A New Family Member Joins the Adventure!

A Sharpshooter Moment in Batumi

The Batumi promenade buzzed with life—waves of laughter mixed with the salty tang of the Black Sea breeze. Crowds meandered past food stalls and games of chance, their chatter blending into the hum of a perfect evening.

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Amid the kaleidoscope of fairground lights, my eyes locked onto a classic shooting range, where rows of brightly coloured stuffed animals perched as prizes. And there, tucked among the plush toys, sat a chubby, golden Winnie-the-Pooh bear, grinning as if it knew it was destined for Janelle.

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Now, I hadn’t fired a rifle in years, (since my Army & Policing days) but this was no time to back down. Something about that moment—the excitement, the challenge, and the thought of handing Janelle her prize—lit a spark in me. My competitive streak was roaring to life.

The attendant handed me the rifle, its metallic weight feeling both foreign and familiar in my hands. The air was thick with the faint tang of gunpowder, and the row of tin cans gleamed under the last rays of the setting sun, as if daring me to try.

I took a deep breath, aimed, and fired. Ping! The first can went flying. A small crowd started to gather, their cheers fuelling my determination.

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Janelle stood by, her laughter bright, her smile wide, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

?Can-by-can, I rediscovered a skill I thought I’d lost. With every satisfying clang, my confidence grew. Finally, the last can wobbled, teetered, and fell. Victory was mine!

?The stall attendant handed me the coveted Winnie-the-Pooh, and I turned to Janelle with a triumphant grin. “For you, my lady,” I said, bowing dramatically as if I’d just conquered the world. She laughed, clutching the bear as we both revelled in the moment.

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But this wasn’t just a stuffed animal—this was the start of a new chapter in our journey. Pooh Bear has officially joined our family and will now be accompanying us on our epic overland journey home to New Zealand.

Pooh will share the adventure through his own unique perspective—where he’s sitting, what he’s observing, and the incredible experiences he’s part of.

?And as a member of the team, Pooh will also dive into excerpts from our book, Family Matters, So Does Business: 5 Ways to Keep Your Business and Family Flying. Through his eyes, he’ll reflect on the balance of business and family—because this journey is about more than just miles. It’s about connection, growth, and keeping your most important relationships at the heart of everything you do.

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Pooh’s First Adventure: Snow, Stars, and Boulders

A Mountain Drama Unfolds Pooh Bear’s first night as part of the family was nothing short of dramatic. Picture this: we were high in the breath-taking Georgian mountains, a snowy wilderness stretching as far as the eye could see. Our goal was the ancient village of Ushguli, but fate had other plans. Snowdrifts blocked the path just 16 kilometers from our destination. With daylight quickly fading and the temperature plummeting, we had no choice but to turn back.

The journey down was no picnic either. The winding mountain road, narrow and treacherous, left us on edge. Every turn felt like an encounter with the unknown. Finally, we found a flat spot to set up camp. With the last hues of twilight disappearing, we worked swiftly to prepare for the night.

Here’s where six months of continuous training paid off. Setting up the awning, unfurling the tentpod, assembling and putting air into the airbeds, unpacking the table and chairs, and starting dinner—it was all muscle memory. Pooh sat nearby, bundled in Janelle’s scarf, offering his own brand of ‘helpful’ commentary: “Don’t forget the pepper! Isn’t that chair backwards? You could have done this faster!”

What once took us an hour to set up, now took just 15 minutes. Efficiency born from repetition after 6 months on the road. We looked at each other, sharing a silent nod of triumph.

Stars Above and a Mischievous Bear Below Dinner was simple but satisfying. The night wrapped itself around us like a thick velvet blanket, the sky a canvas of glittering stars that pierced the inky blackness. The silence of the mountains was deafening, interrupted only by the crackle of the camp fire and Pooh’s occasional quip.

Pooh was the first to dive into the tent, claiming Janelle’s sleeping bag with the enthusiasm of a child who’d just discovered candy. He knew better than to try and get near mine. Not content with snuggling up, he switched on the Roy Power portable light, bathing the tent in a warm glow. Then, out came Family Matters, So Does Business. Pooh began to read aloud, dramatically emphasizing the title as if he were narrating an audiobook.

Janelle and I exchanged a look. Words weren’t necessary.

