Endurance sports have been a lifelong passion of mine, shaping not just my career but my entire outlook on life. From playing soccer as a goalkeeper to becoming a professional triathlete, I've continuously challenged myself to excel in a variety of disciplines. Training for events like Ironman Canada and Challenge Roth made me realize the profound impact of endurance sports on mental and physical resilience. This passion transitioned into my current role as the founder of Campfire Endurance Coaching. One concrete example comes from my time competing at the ITU Long Distance World Championships in 2017, where I placed 12th. Preparing for this event taught me vital lessons in patience and perseverance, and these lessons have been invaluable in coaching others to reach their athletic potential. My biggest "aha" moment has been understanding that the journey, rather than shortcuts, leads to true fulfillment and success. Triathlon isn't just a sport for me—it's a life philosophy. It's this passion that drives my work today, providing athletes with professional-level training and fostering a community that reinforces long-term dedication. I've found that the lessons we learn in these sports transcend into life, promoting not only peak performance but also happiness and health.
One passion I've pursued in my life is historic preservation. Old buildings and landmarks are unique; their stories, craftsmanship, and cultural significance captivate me. I love exploring hidden architectural gems in my community and imagining the lives of those who came before us. Beyond admiring historic sites, I actively contribute to preservation efforts. I've volunteered for restoration projects and worked with local groups to protect at-risk structures. Researching the history of local architecture has been a rewarding part of this passion. I enjoy uncovering the stories behind buildings, understanding their original purpose, and sharing that knowledge with others. It's fulfilling to see how historic preservation can inspire a greater appreciation for heritage within a community. More than anything, this passion has given me a sense of responsibility. Whether through hands-on work or raising awareness, I find joy in helping to ensure that history remains a visible, cherished part of our world.
It's not just about delivering speeches or sharing ideas-it's about showing your dedication in a way that inspires others to join the cause. Passion becomes contagious when people see how deeply invested you are and how your efforts are making a tangible impact. For me, this has been especially true in my work toward raising awareness about prostate cancer. Talking about it openly, organising awareness rides, and creating spaces where men feel comfortable discussing their health has been incredibly powerful. What's been truly humbling is the feedback that comes back: men saying, "I've booked my test next week," or hearing, time and time again, that they've finally taken that step because of the conversation we started. One moment that stands out was when someone told me, "You're saving someone's life right now, but they won't know it yet." That hit home. It wasn't just about the rides or the events-it was about breaking the silence, getting men to talk about their health, and removing the stigma that stops them from seeking help. It's moments like these that remind me why this work matters so much. When a leader's passion is genuine and their vision is clear, it sparks something in others. It creates a ripple effect where people don't just listen-they act. For me, knowing we've gotten men talking about their health, taking action, and potentially saving lives is the most fulfilling proof of that. Passion leads to change when it's shared with purpose, and that's a vision anyone can get behind.
One passion I've pursued in my life is writing-not just as a creative outlet, but as a way to connect with others. From a young age, I was drawn to storytelling, using words to make sense of my experiences and the world around me. But like many, I put that passion aside for a more "practical" career path, spending years in management before realizing something was missing. That realization set me on a journey to reclaim writing-not just for myself, but as a means of helping others share their own stories. I started writing publicly, joined a local writing group, and eventually co-founded Resilient Stories, a platform dedicated to amplifying personal narratives. Writing led to speaking opportunities, meaningful conversations, and a community of people who also believed in the power of sharing their experiences. Pursuing this passion hasn't just been about putting words on a page-it's been about building connections, creating space for honesty, and using storytelling as a tool for resilience and transformation. And that, more than anything, has made it one of the most fulfilling choices of my life.
Diving has been my passion for as long as I can remember, but it's not just about being underwater-it's about sharing that world with others. I've spent years not only exploring the Red Sea's best sites but also figuring out how to create the perfect experience for guests. From designing itineraries that hit the right mix of adventure and relaxation to training crew members on what divers need, I've made it my mission to turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. The sea is my office, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Beyond that, I've got a deep love for storytelling. Every wreck, reef, and fish has a story, and I love bringing those to life for our guests. Whether it's the history behind the Thistlegorm or a quiet moment drifting over a coral garden, I want people to walk away not just with photos, but with real memories and a connection to the sea. That's what keeps me going-knowing that every trip, someone else might fall in love with the sea the same way I did.
One passion I pursued was competitive windsurfing. As a perfumer at Pairfum London, a niche perfumery house, I might seem far removed from water sports. However, my ability to win in a competition was noticed by one employer, who later hired me. They explained that a proven track record of winning in a sport signalled the ability to succeed in business. That insight stayed with me, especially for highly competitive roles like sales. I believe this indirect signal of determination and the ability of finding ways to succeed is invaluable. It proves that, if you can win in a sport, you can apply the same skill in your work. It has always surprised me, how a passion can become a gateway to opportunities in your professional life.
