It didn’t hit me like a bolt from the blue. The decision to resign as CEO of Triumphant Events, re-let my flat and set off on an ‘round the world’ adventure was something that had been slowly creeping up on me for some time..
The End (is in the beginning)
This may come as a bombshell for some of you, though for those who know me well you will know that doing the unexpected is not unusual. For those who don’t know me at all, you will probably soon begin wondering how you ended up reading this in the first place!
So how did all this happen? Well, a few weeks ago, the little voice in my head pestered me for the 13,000th time and I finally said to myself…
‘…ok, shut up. I’ll do it.’
What do you do when your heart is calling you (incessantly) in another direction? Your lifestyle is wonderful, you have great friends, a successful and growing company, your business partners are your best mates, you get to travel the world and go on fun holidays… everything seems tip top.
Not long ago I received a bona-fide opportunity from the highest level to acquire and promote literally the biggest household name in my industry… I should have been proud. I should have been excited. I should have felt like I had arrived. But I felt none of those things.
What do you do when on paper, everything looks perfect? What do you do when the small and unremitting voice in the back of your (my!) head continues its whispering, giving you the distinct and unnerving impression that ‘perfect on paper’ is simply not good enough and that your true fate lies in an entirely different direction?
Well, the obvious answer to that is that you ignore that disruptive little bloody voice for as long as possible.
As for what to do when you finally listen… well, I guess I am about to find out.
Eating my own dinner
Every speaker I have promoted, in fact, every decent book on the topic that I have ever read shared with me that ignoring the voice on the inside is fraught with peril. To hear but not listen, to know but not do, to ignore life’s signposts and to rationalise them away as impractical or illogical is in my opinion to succumb to a long cold winter of discontent.
For me, fulfillment does not come from the pursuit of money or status. It comes from waking up every day loving what I do. After waking up one too many mornings surrounded by great opportunities that I was no longer inspired by, I decided it was time to ‘eat my own dinner’ and heed the wisdom of so many of the clever people whom I have had the privilege of meeting and promoting over the years.
Does this mean I have lost my passion? It does not feel that way at all. At 28 I have retired, left Triumphant in the capable hands of Dan, Marcus, Thao and the rest of our amazing team, and become a globally wandering opportunity hunter! It has a pretty cool ring to it I think.
Adventure, travel, lifestyle, freedom, progression, entrepreneurship… all the things I cherish most.
I am not looking for my passion. I am living it.
The Beginning
So, what next? Well, first I am going to spend some time with my family in Perth, Australia. I have not seen my Mum, Gloria, for over 2 years now so it will be nice to pop in and clear out her fridge for old times sake. Then, I plan to head to Auckland for the “What on EARTH are we doing?” event where I will catch up with old friends who are all flying in to be there.
Then, ill pop over to Sydney where my Dad, Ron, is the skipper on a 50 ft cat. He needs help sailing it up the coast to Mooloolaba, then across to Vanuatu. I think I just swapped my title from CEO to First Mate!
Sun. Salt Water. Yachts. White beaches. Girls in Bikinis. Sweet.
Some of you may know that I spent 7 years sailing around the world with my parents when I was young, so the ocean is in my blood. I had been to 46 countries before my 15th birthday and interestingly, the port where we officially completed our circumnavigation was Port Vila – Vanuatu. I have some friends there who run a dive school and I have always wanted to get my PADI Dive Masters Certification.
I have always loved diving and one of the worlds top 10 wrecks (the irony of having a top 10 list of great ‘wrecks’ makes me chuckle), the SS President Coolidge is laying on her side just around the corner in 85 feet of water at 15.30.00 S 169.30.00 E.
I plan to get to know her well.
My general intention is to spend the next 12 months ‘Opportunity Hunting’. Meeting new people, unearthing fun projects and discovering what the world has to offer a young retired entrepreneur with no ties, a unique set of skills, an unbounded love for life and a burning hunger to change the world!
Do keep in touch, and give 2009 your heart and soul. You deserve nothing less.
Rock on.
GC
Twitter Updates
Good for you Glen.
I hope our paths cross again somewhere deep down under…
You might like this miraculous video…
http://www.designer-life.com/blog/shipwrecked-at-sea-a-dream-come-true/
Sending love. Play full on.
