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I have been asked many times how Running Commentary came into being and while it would be tempting to say it was all part of some grand plan, like so many things in life, it was a series of events that brought me to where I am now.
In 2019 I was made redundant from my role as Head of Communications. To be honest, I was well prepared for it and had a game plan that included time to decompress and get myself into a better mental place. At the time, I didn't particularly realise it, but I wasn't happy; I was stressed and battling a considerable amount of 'impostor syndrome', something which is surprisingly common in communication roles.
On leaving, I took immediate steps to focus on a professional communications qualification with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Why?, well, primarily this was to legitimise to myself that I was indeed 'a professional' in my field, which, despite 20 years senior leadership experience and navigating a huge amount of tricky communication challenges', was still a nagging doubt.
Passing this course was one of the most rewarding and self fulfilling things I have ever done and provided validation, confidence and inspiration to delve into other areas of creative and professional study.
I set myself challenges to learn more creative skills that I enjoyed but hadn't had the time to pursue. I played guitar for the first time in years, started learning a new language, indulged my passion for data visualisation and design and took on volunteer communications work for my local running club, Haywards Heath Harriers.
All these activities played a part in crystallising the origin of Running Commentary but it was in 2020 that everything really started to change...
2020 was tough for everyone, but the music industry I love was hit exceptionally hard by COVID and other things... so with senior music opportunities thin on the ground, a general sense of cautiousness in the job market and some good friends challenging me to take some brave steps, I decided that now was the time to strike out on my own.
That was the start, but why Running Commentary...
Well, one of my passions is running which I discovered in my late 30's after my now wife dragged me out for a 5k. Since that point, metaphorically speaking, I have never looked back and running has grown ever more important, especially in times of stress.
Running gives me space to think. To work through life's problems and find a creative solution to all kinds of challenges. Some have called running a form of therapy and I would tend to agree; running both quiets and invigorates the mind and I found myself referring to this internally as my 'running commentary'. It is often said that running is 90% mental strength and 10% physical - if you have ever run, I'm sure you know the feeling well - whether it is digging deep for the final push to for the finish line or, more commonly, the mental fortitude to take the first step out the door on a wet, windy January morning!
So what has this got to do with anything? Well, Running Commentary is me taking a risk, stepping out the door into a dark and unfamiliar place but with a sense of excitement about where this could lead. It's a chance to use my communication skills, insights and experiences to help, advise and support others with their journey.
So that's a little about me and my business origin story... if you need some help with yours, let's chat.
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* Business Accelerator Package is our signature communication service that blends branding, design and a web build into a cost effective solution to get your business online quickly. Prices start from £700 (excluding hosting costs). 10% discount applied to a full price package. Introductory offer and applies to one 'package' only