Life has tested me.
I’m still here.

I grew up in the care system. I struggled with life, and I’ve been homeless more than once. There have been times when keeping going was a challenge in itself.

Those experiences are part of who I am. I know that life can take a lot from you, and that the impact goes far beyond your immediate circumstances. It can get into your head and affect how you approach almost everything.

When you’re dealing with that weight, being told to “just be positive” doesn’t get you very far. Wanting a different life and finding a way to build one are two different things. I’ve lived that struggle.

But I kept going. Through the setbacks, the uncertainty and the times I had to start again. That doesn’t mean I found it easy or always knew what I was doing. It means I’m still here, and I’ve built a life I’m proud of.

Today, I’m based in Derbyshire, with a beautiful family, children, and a fairly successful business life. After everything that came before, that means a great deal to me.

I bring two decades of business experience, alongside the responsibilities and pressures of family life. I know what it’s like to have people depending on you while you’re trying to keep yourself moving forward.

Where I am now doesn’t erase where I’ve been. Both shape how I work with people. I understand that a missed goal can have a lot behind it, and I want to hear what’s actually going on before we decide what to do next.

I’m sharing this because, if we work together, you should know who you’re dealing with. Someone who has struggled, kept going, and knows that building a better life takes more than good intentions.

I was carrying a lot of excess weight and living with type 2 diabetes. I knew I needed to make changes. Making them stick was the difficult part.

I’ve lost six stone to date. Through a carefully controlled diet, I’ve also reversed my own type 2 diabetes. That’s my personal experience, and a big part of why this matters to me.

But I’ve struggled along the way. I know that wanting to change and finding the energy to keep going can be two very different things. Especially when the rest of life doesn’t stop to give you a clear run at it.

What that journey has taught me is the value of having someone to talk to. Someone who listens, understands that you’re having a hard week, and helps you work out what to do next.

Life has hardened me. I’m direct, and I don’t offer soft, gentle advice just to make a difficult conversation more comfortable.

If you tell me a goal matters to you, I’ll take it seriously. I’ll ask what you’re going to do about it, help you agree a realistic commitment, and check whether you followed through. If you haven’t, we’ll talk honestly about why.

I’ll listen to what’s getting in the way. I’ll also challenge you when your actions aren’t matching what you say you want. You can expect honesty from me, and I’ll ask for the same in return.

I know how much life can affect you mentally. Some weeks, the next step needs to be smaller. We can change the plan and still take it seriously. Being direct with you means respecting your circumstances as well as your goals.

That goal might be getting consistent with exercise, following through in business, or keeping a commitment to yourself. Whatever it is, our conversations need to lead to something you can actually do.