I left state secrets on the train - I'm proof you can recover from the biggest mistake of your life
Former civil servant Richard Jackson reflects on leaving top-secret government documents on a train in 2008, an incident that became national news. Nearly twenty years later, he shares his story to demonstrate that individuals can recover from career-destroying mistakes.
Why it matters
Provides a personal look at the intense pressures of high-stakes government work, public shaming, and personal resilience.
Image source, Maddie Birch-Jackson Image caption, Former civil servant Richard Jackson made headlines in 2008 when he left top secret files on a train
Warning: This story contains a reference to suicide
It was an ordinary Tuesday train ride to work when top civil servant Richard Jackson made the biggest mistake of his life. By the time he realised, with a sudden jolt of panic, it was too late.
He had left highly classified documents on the train.
The split-second error became national news and Jackson's life was thrown into turmoil. He was consumed by shame and humiliation.
Nearly 20 years on, he recounts that fateful day and the aftermath, speaking to Dr Sian Williams for BBC Radio 4's Life Changing podcast. He says he is proof that even when you've made your worst mistake you can rebuild your life.
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