Whenever I am considering spending serious money on something like Mastermind, which is really spending serious money on me, I always quibble and wonder if it’s worth it. I always think, I know what I need to do, I can just do it. But in fact, everytime I do make the investment, I radically shift into a better place.

There is magic in being surrounded by other smart business owners who are committed to doing great things. Getting such support, feedback, consolation and a cheer squad is such a wonderful thing. It took off some of the pressure at home- I wasn’t always bothering my wife about “what do you think about….”. And I am full of admiration for what they have achieved and feel honoured to know them better.

Last year I had an idea of the business that I set up the year before but hadn’t really done much with. Now I have a business earning money, a clear idea of my business plan and much more confidence about the road ahead. I’d applied for so many jobs and had so many interviews over the past few years, searching for an elusive “better place”, it had dented my confidence. Now I know what my special sauce is, I see where it is needed and I realise that I would have been unhappy in those jobs. I just needed to focus on carving out my own better place.