I have had the incredible opportunity to achieve many things in my life, and my journey has had many challenges and stumbles. I’ve had tea with Presidents and dinner with Prime Ministers; I’ve met celebrities and strategised with industry leaders; and, I have had the honour of serving the community in the Australian national parliament. I have also met and helped many in the community who couldn’t help themselves, and I was humbled by the experience.

My History

Long before I became focused on writing fulltime I was a kid with ambition trying hard to navigate the challenges of life. We all have a contribution to make, and my life challenges are no different to yours. So I share with you some of the lessons I learned along the way.

First Decade

That’s me on the right.

From what I remember of my first decade, I was happy, safe and excited to try new things. Always keen to entertain, I recall smiling faces. I was good at everything I tried, just not the best, which frustrated me when I was never selected.

The lessons I learned as a kid included; it’s a tough world and no one gives you an easy ride, so suck it up; a pleasant attitude gets you more rewards than not; you can get hurt many times, it’s how you deal with it that counts; also, love your mom.

Second Decade

Decade of uncertainty

My second decade was stark from the poor choices I made. I chose not to commit to my studies and left school at 16, unrequited by the education system. My AFL football efforts progressed reasonably well and I made a semi-pro senior list at 17; yet my indentured apprenticeship was not overly exciting for me. I was in transition from boy to man and I looked at my tradesmen and saw myself in future years, which scared me a little as it was not as I imagined. I wanted more to my life, but I didn’t know what that was, or how to get it.

Lessons learned included; don’t waste the opportunities offered to you, as they may never come back; education is a vital link to achieve prosperity and abundance; don’t accept what is given to you if it’s not what you want; good enough is rarely ever good enough; seek advice when making decisions, as you don’t know everything.

Third Decade

Decade of growth

My third decade was significant for its focus on career development. I moved into sales to the great disappointment of my father, who believed hard toil is what makes you happy, and he thought salesmen were soft. My hard work was rewarded quickly and I was soon appointed to my first management role at a major national icon, looking after 32 staff at the young age of 26. What an experience for a young man, but we achieved great things, including doubling revenue. Job opportunities soon had me moving into a national company as the youngest regional General Manager in its history, and I turned a struggling manufacturing plant into a vibrant, high revenue operation. Out of the office, my football failed to reach the heights I’d dreamed as a teenager, mainly because I wasn’t good enough; but, my management career was blossoming and I was getting access to the executive suite.

Lessons learned included; act decisively when the window of opportunity opens because it won’t be open for long; most folks work harder on their work than they do themselves, so do the opposite; envy holds people back from progression; plan, plan and then plan again; have courage and confidence; get a mentor and never cease to learn.

Fourth Decade

Decade of corporate management

My fourth decade saw me reach senior executive management levels, which was a rich reward for the leadership and team-building outcomes and profit I had brought to the company. Then crisis; family circumstance lead me to give up the high life of senior executive service and relocate to my home city and begin a family. With a one-month-old baby and working from my parents’ kitchen, I established an award-winning executive training company. As my brand expanded so to did my involvement in leadership within industry peak bodies as an elected leader. My specialist media commentary work increased and my profile assisted my journey to winning election to the federal Commonwealth parliament and serving the community.

Lessons learned included; sometimes overwhelming challenges happen, deal with them; everyone has self-interest and may not share your enthusiasm for your interests; start-up is very hard and demanding upon every aspect of your life; resilience is a super capability; things happen when you plan and take action; there are more important things in life than money.

Fifth Decade

Decade of service

My fifth decade mostly served in the federal parliament leadership roles in developing policy and chairing parliamentary inquiries. The decade ended with national industry leadership roles combining university study specialising in industrial relations and English. An opportunity to do the study I didn’t focus on decades earlier.

Lessons learned included; the art of politics is about perceptions, not reality; self-interest is a great motivator for many; staying calm is a key capability to clear decision making; planning remains valid in all activities; there are those who think they know, those who don’t know they don’t know, and those who know they don’t know, and do something about it; world leaders are no different to you and me, they just apply the principles of leadership; and, life long learning is important.

Sixth Decade

Decade of Leadership

My sixth decade included appointment to senior leadership positions with peak industry associations. The leadership of the franchise industry, national retailers and the national fashion industry allowed me to drive national policy, represent industries internationally and provide relevance to the market through the introduction of education and industry standards. I also consulted with other major industry bodies and spoke at national and international conferences. I also had the opportunity of completing my first book, providing valuable information about franchising and small business.

It was a busy decade, but the lessons learned were that providing support and advice to folks is very rewarding; planning is essential in every aspect of a business and life; work hard to enjoy your family.

… and Now …

Decade of Writing

My current decade is focused on speaking about authentic leadership and writing political thrillers; I specialise in the genre of politics and prefer writing about the exotic mystery of this art of power and persuasion and the quirky folks who wish to lead or perhaps mislead us. I have been invited many times to speak on politics and I continue to speak on various topics, mostly leadership. My interest in politics comes from my insider knowledge and the many characters and plots that exist, by just opening up the daily newspaper.

Lessons learning – writing is always challenging; seriously – life is a challenge, but so very rewarding; cherish your parents as they leave us too soon.

My Family

I am married to Dr. Julia Evans, a successful consulting academic, specialising in adult education and policy development. I have three adult children achieving great things; Julia and I live the small village of Airlie Beach overlooking the Whitsundays, Australia. The best-kept secret in far north Queensland, sssssh.