In yesterday’s Thursday HotSeat we took some time to get to know one of our Club Members a bit more deeply. He appeared as our Special Guest and shared his life and business experience, wisdom and journey with us, which was a privilege to be a part of.
Although we’ve known him for nearly two years, we discovered that back in the day he was 19th in the world for Professional Squash, and also clarified that he now owns and manages the largest resort in Western Australia.
In answer to a question about turning points in life that he had experienced, he shared that his Dad’s passing was a big deal for him. Prior to that, they had done everything together, including professional sports and business, to the point of him taking over the family business and legacy from his Mum and Dad after they had gone. He shared that everything he knows in business came from his folks. He also said he felt immense pressure to continue the legacy after his Dad passed and how difficult it was to carry that. In his own words:
“When my Dad passed away was the big one for me. The business was always going to be coming to me, but when you lose your mentor, best mate, Dad and the person you see every day isn’t there any more and it’s all on you, it’s big. The biggest thing I felt was the legacy and I felt huge pressure to make sure it continued”
When asked what things had helped him along the way to move beyond the pain of his Dad’s passing, he said:
“Without a doubt, the Club. And I don’t say that because I’m sitting here, I say that because I’ve been able to share my story and learn from other people that are in the Club and to be able to offload. What I’ve really missed is to be able to share a bad day and share stuff in a business sense and people get it.
The Club and the group and the chats we have, and even just the check-ins we do with each other is just about “Hey, I’ve got you. I’ve got your back”.
So going back to the question, it’s having the Club to talk to, I am OK to be vulnerable in the Club.”
Everyone who’s interacted with this Club Member will attest to his generosity and the camaraderie he creates within the group. It’s his ability to be vulnerable, combined with the genuine interest in each other which fosters the depth of relationships that we are honoured to share in the Club. They go well beyond business and elevate us in what we do and who we are.