The Perils of the Descent Morning came with its own set of challenges. Descending the mountain, we were met with an unsettling sight—boulders scattered across the road from overnight rockfalls. Some were the size of small cars, jagged and menacing, reminding us of the mountain’s power.? Had they come down and hit the car, it would have crushed us.

Each obstacle demanded a decision. Could we squeeze around it? Could the Rav4 hybrid handle the pressure of driving over? Or did we need to get out and muscle the rocks aside? Pooh, perched on the dashboard, took it upon himself to decide: “That one’s a driver challenge! Ooh, this one calls for brute strength. I’ll supervise!”

We laughed despite the danger, his antics making light of an otherwise tense situation. Slowly but surely, we navigated our way through, each successful manoeuvre feeling like a small victory over the elements.

Onward to Tbilisi Once back on solid ground, we made our way toward Tbilisi, the vibrant heart of Georgia. But not before I had ripped the 'undercarriage' off the car.

The first two days of Pooh’s journey with us had been packed with adventure, danger, and a dose of whimsy.

And this was just the beginning. With Pooh in tow, things could only get stranger—and far more exciting.

A Lesson for Life and Business

Pooh’s introduction to our family wasn’t just a tale of snow, stars, and survival. It was a reminder of how preparation, teamwork, and a little humour can turn even the most challenging situations into unforgettable adventures.

In Family Matters, So Does Business, we dive deep into these principles—how to plan for the unpredictable, adapt with confidence, and keep the people you love close, no matter what life throws your way.

Pooh may have claimed Janelle’s sleeping bag and kept us on our toes, but he also reminded us why we embarked on this journey: for the thrill of the unknown, the bonds we strengthen along the way, and the stories that will last a lifetime.

The road ahead is calling, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.

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Family Matters, So Does Business

This book is more than a guide—it’s a lifeline for business owners who want to succeed without leaving their family behind. Here’s a glimpse into what it offers:

???????????? A Global Impact: Stories of readers who’ve used its principles to transform not just their businesses but their family lives.

???????????? The A380 Metaphor: Just like the world’s largest airliner, your business and family need every part working in harmony to keep soaring.

???????????? The Cockpit represents Communication and Relationships, the controls guiding both your business and your family.

???????????? The Engines power the journey forward:

???????????? Engine 4: Mindset – The foundation of success in both life and work.

???????????? Engine 3: Relationships and Business – Balancing connections at home and the workplace.

???????????? Engine 2: Parenting Techniques and Business – Insights for nurturing both your kids and your company.

???????????? Engine 1: Goal Setting – Mapping out your flight path with precision and purpose.

???????????? The Landing Gear ensures a safe descent, detailing how to improve your business and relationships, step by step.

???????????? Finally, there’s a deeply personal chapter: ‘The Black Dog.’ ?Here, I open up about my battle with depression—how it almost grounded me, and how I fought back. If you’re in that dark place, know this: there’s a way through.

The Epic Journey Home

Janelle and I are driving home to New Zealand—overland. Yes, you read that right: a 27,000-mile (53,000km) odyssey through 51 countries over 18 months.

This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a feat of planning, discipline, and adaptability. Every detail has been meticulously thought out, from our route to the gear we carry. Here’s a glimpse of what makes this adventure extraordinary:

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???????????? The Vehicle: A Rav4 Hybrid, customised with a bash plate, roof rack, extra petrol reserves, and more to handle rugged terrain.

???????????? The Essentials: A Dometic fridge, a wood-fire stove, tents, awnings, and minimal yet crucial clothing and equipment.

???????????? The System: Laminated checklists, backup plans, and weekly safety protocols to ensure smooth sailing.

???????????? The Connectivity: StarLink WiFi to stay in touch with clients and keep our coaching business thriving.

This journey isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about living intentionally, proving that the systems we’ve honed in business can carry us through any adventure.

And just like in business, preparation is everything. We’re bringing the same focus and discipline to this trip that we teach in our 7-Step Roadmap to Success.

Join the Adventure!

Whether it’s balancing family and business, embarking on the trip of a lifetime, or winning a prize for someone you love, we believe in making every moment count.

Grab a copy of Family Matters, So Does Business on Amazon,

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=family+matters+so+does+business&ref=nb_sb_noss and follow Pooh Bear’s adventures as we continue our journey home. Because Family Matters, and so does the life you build together.

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