My day: My life is very varied running Successfactory – just the way I like it. I’m on a mission to change the way organisations are run. So many are over managed and under led. I have started a Leadership Revolution and work with forward-thinking organisations to create leadership catalysts who craft high performance environments where success is inevitable. I can either be working on site in our learning venue or anywhere in the world for our clients. Last year I’ve been to many parts of the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, US, Holland, Spain and France.
When at home I like to get up early and love to get into the gym at home in the winter or when the light mornings come go out on the sandstone trail around where I live in Burwardsley. I love the feeling you get after a good workout – sets me up for a great day. When travelling it can be a challenge but not impossible. I have been swimming in the sea at Newquay in December as part of a leadership programme. Took me back to my Army days and will resonate with anyone who has done an Outward Bound course. The wonderful tingling feeling lasted until lunch time!
During the day I’m either teaching leadership, strategy, innovation, change or building elite teams. I love enabling leaders to think about what they do and share practical tools and techniques that help them achieve even more. I teach using a variety of accelerated learning techniques, the outdoors, equine development, virtual learning, and experiential learning. A great development over the past couple of years has been to use socially impactful exercises to embed learning. An example of this was during a three-day project management course for B&Q where they raised £80,000 for Barnardo's applying the learning in a real project. Also with the Vauxhall Supply Chain Team working with Stanney Grange Community Centre in Ellesmere Port as part of their team building journey.
When not teaching I’m working on the development of Successfactory. It can range from marketing and selling programmes, supporting and developing our fantastic team, and delivering new innovations for our clients. I’m loving exploring the world of social media and how that is impacting on how we market our business.
I have two gorgeous girls so I love spending my spare time with them, supporting and watching them develop into amazing people. I also have a love of travel so I look to go somewhere new every year. I love the excitement of exploring and creating new memories with someone special.
Dress: We have branded Successfactory workwear and I have been known to wear a helmet and harness for our high ropes course, and a wet suit for sailing, surfing and canoeing!
What is the favourite part of your job? Working with the fab team at Successfactory and having fun with serious intent. I also love making a real difference for our clients by seeing leaders develop and achieve great things.
What is the least favourite part of your job? The bureaucratic nature of running a business in UK – there is too much red tape.
What would be your dream job if you weren't doing what you do now? Professional sportsman – Skiing in the winter and sailing in the summer.
How do you relax when you are not working? Any form of outdoor exercise helps me relax (walking, climbing, skiing, sailing, surfing, canoeing), time with friends, creating new experiences, travel, sun on my skin, sand in my toes.
What is your favourite film? The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston - I’m a bit of a romantic at heart.
What is your favourite book? Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage has plenty of learning. I like any book that I can learn from.
What is your favourite song? Beautiful Day - U2.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? I work with horses as part of leadership courses and I have been called the Horse Whisperer by clients in the past, so I guess Robert Redford. If he was busy then George Clooney would do.
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame? Not yet – can’t wait!
FACTFILE:
Name: Graham Wilson
Job: Leadership Catalyst at Successfactory
Born: Wallasey
Lives now: Burwardsley
Education: Christleton High School, Army Apprentice College Harrogate, Lancaster University
Family life: Two daughters
We want to hear from people from all walks of life – to take part, fill out the form below or email jo.henwood@trinitymirror.com
Next week : Kerri Loughran, English teacher in Vietnam.
