Claim to fame
One of the youngest goal keepers ever to play in the English Football League.
Current position
Supersport commentator, author and motivational speaker.
On gratitude
I start my day with gratitude — it’s a wonderful habit to get into. I always tell people you can’t be unhappy and grateful at the same time. So I think about what I have to be grateful for and it lends a positive energy to my entire day.
On reframing
Nothing drains energy more than focusing on issues and negative things. Reframing is about looking at things from a more positive perspective, without changing the facts of a situation.
I do this on the way to work in the morning. So if there’s someone at work you’re not getting on with, you might focus not on how difficult the situation is, but on the fact that you have an opportunity to understand them better.
If a client wants to cancel on you, try thinking about how you can turn them around instead of sitting with a feeling of rejection.
On emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence reduces the potential for conflict in your day. It starts with observation.
I find that if I remind myself to observe the people around me I understand what makes them tick and this in turn creates a happier space for everyone to work in.
When people are understood they feel heard, and this contributes to positive energy in my day.
On being adaptable
The world is constantly changing and I have to change with it. I need to learn something new every day. This doesn’t need to be a big thing — it could be learning how to use Instagram to sell.
I find that the small things make a big difference and that being adaptable enough to learn something new drives me forward.
On teamwork
It takes enormous energy to manage or be part of a team. I need to help the people in my team if I want them to help me.
Teamwork is also about thinking about the words that I use. For example, choosing “us” and “we” instead of “me” and “I”.