"From Cliff's Edge to Boardroom: How Near-Death Experiences Shaped The Power of Belonging"

Life's most profound lessons often come from unexpected moments. For me, those lessons arrived through two near-death experiences that not only reshaped my perspective on life but also laid the foundation for what would, years later, become The Power of Belonging Mastermind.

In my 20s, I faced two situations where survival seemed impossible. The first was a harrowing car accident in 1966. I drove my father's new car off a 300-foot cliff in the west coast of Ireland into the ocean. As the vehicle plummeted, time stood still. Miraculously, the car landed on a rock, and I emerged unscathed, climbing out through the windshield with only a torn dress to show for the ordeal.

In the aftermath, my father's response was a testament to unconditional love and the true meaning of belonging. He sent me a telegram that read, "I can always get a new car, but could never get a new Mary." Those words still resonate with me today, reminding me of the irreplaceable value of human life and connection.

Life wasn't done testing me. Months later, during a hunting trip, my horse was spooked by a bird and bolted unexpectedly. Unable to regain control, I made the split-second decision to let myself fall. I woke up to find my left ear detached, lying on the ground beside me. In a daze, I picked up my ear and ran to a nearby farmhouse for help. The next thing I remember is waking up nine months later, having undergone extensive surgery and recovery.

During this time, my father once again demonstrated the power of belonging and unwavering support. While doctors and nurses advised placing me in a life-long nursing home, my father refused to listen. My mother, unfortunately, didn't involve herself in my recovery and never once visited me in the hospital. But my father, believing in my potential for full recovery not only sat by my bed as long as possible playing classical music and reading Shakespeare and other classics to me, he also recruited his friend, a medic in the British RAF, to come to Ireland and start my rehabilitation.

The process was grueling. I screamed, yelled, and probably cursed out the medic more times than I can count. But his persistence, coupled with my father's unwavering faith in me, paid off. After the rehabilitation, I had made a 100% recovery.

These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the power of community, and the critical importance of belonging. When I was at my most vulnerable, it was the support of others - from the farmers who rushed me to the hospital, to my father's love and determination, to the RAF medic who pushed me beyond what I thought possible - that made all the difference.

Born in an era when family struggles were shrouded in silence, I've kept these life-altering experiences hidden from all but a handful of trusted confidants, honoring the unspoken rule that such topics were a source of shame best left undiscussed. As I approach my 80th birthday tomorrow, I find myself reflecting deeply on the events that have shaped my journey, realizing their profound impact on my personal growth and the universal power of belonging.

I created this program to help leaders understand and harness the same transformative power of belonging that I experienced. Through The Power of Belonging Mastermind, I now guide leaders in creating environments where every team member feels as supported and empowered as I did in those critical moments. We explore how to foster resilience, adaptability, and innovation by cultivating a deep sense of belonging within organizations.

My personal struggles were instrumental in shaping the core message of The Power of Belonging Mastermind. These experiences not only tested my resilience but also illuminated the profound impact of genuine connection and support, which became the foundation of the program's philosophy.

The Crucible of Crisis

The two near-death experiences I endured in my 20s served as a crucible, forging the fundamental principles of The Power of Belonging. These moments of extreme vulnerability revealed the true power of human connection and support in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Cliff Incident: When I drove my father's car off a 300-foot cliff, I faced not just physical danger but also the potential for guilt and shame. My father's response - valuing me over the material loss - demonstrated unconditional acceptance. This experience became a cornerstone of the Mastermind's emphasis on creating environments where individuals feel inherently valued, regardless of mistakes or setbacks.

The Horse Accident: The aftermath of my hunting accident, where I was left with a detached ear and a nine-month recovery period, further reinforced the importance of belonging. The contrast between the medical professionals who recommended a life-long nursing home and my father's unwavering belief in my recovery highlighted the transformative power of having someone in your corner.

Isolation and Its Antidote: During my recovery, I experienced profound isolation, particularly evident in my mother's absence. This struggle with feeling disconnected and unsupported became a powerful motivator in developing the Mastermind's focus on creating inclusive, supportive environments in organizations.

The antidote to this isolation came through the support of others - my father, the RAF medic, and the community that rallied around me. This experience directly influenced the Mastermind's emphasis on building strong, interconnected teams where every member feels supported and valued.

Overcoming Limitations: The grueling rehabilitation process, where I often found myself screaming and cursing at the RAF medic, taught me about pushing beyond perceived limitations. This struggle became a key component of the Mastermind's approach to leadership development, encouraging leaders to challenge their teams while providing unwavering support.

The Power of Advocacy: My father's role as an advocate - refusing to accept the doctors' prognosis and actively seeking solutions - profoundly impacted the Mastermind's philosophy. It underscores the importance of leaders advocating for their team members, especially when they face challenges or setbacks.

Resilience Through Connection: The 100% recovery I achieved, against all odds, became a powerful testament to the strength that can be drawn from a supportive community. This experience shaped the Mastermind's focus on building resilience not just as an individual trait, but as a characteristic fostered through strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

Transforming Pain into Purpose: Perhaps the most significant contribution of my personal struggles to the core message of The Power of Belonging is the idea of transforming pain into purpose. My journey from victim to victor, and ultimately to a position where I could help others, embodies the Mastermind's message that challenges can be catalysts for growth and positive change.

Authenticity and Vulnerability: My willingness to share these deeply personal struggles became a model for the authenticity and vulnerability that the Mastermind encourages in leaders. By opening up about my experiences, I demonstrate the power of genuine connection and the strength that comes from embracing our whole selves, including our struggles and imperfections.

In essence, my personal struggles breathed life into the core message of The Power of Belonging. They transformed abstract concepts of support, resilience, and connection into lived experiences that I could translate into actionable strategies for leaders.

The Mastermind's message is not just a theory, but a testament to the transformative power of belonging, proven through the crucible of my own life challenges. My journey from those life-altering accidents to developing this transformative mastermind has shown me that with the right support system, everything is possible. Whether you're facing a 300-foot cliff, a challenging business quarter, or a seemingly insurmountable personal obstacle, the power of belonging can be your rock, your safety net, and your catalyst for extraordinary success.

The Power of Belonging Mastermind is more than just a program; it's the culmination of my life experiences and the lessons I've learned about the profound impact of genuine connection and support. It's my way of paying forward the incredible gift of belonging that I received during my darkest hours.

?Are you ready to harness the Power of Belonging in your organization? Let's connect and explore how this mastermind can transform your leadership and your company culture, creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve the impossible.

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