Bruce
Glen, I know exactly what you mean! You have my every best wish … if that voice has been twittering away, it will do no other, until you listen to it, or die from not! I’ll be sad not to have your “presence” around Triumphant, however, I know somehow you’ll be availabe. Will keep you informed of PeaceHelix as things take off the ground. With love and deep gratitude for all you’ve been in the short time I’ve worked with you… Melanie
WOW!
Glen, awesome buddy, a very well written and emotional blog. Wish you all the best fella, and I’m sure there’s ALWAYS a place available in our ever expanding empire we call Intensify!
It kind of seems fitting that I add a video about our latest challenge here…
Hopefully it comes out well otherwise visit http://www.passthebasket.org.uk/leverage/celebs.html
All the best fella
Dan!!!
WOW, i suppose like many who have that thought, which i di on a smaller scale last year, i wish you all the success and Fun, with a captial F.
Look forward to hearing yuor stories and meeting up in the future.
Take care
Kyle
Fantastic and truly inspiring – enjoy
Glen
I kind of knew there was something up… glad you’re free, and well done for knowing yourself and going with your gut. Keep in touch.
Sally
Go boy, beacuse you can!!
And if you get stiff on the boat sailing… you can always stretch with a bit of my yoga. he he
Love,
Paula
Go boy, beacuse you can!!
And if you get stiff on the boat sailing… you can always stretch with a bit of my yoga. he he
http://www.onlineyoga.co.uk
Love,
Paula
Safe Journeys, dear Glen,
Feels right, just and fine for you and yours.
I will keep you also informed about our new very succesful ‘The H.I.T.! Experience’ sessions, who knows how the wind blows?!
Be well, buddy, Thanx for everything you are and do, Robert Benninga (also on behalf of Mary, Nicole and Joyce)
Good for you sweets. Have a fabulous time and be safe.
Stay in touch, 2009 is shaping up to be quite possibly the best and most exciting year (yet) for many of us.
stay in touch,x
good luck with everything! Make sure you add Melbourne to your list of destinations so we can catch up in the not too distant future. Love deb and ariel
Hey Glen
Welcome back to the wandering lifesyle, glad you could make it.
I packed up in Nov and hopped on a yacht and crossed the Atlantic, am now in Antigua. The voice in my head was way too loud, so listened and came alive on the trip down, nothing like the warm wind and ocean to clear the head.
Now it is a case of seeing which way the wind will blow and how I want to set the sail!
I spent time diving in Gizo in Solomon Islands, amazing, awesome underwater world. Lots of wrecks too. Best wrecks are in Micronesia though. Would love to sail in the pacific, so if you find a yacht over 100ft that needs a chef…give me a shout, mate.
Wishing you amazing adventures, wonderful connections and the joys that come with being a free spirit.
Warm Ocean wishes
Ingrid : )
Hi Glen
When I heard your news, I was reminded of the theme in my keynote speech “Playing The Cards Your’re Dealt”. You’re clearly doing that.
You’ve thrown away the Jokers – those little people in your head and who you meet who say “don’t do it”. You always get rid of them before you attempt to win in the game of life.
Now you’re ready to play the cards you’ve been dealt and will win if you make the most of your Ace of Hearts.
That’s the card we’re given at birth and keeps the blood flowing. But it also symbolises love, bravery, truth and honesty.
You’ve shown love by reuniting with your family, bravery through your past ventures, now in making this decision and in the future as you undertake your journey, and you’ve been true and honest with yourself in deciding this was the right thing to do.
Good luck for the future.
Best wishes
Steve
http://www.wheelchairsteve.com/Book-An-Inspirational-Speaker.mspx
Hey Glen,
Outstanding! Congratulations! And good luck for your next adventures!
Pausing long enough to hear that ‘inner voice’ is one thing; to listen to it and then answer its call is both courageous and magnificent. There is nothing more inspirational for oneself and for those lucky enough to be around to witness it. I can feel the energy and ripple effects from here! And that’s just the beginning, as you so rightly say.
Did you ever read ‘The Radical Leap’? Whether you did or not, it sounds like you are writing your own version…which is how it should be!
Keep being extraordinary!
Rich
What a shining example you are, Glen! I can’t imagine right now waking up and not feeling thrilled by what I’m doing, but if I did I hope I would have the same courage as you’ve shown. More power to your elbow honey. Go f’r it!
