Lessons from a Lifetime of Challenges - Mastering Communication & How to Develop a Resilient Mindset
Lee Woodrow
Retired Principal Consultant at Bigger Fish Executive Branding | Expert in Resumes, Hybrid CVs, & LinkedIn Profiles | Empowering Executive Job Seekers with More Interviews & Better Job Offers
In an ever-changing world, the ability to cultivate a resilient mindset and master communication skills is crucial for personal and professional success. My journey, spans 9 years in the Army with the Royal Signals, 4 years as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI), 15 years in the corporate world across the onshore and offshore energy sector, and 7 years as an entrepreneur in the personal and business marketing sector, has equipped me with invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. Running two successful small businesses taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of never giving up. My recent battle with incurable myeloma cancer and the profound grief of losing my stepdaughter have further solidified these lessons, offering deep insights into handling adversity.
The Evolving Corporate & Cultural Landscape
Over the past ten years, the corporate world has undergone significant transformation. The rise of remote work, driven by technological innovations and the global pandemic, has redefined workplace dynamics. Companies now prioritize flexibility, digital fluency, and continuous learning. This shift has brought about new pressures: the expectation to remain constantly connected, the blurring of work-life boundaries, and the relentless pace of technological change.
Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health. Ten years ago, discussions about mental well-being were often sidelined. Today, organizations are increasingly aware that employee mental health is crucial for productivity and retention. Initiatives like mental health days, employee assistance programs, and open dialogues about stress and burnout are becoming standard practice. Yet, despite these advances, the stigma surrounding mental health issues persists, creating an environment where individuals may still feel pressured to perform without showing vulnerability.
Lessons in Resilience from Military and Corporate Experiences
Reflecting on my career, the foundations of my resilience and communication skills were laid during my time in the Army. Serving initially in the Royal Signals, I was entrusted with critical IT projects and undertook operational tours in Bosnia with 3 UK Division and Kosovo with 5 Airbourne Division. These experiences taught me the importance of discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under intense pressure. Later as a PTI, I guided recruits through rigorous basic training and also assessed experienced soldiers through special forces selection, reinforcing the values of physical and mental endurance, leadership, and the power of a supportive team.
Transitioning to the corporate world, I found these military-honed skills invaluable. Working in the energy sector across APAC, MENA, North America, and Europe presented its own set of challenges. Whether on land-based oil rigs, offshore platforms, or semi-submersible drilling units, the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, manage stress, and lead diverse teams was crucial. Each project, with its unique demands and high stakes, reinforced my resilience and problem-solving capabilities.
Mastering Communication and NLP
Throughout my career, I recognized the critical importance of effective communication. In high-pressure environments, clear and precise communication can mean the difference between success and failure. To enhance my communication skills, I learned and applied Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). NLP taught me how to understand and influence human behaviour through language, which was especially useful in leading teams and negotiating in high-stress situations.
Mastering communication also involved active listening, empathy, and the ability to convey complex ideas succinctly. These skills not only improved my professional interactions but also enriched my personal relationships, making me a more effective leader and a supportive family member.
High-Risk Assignments: Trials by Fire
The energy sector, particularly in high-risk regions, has tested my resilience and communication skills in unprecedented ways. While working for Shell in the swamp lands of Bayelsa, Nigeria, an armed militant group attempted to kidnap me. Tragically, one of our guards was killed during the attack. I was quickly secured in a bunker and flown out by helicopter, returning to the site the following week. This harrowing experience underscored the importance of quick decision-making, clear communication, and remaining calm under pressure.
In Northern Iraq, while working for Weatherford, local militant groups frequently shot at rigs, often injuring or killing oil field workers. The constant threat of violence required a heightened level of vigilance and reinforced my commitment to ensuring the safety and morale of my team. Other high-risk countries I have worked in include Algeria, Libya, Cameroon, Israel, and Indonesia. These assignments, fraught with danger, taught me the value of preparation, resilience, effective communication, and the ability to remain composed in life-threatening situations.
Myeloma Diagnosis: A Test of True Resilience
In recent years, my diagnosis of incurable myeloma cancer has been the most profound test of resilience and communication. Facing a life-threatening illness forces a reevaluation of priorities and strengths. The discipline and mental toughness developed through my military and corporate careers have been instrumental in navigating this personal battle. The rigorous physical and mental conditioning from my time as a PTI, combined with the strategic and adaptive thinking from my operational tours and corporate roles, provided a framework for dealing with the intense treatment regimens and the emotional rollercoaster of living with cancer.
Recognizing the need for emotional support, I engaged in one-on-one counselling, dedicating an hour each week for eight months to talk through my feelings and navigate the psychological impact of my diagnosis. This counselling was crucial in helping me process my emotions, confront my vulnerabilities, and build a stronger mental fortitude. It underscored the importance of seeking professional help and the value of open, honest conversations about mental health.
Lessons from Grief: Navigating Personal Tragedy
In 2017, my family faced an unimaginable tragedy with the passing of my 15-year-old stepdaughter. The grief was overwhelming, and as the patriarch of my family, I felt immense pressure to guide my partner and our five remaining children through this dark period. The experience was further complicated by the frequent reminders from others that, as a stepfather, I supposedly couldn't fully understand the depth of the loss because she wasn't my biological child.
This painful time required me to set aside my own grief to provide emotional support and stability to my family. I had to navigate the delicate balance of being a pillar of strength while silently dealing with my own sorrow. The financial pressures of supporting my family, ensuring a stable home environment, and helping two young men successfully complete their university education added another layer of stress. Yet, these responsibilities also fortified my resilience, teaching me the importance of empathy, patience, and unwavering commitment to those we love.
Lessons from Entrepreneurship: The Power of Perseverance and Communication
My seven years as an entrepreneur in the personal and business marketing sector were instrumental in shaping my resilient mindset and communication skills. Running two successful small businesses taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with challenges, from financial pressures to market fluctuations, and the constant need to innovate. These experiences reinforced my belief in never giving up and continuously striving for improvement, regardless of the obstacles.
Crucially, spoken, written, and body language communication proved to be key to a successful business. Effective communication helps in building relationships with clients, managing teams, and negotiating deals. Mastering these communication skills not only enhances business operations but also fosters a positive and productive work environment.
Developing a Resilient Mindset
The key to handling the pressures of modern life lies in cultivating a resilient mindset and mastering communication skills. Here are some strategies drawn from my journey:
Conclusion
Developing a resilient mindset and mastering communication skills are essential for succeeding in today’s world. My journey from the Army to the corporate world, through entrepreneurship, and facing the challenges of myeloma and personal grief, has taught me that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but growing through them. Each experience, each adversity faced, adds to the strength of character and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing world.
If you are looking to cultivate resilience and succeed in your career, consider my interview coaching course. Drawing on lessons from my diverse and challenging career, this course has helped hundreds of professionals to successfully land their dream roles with Fortune 500 companies. For more details, visit the interview coaching course and take the first step towards your own success story.
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About the Author
Lee has Multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer and is raising funds for future treatment to extend his life. If you liked this article please consider donating to Lee's cause here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-woodrow-myeloma-cancer-treatment-support