I’ve always struggled with doubts about my abilities. Were they strong enough to build something meaningful for myself? For years, I found myself constrained by the teams I worked in or the leaders who managed them, constantly seeking others’ approval instead of trusting my own instincts.
In 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith. My partner, Kelly, had always trusted my decisions and been an incredible source of inspiration. As a talented digital creative, she once shared her frustration about a poorly executed website her company had outsourced to a digital marketing agency. She ended up fixing it herself, using her expertise to turn it around. Kelly’s confidence and clarity about her strengths motivated me.
I realised my passion lay in building relationships and fostering collaboration. I started reaching out to potential clients, and before long, I had enough momentum to leave my job and commit fully to this new path. A few months later, Kelly joined me full-time, and we began moving in the right direction.
Things were looking promising—until I suffered a life-changing accident. A 30kg box fell on my head, resulting in a severe concussion. What followed was a harrowing journey: weeks turned into months of symptoms like light and noise sensitivity, balance issues, migraines, nausea, and a rollercoaster of emotional struggles, including depression and anxiety.
I was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome, and it was terrifying. I lost control of my cognitive functions. Sleep became impossible, with my body constantly flooded with adrenaline and cortisol. The NHS system was overwhelming, and finding the right help felt like an uphill battle. Eventually, I was prescribed sertraline, an anti-anxiety medication, but it only exacerbated my symptoms. Panic attacks, a lack of appetite, and significant weight loss pushed me to the brink.
I hit rock bottom and began questioning if life was worth continuing. But amidst the darkness, I made a decision: if I was going to “check out,” I owed it to myself to first see if I could fight my way back.
During this time, I decided to open up about my experience, posting on LinkedIn about the challenges of living with a concussion. To my surprise, a kind response came from Stevie Ward, who commented:
“Lots of strength to post this, mate. Especially whilst still in the battle. Thank you for sharing, and I’m right with you.”
Stevie, the former captain of the Leeds Rhinos in the UK Rugby League, had also been living with Post-Concussion Syndrome after sustaining a head injury during his rugby career. After his comment, we connected, and it turned into a valuable friendship. Sharing our thoughts, challenges, and techniques to improve our recovery made a significant difference for both of us. Stevie introduced me to ice baths—a practice I never thought I’d try, but it ended up being transformative.
Our bond grew, and we began working together. Stevie is now a motivational speaker, helping individuals and teams reach their potential. Working alongside him has been an incredible experience, leading me to collaborate with organisations like HAAS F1 and attend events with TalkSport.
Bit by bit, I started rebuilding my life. I left the house, started physiotherapy to regain my balance, and eventually got back on my bike. Exercise played a pivotal role in my recovery, producing endorphins to counteract the anxiety chemicals in my body. Slowly, I began working again, committing just a few hours a day at first. Those hours grew into days, then months, and I started rebuilding my client base.
Demand grew, and Kelly couldn’t handle it all on her own. Six months ago, we hired our first team member, Suzy. Today, we have offices in London, Hong Kong, and mainland China.
This journey has taught me a powerful lesson: never say never, and never give up. When one path closes, another will open. Fulfilment comes from a balance—a meaningful project, a beloved hobby, and physical activity.
If you’re facing a challenge, remember it’s okay to ask for help. Baby steps lead to progress, and with persistence, you can find your way back.