When I was young I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school. I was told that I wasn’t very smart and wouldn’t amount to much. I dreamt of running a business of my own, although I had no idea what business that might be…

Does this sound familiar?

With no interest in school, I took the first opportunity to leave, becoming an apprentice electrician at 16. Doing an apprenticeship was a great way to get some structure in my life and give me some direction. I knew that I wanted more, but what?

I took every opportunity to educate myself, reading self development books and doing courses (there was no internet back then!). It wasn’t until I found my mentor that I truly had my first big break.

With his guidance, I completed a number of courses with the guarantee of an overseas job opportunity with his company if I showed I was willing to work hard.

Have you noticed that when you focus on something for long enough, opportunities present themselves? It’s in these moments that our lives change.

Over the last 25 years I have successfully managed businesses through financial crisis, changes in government, legislation and taxation, redundancies, court actions and even political unrest. This experience has granted me incredible insight in what to do and what not to do for your business to succeed.

While I enjoyed the work, it was always for someone else and only for one business at a time. In 2016 my mentor died of cancer after a long and successful career. It saddened me deeply knowing that he never got to fulfil his lifelong dream of enjoying retirement with his family. That was the turning point for me. The time for me to do my own thing.

If not now, then when?

We only get one shot at life, there is no dress rehearsal. What’s holding you back from having the life you dream of? Is it time to get some help from someone who’s been in your position and has come out the other side?