Stay fabulous
Big love from Ingrid
Hey Glen,
You might not know me, but we met at some of the triumphant events. Even then I noticed there was something different about you. So it does not come as a surprise that you are listening to the voice and taking action. There are so many out there who hear the voice in their head but very few do something about it. My good wishes are with you…. you go have fun, bond with family and friends and find out what you are about. God bless!
Hope our paths meet again!
Best wishes
Lakshmi
http://www.prosperityguru.net
Glen,
You cannot possibly leave!!!!
I joined XL because I wanted to be like you and Roger! I am losing a point of reference here…
I feel dramatically defrauded!!!!
Just joking!!!
I am back in Italy! I feel so well!
I perfectly understand your decision!!!
Go home boy, it is time to go…it is the call of the wild…I gather…
But! Ehi! Stay in touch !
You are awesome!
Lots of love from your friend
in Italy
ILARIA
When you want to come we have beautiful sea and islands…besides amazing food and dresses…
All the best with your journey Glen.
We’ve not formally met but know each other. Will be good to catch up sometime soon – somewhere exotic in the world sounds even more appealing.
Enjoy your dinner!
Bon voyage,
Bobby
Hey Glen,
Thank you for sharing your process and plans.
Life is a daring adventure or nothing, right?
You’re being a shining example of that and a great inspiration.
Enjoy the journey and leave a trail!!! I’m sure best is yet to come
… so keep us posted.
Jan
Congratulations on being in action.
As Donald Trumph put it- “You have to think anyway so may as well think big… ” so go for it!
Have a fabulous life.
Best Wishes
Mynoo
2009 is definately follow your heart year…well done all the very very best……heaven is here right now……you are opening your eyes to all your heavens…..go play, have fun, you deserve it……..love georgiexxx
Hi Glen,
May the future be full of happiness and enlightenment.
Thanks for all you have done.
love Joan
Love your work Glen and am so proud of you! See you somewhere fabulous around this big blue dot x
Hiya…
I do believe you are about to discover your true self! There are many a books within you if you continue to write the way you do. Glen, its an honour to call you friend. Keep you dreams full with colour… enjoy this place we call Earth.
Big hugs from Little G in Oz
xoxoxoxox
Hi Glen
Congratulations on taking the decision to follow your heart. Best of luck in your travels and opportunity hunting. I hope to see you on the road.
Hi glen,
way to go man.. 2009 will be the best year for you.
is been quite sometimes i didn’t see you. Hope to see you soon in Singapore. =)
Take care & Best of Luck.
Keep in touch ya..
Hi Glen,
Thanks for sharing so openly and eloquently your decision to follow your Heart’s Desire. Yes I really GET who you are in essence and I get the strong influences of the ocean and freedom that have shaped you in your formative years…and how that sense of adventure runs deep in your soul, stirring you to take off to far-flung places, rich in mysteries and challenges.
I admire you, Young Glen. I have watched you grow into a powerful, accomplished man. What a privilege that has been! You have achieved so much with Triumphant and you have been a brilliant business partner and friend to Daniel and Marcus and the rest of the dynamic team. You have inspired so many people and you will continue to be an inspiration as your share your journey.
I look forward to reading about your travels and adventures. Stay connected with all of us who love you as you roam the planet in search of opportunities to express the very essence of who you are. Be blessed.
lots of love,
Diane
Hi Glen,
I call it FEEDING MY SOUL! What a tremendous accomplishment you’ve had with Triumphant. It can only get better from here.
Here’s wishing you every success, all your heart desires and more feats attained that inspire you to ever increasing greatness in all you do.
Although we don’t know each other we said Hi and exchanged courtesies on a number of occasions, yet I feel part of family. So wherever you are in the world remember you have friends everywhere … I look forward to meeting you again in the not too distant future.
Will be following your blog …
Best regards,
Lorraine
Hey mate, wow, what a big, but awesome, surprise! It has. Been a pleasure getting to know u, learning from u and of course, partying with u! Take the leap with faith, live ur dream and I look forward to the times our dreams cross paths again in the years ahead!
Wishing u luck and love
Mike Parry
Hey Glen, Congratulations! I love the decision you’ve made and completely understand it. You’ve just gotta go with your heart!!!!!!!!
