Intrepid

Childhood

 

As a young person I experienced my share of fear and anxiety. I learned some hard, and at times painful, lessons about them from the estates I grew up in when very young. From being bullied, to family tragedy, to borderline poverty at that time, I was lucky enough to have parents who worked hard and supported me, yet I remember feeling anxious often.

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From the age of 11 I took an interest in martial arts and rugby. It was ironic that I was drawn to two highly combative, physical and frightening sports; spending years feeling anxiety before every lesson, competition and match. Having competed at international level at both, it was here I began to learn more about tackling my fears, taking a keen interest in performance and the potential people have to overcome their perceived limits.

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When life 'happens'​

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Following graduation from university I worked with some of the world’s leading companies in the technology, professional services and financial industry, I added to my knowledge of what mind-set it takes for people to thrive. I learned the most when my first marriage ended after an extreme test of resolve. Losing your wife, your business and your home in quick succession teaches a person much about themselves… especially when you also get your car (my pride and joy at that time) stolen as well.

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Having to start again can be terrifying, and at times it was. How to overcome the fear, the sleepless nights, and the chest crushing moments of sheer panic were some of my most valuable lessons though. Because of this I took a keen interest in the psychology of performance and set about putting it into practice in my work and personal life. After a short period I started again... a new relationship, heading my own professional search practice, buying a new home, and starting a family. 

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When the sky falls... again

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With the 2009 economic crash, I was out of work. Training and development investment dried up and many people were lost, uncertain and scared about ‘what next’ in their jobs.  It was this that drove me to search for a new way to systemise the development of people’s inner drivers and resilience; to build tools to help others identify and overcome what holds them back; and to engage more in their goals and aspirations.

 

Eventually I did just that with leaders in small and large businesses, and with some of society’s most challenged, vulnerable and change resistant. During this time my methods were put to work with long term unemployed; people with substance addiction and mental ill health; young offenders; teenagers with developmental difficulties (such as autism), and many business owners, leaders and employees.  Many of these methods you will find at Intrepid, and are proven to be highly effective with people who struggle to move forward, changing the lives of many.

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Knocked down, get up, sleep, repeat

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Sounds great, right? Progress... however, cosmic forces conspired once more when my wife contracted stage 3 cancer and our relationship became estranged. With two young children I remember all too well the fears and worries I faced, and how incredibly isolating it was. I also had to deal with business challenges and extreme mental ill health within very close members of my family adding to the challenges we faced. Once again I learned a huge amount about myself, although this time I learned most from not only my experience, but also from my wife’s resilience and my children’s strength. 

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Too many times I was knocked down getting my new business off the ground in the midst of all of it. Too many mornings I felt that surge of anxiety in my stomach about what might happen, and how it sapped strength and motivation. It was here where I learned what really worked and what didn't, and put it to work. And today I feel grateful. We came through this challenge, and will get through the next.

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I share this because my clients should know that I’ve been there, and at least can understand what it takes to push through some of what life throws at us. You should know that, at times, I too have felt very alone inside myself with the challenges I faced. Some days it was everything I had to put myself out there and take a single terrifying step forward…

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Playing the hand we are dealt a better way

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I know I’m not the only one to experience tests that life throws at us; nor is my story anywhere near the toughest one out there. Not by a long shot! Many have experienced and endured much greater challenges than I. We simply play the hand we are dealt, the best way we can. I share it because my own journey helps me understand and apply this process more deeply than just the psychology, or a course, or a book. These are my scars earned from each knockdown that have helped me build better ways to hold my resolve and move forward that make a genuine difference.​ It has helped me create means with which to play our cards in a better way.

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I know first hand that everyone has their fears, history, bad experiences, and regrets. Chances are you are reading this because you have them too. I say this because you are not alone in having dreams, challenges, aspirations, hopes and fears. While I’ve made it my professional career to help others move forward, I’ve personally walked the mile in these shoes.

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I only ask one thing from the people I work with: ‘show up’. Do that, and in the time we have I will show you how to take on and beat what’s stopping you, better arm yourself to tackle any challenge, and how to take your goals forward to the next level.

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I look forward to working with you…