News

It works for me - The Spectator

18 December 2008

Read Bryan's article published in the County Down Spectator

What does your role entail?

Conference speaking and training. I deliver in-house sales and personal motivational training for FTSE 100 companies and smaller SMEs all over England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

The variety of of audiences and locations and the opportunity to inspire people to challenge their limitations. The results we can achieve have literally changed people's lives. One of my clients led a management buy out of his company and one client in Edinburgh won revenue of ?105 million by winning 10 sales presentations on the trot. I also enjoy watching people complete their first firewalk - it is an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives and helps them confront other "challenges".

What is the biggest disappointment in your career to date?

Not too many of these. Probably that I didn't set up my own business sooner. When I worked in Angola in West Africa, our mine was overrun by UNITA terrorists and we were kept captive for three days. On being evacuated to Namibia, I was immediately asked to go straight back, which I did, though I'll admit to being "anxious". I have been told that I should write a book about it, but I haven't got around to it yet.

What are the most challenging aspects of your work?

Balancing home life with a lot of travel. I work hard to ensure that when I am at home I have lots of good quality time with my wife Poppy and two sons.

Qualifications and training

My qualfications are many and varied ranging from classic school exams through to the Nepali language qualification (distinction), 5 Advanced Financial Planning Certificates and the Firewalking Instructors Qualification. I am also certified to administer and interpret three psychometric instruments which we occasionally use.

What was your first job?

A station hand on a cattle property in Queensland, Australia. When I left school in Enniskillen, I used my savings to buy a ticket to Australia where I worked "outback" for 6 months. I learnt how to ride horses, shear (and butcher) sheep, fix fences, brand and castrate cattle, drive all sorts of vehicles and hunt wild pigs. Great experience for a Townie.

How much were you paid?

About $180 per month - about ?100.

Any unfulfilled ambitions?

I am working on these. My ambition is to speak to an audience of 5000 people.

How would work colleagues describe you?

Energetic, driven and ideally inspiring and entertaining.

Who was your most notable mentor?

My late father. He was a very kind, bright and supportive father who made his wife and children his absolute priority in life.

Outside of work and family what are your greatest passions?

Family and work are definitely the passions. In the little free time I have I enjoy running and being with good friends.

Other than your house and car, what has been your greatest extravagance?

Some exceptional holidays. When I am away from the office I can truly relax. Learning to ski with my wife and two sons has been a real highlight. Before we had our children, my wife took me to Moscow. We stayed in a hotel overlooking the frozen Moscow River and the Kremlin. I got "ripped off" by some police! Despite this it is a fantastic memory to have.

What do you drive?

Mercedes CLK.

What's your favourite book?

"Its not how good you are its how good you want to be" by Paul Arden.

Describe your ideal night out

A couple of pints of Guinness in Ned's in Holywood followed by a curry - pretty predictable!

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?

Follow your passion and don't let anyone tell you that it can't be done.

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