With over 25 years of small business experience and successful navigation of many business and personal challenges, I have a mission to help others navigate the sometimes tricky road of life.
After my family and I moved from Melbourne to Brisbane in January 1999, I bought into a franchise business with the aim of making my escape from the corporate world and setting up a new life for myself and my family.
What I didn’t foresee were several franchisor failures, plus the near loss of our own business along with much of our capital. All businesses have both good times as well as difficulties and challenges, which often translates into stress and worry for those involved, including families and partners.
Adding personal challenges like anxiety and depression arising from unresolved personal issues makes a sometimes difficult path even harder to navigate.
My catalyst for change
In 2014, I had two experiences which caused me to re-assess my life.
On March 1st, I had a major bicycle accident after which I spent 6 weeks in hospital, and was unable to walk unaided for another month.
Later that year, I also suffered from chest pain while out running and eventually had to have 3 coronary stents due to a diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Up until then, I thought I was close to bulletproof, having completed two half marathons, many triathlons and fun runs, and was riding 150-200 km each week.
A wise colleague later commented over coffee one morning that ‘Perhaps the universe was trying to tell you something' - I think he was right!
The journey began
There I was suddenly, in a position I never thought I could land in. Unable to even walk by myself, with no quick road to recovery. Trying to manage my business from a hospital bed, maintain connection and support with my wife and three children as well as finding a path out of this hole.
I. Couldn’t. Do It.
Or rather I couldn’t do it alone and without tools and mentorship to help me reflect, refine and design my next steps forwards.
I am proud to say I am no longer in that hole.
Now, I am excited and passionate to be running Ascent Coaching where my goal is to translate my experience and help mentor and coach others to build the lives they want to live.
A conversation is all it takes to start your journey.