I’m a devoted father of two, husband to my childhood sweetheart

and lover of the great outdoors, including camping and trail running.

These days it’s fair to say I live a healthy and active life, but it wasn’t

always that way. I’ve been closely involved with the hospitality, leisure

and retail sectors from the early 1990s, and while I love the industry

it sure takes a toll on your lifestyle! Back then I was tipping the scales

at around 130kg, thriving in the corporate world, but fast becoming physically, mentally and emotionally wrung-out.

I was the very essence of the candle burning at both ends.

It was a tough road, but a necessary part of the journey that

instilled in me a passion for life-long learning.

 

The early days

 

Heralding from humble, but loving beginnings, my entrepreneurial

flare was on display early – ‘borrowing’ the family popcorn machine

aged 10 to make up bags to sell to the kids at school, or running a

credit line for three newspaper rounds. Mum always wondered what

was coming next! I got my first job at the age of 13 working nights in a restaurant. Having to work from such a young age taught me the

relevance of the old motto, ‘If it’s to be, it’s up to me’.

I also came to realise the vast difference between working hard and working smart – the importance of not being too proud to seek help

or ask for advice. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a busy, fun and action-packed time. I was selling kitchens on weekends and fitting them during the week, while at the same time working nights in themed pub restaurants and bingo halls. I bought my first rental property at the age

of 18, which gave me enough income to complete a business degree

and MBA. Travelling the world as a reward and emigrating to Australia

quickly became more than just a pipe dream.

While the travel wasspurred initially by a quest for adventure, career

and a brighter future (take this out? financial/retirement planning)

it was all part of the Masterplan (yes, I’m an Oasis fan!). Now, with

almost 30 years international experience I have been fortunate to have caring, smart and capable people in both my personal and professional

life who allowed me to shape, develop and, at times reinvent myself.

 

Still learning

 

My belief in life-long learning and adopting a growth mindset was

the driving force behind my Business Degree and MBA, along with

professional qualifications in coaching and surveying. In addition, I’m currently pursuing my Fitness Instructor credentials and have become

a PhD candidate. I continue to reinvent myself both personally and professionally. Now a keen endurance trail runner I am shadow of my former self, having shed almost 50kg. It didn’t happen by chance, but through the support, help and guidance of those around me, including

a coach and mentor. This major life change required me to first make

a choice, commit to creating new habits, forming new behaviours and chasing the life my wife and I had dreamt of, while reveling in the fact

we’re all a “work in progress”. As a side note, my motivation for losing weight had absolutely nothing to do with losing weight - remind me

to tell you what it was when we meet. I’m driven to help others achieve

things they can only dream of. My own personal journey has shown

that if we dare to dream, plan and take action, we can achieve so much

more, regardless of how uncomfortable it makes us feel. In fact, you’ll

often hear me say, “get used to being uncomfortable, it’s a sign we’re growing”. So that’s my story, for now. While some people talk the talk

I believe in walking the walk. What are you waiting for?

Lace-up your runners and let’s get this journey started!