A retail manager running the biggest discount store in Scotland. Father. Mentor. Looking to shape the future leaders

I have developed graduates for the last 20 years at German supermarket chain Lidl. For me, the talent sits within the individual. Tools, training plans, all secondary to the person. Confidence, self belief, these are the things I look to enrich within a person. I want confidence and self respect to shine through every new trainee I work with.

Self belief is such an underrated characteristic. In a world of intense scrutiny via social media, I strip that back and allow the star within them to shine. Once you believe in yourself, everything else will follow.

I don’t have a PHD in business. I have 20 years of experience working alongside individuals from all walks of life. My style of development has seen me take on trainee’s from all over the world. Graduates from as far as America, all coming to Scotland to develop under my leadership.

I have 17 years experience of being a father to two sons. Dealing with the emotions, the vast array of opinions, the endless options that offer nothing but confusion and pressure to our younger generation.

Being the best version of ourselves is something often overlooked, masked by studies and expectations, those estimates often weighing heavy on the shoulders of the next generation of talent.

With my teachings, I dig through the self erected wall of defence, and find the person behind them. I enhance that raw talent, offering the foundations for everything to follow.

With my teachings, the power of discussion and self reflection are key to everything we do. This isn’t just about business development. For me, engaging with a person to find that confidence, often hidden deep down inside the young generation, that is the aim.

When people leave a session with me, it’s with a smile. It’s with a warmth, knowing things will get better. Sometimes, people just want a chat. Some old shoulders to lean on, maybe even cry on. An old head to let them know, the sun will shine again.