Many blessings and I wish you well…..and hope our paths cross somewhere around the antipodes….Sue Barley x
Hey Glen,
I heard about you moving on to your next adventure and just wanted to wish you all the very best. Thank you so much for all your wonderful energy and presence over the last year or so, I look forward to the next time we meet.
with gratitude
Alistair
Good on you.
That little voice! I’ve spent my life telling it to go back in its box. I may well follow your example!
Enjoy your sailing and wrecks. But let’s meet up in Aus later in the year – I’m there August-September….and my wish….at the controls flying over the desert…watching the sun come up…putting down somewhere, then cycling and running … seeing the sun go down and flying home.
Awesome.
Hi Glen,
I love it! Congratulations. Hope to catch up with you on your Sydney leg.
All the best,
Henrietta
Glen
What inspiration! You’ve inspired and enriched us with your passion and your integrity. And now, with all the authenticity and energy you’ve brought to every conversation you and I have had, and every event of yours that I’ve attended, you’re taking the next step into the future you’re creating for yourself. Brilliant!
AND we’ll miss you! Hard to imagine Triumphant without you….
Thank you for what you’ve contributed to my life.
I wish you a magical time in all you choose to do.
Warm wishes and a hug
Lindsay
Hi Glen
Well, it’s been a pleasure knowing you for this part of your journey.
And now – eating your own dinner…
clearing out you mum’s fridge…
going off to follow your dreams…
It all sounds pretty cool to me.
Keep in touch and big hugs.
Richard
Yo Glen
Wish you a wonderful journey. I’ve no doubt it will be incredible.
Debs
Glen,
Magnificent and inspiring prose, calling us all to realms of being and service that embrace the grandeur and beauty of Life – thank you for all that you have done to date that has quietly and powerfully touched my life – I look forward to with gratitude to those ways it will do so in the future as it most undoubtedly will!
Go well and may joy fill every breath on the way.
Kim
Hey Glen,
Good to see you at the Yes Group the other night! Well at least that voice in your head will now disappear off to pastures greener! And what a tranquil life you shall lead because of it! Peace and opportunity…beautiful.
Good luck with your endeavors. And thanks for creating a company that sees the light in everybody. Bringing speakers inspire us – to live our life with passion, giving us the permission to dream and turning these dreams into reality!
Marina
Finally you’re gone! I can say what I’ve been saving up all these years.
Ever since you became CEO of Triumphant Events, things really sucked Glen… I mean they really sucked hard. You attracted so much business you virtually made me a slave to my profession just to keep up with the change.
You are a cyclone man. You are a walking titanic that melts ice bergs on impact. You’re a black hole with all the beauty caught on the event horizon.
Its been an absolute pleasure being your employee and I envy those in your journey ahead who will have the chance to be touched by your light.
B
Hey Glen
You’ve slipped your berth in true style, my friend. It’s been one of my business life highlights to get to know you. I’ve learned loads and been inspired by you all the way.
For you, it’s sailing, for me, it’s flying. Hope the following resonates:
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Enjoy your journey, my friend – you rock!
Matthew
Heya Glen!
Will miss you, bud. Was GREAT getting to know you over the last couple years via Triumphant and XL in London; you’re a POWERHOUSE of inspiration, bro; thanks a Billion!
See you somewhere around the World. (My yacht against your yacht for a fun sunset race someday, eh?) =D
Good luck in ALL things, mate! Looking forward to reading your updates here in future.
“It’s not the blowing of the wind (that determines your destination); it’s the set of the sail. The same wind blows on us all…”
Don’t ya just love Jim Rohn..? ;]
May your sails be full,
and your course stay true,
that the Wonders of the World
reveal themselves to you!
(-CdS)
Keep on keepin’ on!
Best Always,
Chris..
Wow! Good job Glen
Amazing what pieces of info you come across waiting for underbelly to start. Happy thoughts – and call in and see us for a cold brew if and when you find your self near Paradise (Point that is).
Big Love,
Inga and Zane
Glen, I know exactly what you mean! You have my every best wish … if that voice has been twittering away, it will do no other, until you listen to it, or die from not! I'll be sad not to have your “presence” around Triumphant, however, I know somehow you'll be availabe. Will keep you informed of PeaceHelix as things take off the ground. With love and deep gratitude for all you've been in the short time I've worked with you… Melanie
Hi Glen
Totally with you on the little voice. You are an inspiration. Best of luck with it.
Lisa