny Cash at the Royal Albert Hall. My father was a huge fan (weird for a Turk I know). So I grew up with Cash, and to see him in such an “English” place was really special and surreal. It was his last tour of England.
And in the UK outside London?
The Edinburgh Festival, just buy some random tickets and be surprised.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I give blood when I can (although it’s been a while). I try and raise my kids to be the best they can be. I try to recycle as much as I can. We are a one car family, and that can be a real pain sometimes.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
Overrated is Time Square, it’s just a road junction with big adverts. I don’t get it (and ties into my answer below)
Underrated is Grand Central Station. I always remember a friend took me there just to visit it and appreciate it. Basically everyone goes there to be transported somewhere else. But take the time to look at the amazing ceiling, the impressive wide open space. It’s an architectural masterpiece that is clearly in the back of the minds of people as they hurry from point a to point b.
And in London?
Overrated is Piccadilly Circus, it’s just a road junction with big adverts. I don’t get it (and ties into my answer above)
Underrated are the Churchill War Rooms. Everyone knows about Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. But near both are the basement rooms preserved from World War Two where Britain fought a war for survival. It is an incredibly powerful experience.
And in the UK outside London?
Overrated The Cavern Club in Liverpool. Incredibly important for 60s music but the place was a cheap dive back then and now the reverence put on what was a poor venue in the first place is all a bit underwhelming.
Underrated Is North West Wales. In the space of about 30 minutes’ drive there are three of the most amazing castles in all of Europe. Anglesey, an island where seals and dolphins can be seen and a mountain range that is within view of the shore line (which is a very rare geological feature). It’s sparsely populated, rarely visited by foreign visitors, but you could easily spend a week there doing very diverse things (warning it does rain a lot there though).
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your
favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
English errors. Grammar has never been my strong point, but I know its importance- I have spent many hours arguing with my editor on my books.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
If you have enjoyed my fun and enthusiasm in this interview and like the idea of me being my guide to history, I have written a load of introductory books to all kinds of topics. Just search my name on something like Amazon and pick a book, you can’t go wrong. And if you want to hear my clipped British accent, NEON is available on all the main podcast streaming services.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
I’m @JemDuducu on Twitter my Facebook Community page is History Gems and you can find me under my name on LinkedIn.
