Once a month we have a group of "friendly dragons" (aka Team Soda) that come together to hear pitches from startups and review the progress being made of those in a Soda startup programme. Over the next few months we'll be introducing you to this panel of knowledgeable business legends. This one's all about Geoff Day.

Geoff is a director at Safety Apparel Ltd and Learning Works.  As an innovative thinker, Geoff loves scouting new ideas and helping them become a reality.

We love having Geoff as a part of our panel. His candid feedback keeps people honest and realistic. Get to know him a little more below.

Who inspires you?

Anyone that is prepared to challenge the Status Quo, give things a go and be counted on when it counts.

What’s the best concert you ever attended?

Showing my age… but Neil Diamond.

If you could be any animal, which would you be and why?

Lion, big and strong, with a strong sense of determination.

What’s your favourite business book/podcast?

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Both are not only about business, but to live your life by.

What are you passionate about?

Strive for success in the right way in anything I do by learning from the plenty of mistakes I make…and there are plenty!

What’s your favourite movie?

Shawshank Redemption.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Keep on coming back to be a mentor at Soda 48-hour Business Start-up Challenge.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

The Last Dance.

If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been before, where would it be?

New York…..but just not at the moment!

Which four people, living or dead, would you most like to eat dinner with? What kind of dinner party would it be?

Nelson Mandela, Michael Jordan, Richie McCaw, Anne Frank. All people who showed courage in face of different levels of adversity. Potluck dinner, with all bringing favourite food.

If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?

Blue.

If you have an epic idea for a startup and want to pitch to our friendly dragon’s den, click here to find out how.