My career started in 1987 when I joined the Royal Air Force as a Fire-fighter, where I was fortunate enough to be stationed at a number of locations within the UK as well as experiencing a four-month detachment to the Falkland Islands. Upon leaving the RAF, I spent six months living and working on the island of Crete in Greece, which is where I met my now wife (she’s Welsh btw). In 1992 I joined the Airport Fire Service at Cardiff Airport and then went on to hold several different Fire Service roles at Manchester, Farnborough and Gatwick Airport where I attained the rank of Chief Fire Officer.

My next career move meant leaving behind my comfort blanket (Airport Fire Service) and taking the plunge into airport management. I felt as though I was ready for a new chapter and needed to be challenged in my professional career. This led to me holding several senior positions within the aviation industry, including the role of Accountable Manager at two busy UK airports.

In late 2015, I hit a point in my career where for the first time I felt totally unsatisfied with the direction in which I was headed. I became aware of how exhausted the entire situation was making me feel and decided to take action.

It was then that I took my boldest step to date – I walked away from a six-figure salary with nothing to go to, to set up my very own business. I’ll be honest with you; it wasn’t an easy move and I was absolutely terrified. I kept asking myself the same questions – What if I didn’t make it? What if the business failed? What if I regret it? I experienced a whole range of negative emotions including anxiety, self-doubt and the well documented imposter syndrome.

After nearly thirty years of being a securely paid employee, I found myself standing on the precipice of what felt like a black hole…and it felt completely self-inflicted. What had I done? Most people that I approached for advice regarding my plans told me that I was crazy and that I should “box clever” by sticking with what I had. Hearing this from people whose opinions I cared about did get me thinking, maybe I was crazy? Maybe I should settle?

Then I remembered an old saying “the darkest hour is always the one before the dawn” this motivated me to go with my gut and I decided to jump regardless of my worries. I’ve never been one to avoid a challenge, so deep down I knew the move was the right one for me despite the outcome.