For our latest OL Spotlight, we're delighted to feature Jamie Ramsay (1998), an endurance adventurer, brand ambassador, presenter and public speaker. Jamie is also now an author, having recently published his first book Running the Americas - which is available to buy at jamieramsay.net.

Q1. What led to you becoming an adventurer?

“After leaving Loretto, I studied Economics and Information Systems at Oxford Brookes University, and soon found myself in London. By chance, I entered a graduate role at a respected communications agency, and over the course of twelve years, rose to become a partner. On the surface, it resembled a narrative of success. Yet deep within, I knew I was blindly doing something that I didn’t truly love. At the age of thirty-four, I felt a compelling need to change course, to prioritise personal fulfilment over financial reward.

Adventuring became the crucible in which I tested my mental and physical boundaries, learned more about who I am, and began to imagine a life that brought me genuine happiness.”

Q2. How did your book come about?

“While running the Americas, I kept careful notes of the extraordinary experiences that unfolded along the way. Upon returning, I began drafting a manuscript, initially to preserve a record of this remarkable chapter of my life — the achievements and adventures I had known.

As I worked on Running the Americas, several people urged me to publish it as a memoir. Their encouragement convinced me to proceed with self-publishing, a path that would allow me to share my story with a larger audience.”

Q3. What would you say is the best aspect of your career?

“Being my own boss affords me the liberty to select the adventures I pursue and to define the boundaries I wish to test. When I first set out as a ‘professional’ adventurer, I had no clear map of where the road would lead — from running across continents, I have gone on to summit mountain peaks and traverse some of the most breathtaking terrains on foot and by bike. One lesson, though, has remained constant: you cannot do it all alone. Most of my growth has occurred through collaborating with brands, partnering with fellow adventurers and taking part in competitions and races. Working with people who challenge, support and inspire you is an indispensable ingredient for growth and, more often than not, the source of the greatest joy.”

Q4. What do you consider to be your biggest success (so far)?

“Change. For twelve years of my working life, I showed up, ticked the boxes, and earned promotions and pay rises. Yet when I chose to embrace change, I transformed not only how I approach life, but what truly matters to me, and I uncovered depths of who I am and what I am capable of. Having the courage to seek change, followed by the resolve to pursue it, is undoubtedly a defining success of the past decade.”

Q5. What’s next for you?

“I am still young, with a vast world to discover and explore. Now a father, the next chapter is about adapting what I do, recalibrating my expectations, and becoming a worthy role model for my son. Longer adventures may take a backseat for a time, while shorter, more intense journeys take their place. I also aim to distil the lessons learned from my 54,000 kilometres of human-powered exploration and share them with the next generation of adventurers.”

Q6. What advice would you give to current Lorettonians?

“You have six remarkable years at Loretto ahead of you, brimming with opportunities and experiences waiting to be seized. Make the most of them while you can. As you grow older, you’ll look back and recognise just how special these days were — and how fortunate you were to have them. This period need not define you, but it is a pivotal time to arm yourself with a diverse toolkit of skills and passions that will open doors for your future. Embrace curiosity, pursue bold interests, and build habits that will serve you for a lifetime. Also, foster good relationships with your fellow pupils, as you never know where and when they will turn up in your future.”

Future OL Spotlights

To be featured yourself or to nominate someone else, please get in touch at society@loretto.com.