Leonardo Rocker co-founded the Quirky Kid Clinic and publishing house in 2007. With Quirky Kid, Leonardo has published over twelve best-selling resources to address social, emotional and behavioural issues for children, adolescents and families. Most recently, his Basecamp initiative was recognised at The London Book Fair’s 2018 International Excellence Awards where Quirky Kid won The Educational Initiatives Award.
What was the last book you read?
I love non-fiction books and I am currently reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. I have a soft spot for Human History as it helps me to understand what makes us tick.
What did you read it on?
I love reading short articles online and on my phone, but books still need to be paperbacks… and I don’t think this will ever change. I love the feel of books.
What’s next on your reading list?
My next book is Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow also by Yuval Noah Harari. I have a keen interest in how artificial intelligence will impact human evolution.
Name your favourite app and why.
My favourite app is our upcoming tool called BriteChild.com. I have spent the last months working in it with my colleagues. It’s looking great.
Go on, let us know your musical guilty pleasure.
My music interest is quite diverse but I still love to listen to Psychedelic or Progressive Trance (surprise faces). Back in the day, I partied hard at Australian bush doofs and I still have a soft spot for that party scene. Party people are so much fun!
And your one from the world of fiction?
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple. It was just such a pleasure to read and lots of fun – highly recommended.
What was your first job?
I worked at a butcher shop. My sister had a Cowboy as a boyfriend. Large farm, many cattle and a butcher shop in town very close to the highway. The mincer was a lot of fun for an 11-year-old. They broke up and I lost my job!
Tell us about a passion you have outside the business.
I love long distance swimming and I have been training with my squad for over 4 years. We train for 5 to 10 km races around beautiful spots. No, I don’t worry about sharks – they are friendly creatures.
Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
My mother. She is an inspiring woman with superpowers.
If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t worry too much, develop your network and keep in touch with people, make bolder choices, learn more and more and never stop reading.
Nominations for The London Book Fair’s 2019 International Excellence Awards are now open. See here for entries.