Heads & Tales - George Whitefield & Charles Astor
After playing a mischievous prank on their school housemaster, Charlie & George were given a novel punishment; run a party for his 6yr old daughter’s birthday.
She was terrified of clowns, so they played party games and ran treasure hunts as ‘older brothers’. At university and on the side of ‘proper' jobs in London, they developed games and started training up friends to help out. Since that first party in 2003, Sharky & George have thrown over 30,000 parties for almost 1 million children and adults.
Can you share your journey and how Sharky and George came to be?
Absolutely! Sharky and George began as a result of a prank punishment back in school. Our house master tasked us with organising a party for his six-year-old, and that was the spark. From university to early careers, we honed our skills in entertaining young people, officially launching Sharky and George in 2007. The idea was to make anything possible and bring adventure and action to events for both kids and adults.
Were there any mentors who played a significant role in shaping your path?
Indeed, mentors have been crucial. At the start, our house master recognised our potential for entertainment and pushed us away from the conventional path. Also, George's entrepreneur dad inspired us to pursue a proper business. Their guidance emphasised the joy of making others happy in your job, ensuring fulfillment in your career.
How do you balance the unserious nature of your work with the serious aspects of running a business?
We try our best to avoid being overly serious. As we've grown, we've delegated tasks that require seriousness to those better suited for them. However, we acknowledge the need to tick the right serious boxes, especially as the business expands.
Has working with young people influenced your perspective on education?
Definitely. We've observed intriguing aspects of learning, like kids writing their names in mirror writing, offering glimpses into how they approach reading and writing. School environments also play a role; schools focusing on kindness and a broader perspective tend to foster better social interactions among kids.
What insights do you have for teachers based on your experiences working with children?
Teachers are incredibly busy people, juggling various roles. Being aware of their hectic schedules when interacting is essential. Also, injecting practical and comedic elements into lessons can make them more memorable and engaging for students.
How do you bring fun into your work with your parents?
Firstly, recognising that parents are super busy is crucial. Secondly, some parents may feel nervous about playing with their kids, especially if they've led serious lives. We aim to boost their confidence, encouraging them to embrace play and silliness.
How has having children impacted the way you run Sharky and George?
Having kids has provided us with firsthand testing grounds for new ideas. We've found ways to incorporate their feedback into our events, making them even more enjoyable. It's a great source of inspiration and keeps us connected to the essence of what we do.
What's next for Sharky and George?
We're expanding our reach globally, focusing on holiday kids’ clubs around the Mediterranean and exploring opportunities in the Middle East. Additionally, we're delving deeper into the corporate world, offering engaging, fun, and non-traditional events for companies, especially considering the changing dynamics of work-life balance.
Calling all school leaders interested in character education and student leadership.
We are hosting a cosy evening event on 22nd November at Oppidan Education in Hammersmith. We're hugely fortunate to be joined by Sharath Jeevan OBE for a roundtable, before invading the infamous 'Crisp Pizza' across the road for a slice. Very much a drop in/out once the talk has concluded; we have a handful of spaces left to join a strong group of senior leaders from schools.
If you are interested in joining, please email us at henry@oppidaneducation.com.