A Life Update - April 2023

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance - Alan Watts

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on LinkedIn and thought it’d be nice to share a life update.?

It’s about 2 years this month since I decided to step away from Podstel and move back to the UK, after spending 8 years, and the best part of my 20s, living abroad running a business with my best friend.?

My move back to the UK was rocky. It’s difficult to comprehend how 8 years away from home impacts the mind, not to mention Covid-19, and the residue stress and toil from running three businesses responsible for 20 staff. I came back and didn’t feel British - whatever that means now. In the spirit of rediscovery and reintegration, I decided to Cycle 10,000km around Britain raising money for Mind Over Mountains . It was one of the best experiences of my life - so many kind and compassionate people encountered and lessons learned, as well as raising ￡8,000 for Mind Over Mountains.

After the ride, I moved to London (went with my head, not my heart). I’ll try the city, I said to myself - knowing my Northern rural roots would kick up a fuss. I was accepted for a place on the On Purpose International Associate Programme - a paid, year-long MBA-style leadership cause centred on social impact and using business to create positive change in society. As part of my year, I was fortunate to work at Ada Ventures - a ￡100mn pre-seed investment fund that invests in diverse talent and ideas that help create a better world. I learned an incredible deal about investing, pitching, and raising capital, not to mention the incredible team I got to work with. I also spent 6 months at Better Society Capital - the UK’s leading social impact investor. Again, I was incredibly lucky to work alongside some of the brightest minds, committed to the betterment of this country.?

In truth, as great as London is, it was suffocating. The pollution, the frantic nature, the rush, the stress of it all. Add in the mix, trying to adjust back to the UK, and not really feeling at “home”, created a perfect storm for mental health struggles. That led me to therapy, for the first time in my life in early 2022. What a life-changing decision! I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and the mind, and could instantly see the benefits of engaging in regular therapy.?

I decided that I wanted to learn more about psychotherapy, so enrolled on a Level 2 Counselling Course. It blew my mind and I loved it from Day 1. I passed my course, and decided to enrol for my Level 3 in Counselling Studies, which I recently passed! I’m now intending on applying for an MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy for a September start, and have the vision to combine my love for running, hiking, cycling and adventure with psychotherapy/counselling in the future.?

During my own struggles, sports (running, cycling and hiking) mixed with nature and good people have been fundamental for maintaining positive mental fitness. When I look back at my life, and all the adventures and expeditions I’ve been on around the world - it’s these projects that have provided me with meaning and ultimately helped maintain positive mental and physical well-being. This year, I’ve decided to take my love for the mountains and running to the next level. I’m attempting to run “The Big Rounds” of the UK for Mind Over Mountains this summer. The Big Rounds of the UK are said to be 3 of the toughest Ultras in the world, with each clocking up about 100km in distance and 8,000m in elevation gain. I’ve been training for 25 weeks so far, and I’ll be attempting my first of the three next month, coincidentally on the fells I grew up on in the Lake District. If you would like to support the project and Mind Over Mountains, you’ll find the link in my Linktree above.?

I’ve recently moved to Bristol, with the idea of balancing the best a city has to offer with access to nature and the countryside. With the Mendips, Brecons and Cotswolds on my doorstep, I am glad to say that my first few months here have been amazing and I’m loving it so far. It seems to be the balance I am looking for, but time will tell.

Now - what’s going on with work? I’m now working alongside professional athlete Nick Butter . I met him while he was Running the Coast of Britain, and got off my bike and spent the day running with him. We chatted non-stop for 4 hours and it was clear that we were value-aligned. I met him twice again on the trip and was fortunate to run in with him on his final day at the Eden Project. On the back of his run, with my experience Walking 5,000km in Spain on various Camino de Santiago Routes, I helped him organise his “Run Camino”. It went well, and that ended up leading to him asking me to help him organise his 1,000th Marathon in London, which also went well. On the back of that, he asked me to come and join his team, and now I’m responsible for Managing various aspects of his brand, including social media, speaking, and partnerships, in addition to strategic work with expeditions and other business streams. I’m loving it so far, and it’s so exciting to be working in a space I love - running!?

Last but certainly not least, since arriving in Bristol, I’ve been working with Talk Club - an incredible mental health charity that’s focused on supporting males through talking groups and sports. I’ve had so much fun working with the team and loving being part of an incredible mission. The charity is growing fast and I’m helping them with social media, ambassadors and partnerships. I also recently undertook their in-house training and can now co-facilitate therapy groups alongside a trained therapist.?

So here I am - it's April 2023. I’m in a good headspace, and I’m feeling excited about the year to come. I’m excited to post more on LinkedIn about my learnings managing an athlete, in mental health, running, entrepreneurship and anything else that pops up. Thanks for reading this far, and I look forward to conversations going forward.?

Dan Beaumont, 27th April 2023