Storytelling-whether through writing, branding, or marketing-has been my lifelong obsession. Great marketing isn't just about selling; it's about crafting a narrative that **makes people feel something.** That's why I built a career around helping brands tell their stories in a way that actually matters. From ghostwriting for executives to shaping brand voices, I love finding the perfect words to turn ideas into impact. Passion drives connection, and in marketing, that's everything.
Gardening has become a true passion of mine, offering a much-needed escape from the digital world. I find immense peace in having something meaningful to focus on that doesn't involve screens or technology. The constant learning experience in gardening is incredibly fulfilling, as there's always something new to discover about plants and growing techniques. One of the most rewarding aspects has been meeting fascinating people within the gardening community, who share their knowledge and experiences so generously. Every season brings new lessons and challenges in the garden, making it an endless journey of discovery. The mental health benefits I've experienced through gardening have been transformative, giving me a sense of purpose and connection to both nature and community.
As an avid art collector who collects original works from artists and galleries from across the globe, my passion for the arts is deeply rooted in the incredible journey of discovery and connection it offers me. Each piece of art I purchase encapsulates a memory, forever reminding me of what I was doing and feeling at the time of acquisition. My love for art also stems from how it paves the way for creating meaningful relationships and attending shows, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey as a patron of the arts.
Learning! As an entrepreneur, every single day brings something new-whether it's figuring out a tough challenge, adapting to market shifts, or just picking up a random skill you never thought you'd need. There are plenty of ups and downs, but if you frame everything as a learning experience, you'll never feel like you're failing-just growing. It keeps things exciting, humbling, and always moving forward.
One passion I've pursued in my life is creating a culturally sensitive therapeutic community for expats in Barcelona. The journey began when I moved to Barcelona and realized a significant gap in mental health services for English-speaking internationals. I founded Therapy in Barcelona, initially as a solo practice in 2011, and it has since grown into a robust team of 13 therapists, all dedicated to providing compassionate care. A specific example is our therapist matching service, where clients are carefully paired with therapists who understand their unique expat experiences. This personalized approach has proven successful, evident from the 9,291 therapy sessions conducted in 2024 alone, supporting 971 clients. The feedback we receive highlights the importance of cultural understanding and empathy in therapy, confirming the effectiveness of our model. Throughout my career, I've focused on fostering a supportive environment within our therapy team, ensuring each therapist develops both personally and professionally. This commitment to a collaborative and ethical practice culture continues to be a driving force in our ongoing success and impact on the expat community in Barcelona.
A passion I've pursued is changing dessert experiences and building community through Vampire Penguin Marietta. Our unique offering, shaved snow, has allowed us to stand out and provide a delightful twist on traditional desserts. We’re not just serving treats; we’re creating moments where families and friends gather to enjoy something special together. Leading Vampire Penguin Marietta, I've ensured that our dessert shop is more than just a venue; it’s a community hub. We're known for our dynamic menu filled with inventive flavors and for being a welcoming spot for local events. This focus on community engagement has been a cornerstone of our success, letting us make meaningful connections with our customers. For anyone looking to follow a passion, my advice is to find what genuinely excites you and create an experience around it—not just a product. Engage deeply with your community by offering something uniquely memorable that people can bond over, and you'll create not just a business, but a thriving, passionate community.
One passion I've pursued is leveling the playing field for startups through innovative marketing approaches. After 15 years in B2B startup marketing, I founded One Rawr to address the challenge of startups being outmaneuvered by larger competitors. This passion drives me to provide startups with access to top-tier marketing talent that fits their budget constraints. For example, One Rawr offers fractional marketing services, enabling companies to create a full-scale marketing team for the cost of one senior hire. By deeply integrating with the client's existing team and tailoring strategies to their unique challenges, we drive tangible growth and lift their position in the market. By leveraging a data-driven mindset, I ensure our solutions are not only effective but also measurable. Collaborating with startups to innovate and execute growth strategies fulfills my passion for championing the underdog and redefining marketing success for emerging businesses.
One passion I've pursued is helping individuals overcome anxiety and OCD through evidence-based methods. As an ERP-trained therapist, I've seen how targeted exposure and response prevention techniques can tramsform lives. For instance, working with a young adult with severe contamination OCD, we developed a custom ERP plan that reduced their compulsions by 70% over six months. In my practice, I prioritize trauma-informed care, especially using Brainspotting, which has been pivotal in addressing deep-seated trauma. A client who survived a traumatic event found significant relief after several Brainspotting sessions, reporting a decrease in PTSD symptoms and an improved quality of life. This approach aligns with my commitment to not just treat symptoms but to foster long-term healing and resilience.
One passion I've pursued is empowering individuals to redefine their identities beyond work. As a therapist in New York City, I've spent thousands of hours helping entrepreneurs and creatives explore their core values and interests. It's deeply rewarding to witness clients find facets of themselves that extend beyond their professional lives, enabling them to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. One approach I use is reflective questioning, encouraging clients to think about how they spend their free time or what talents they haven't yet explored. This process often reveals hidden passions and interests that were overshadowed by work. By integrating psychodynamic and mindfulness techniques, clients can make subtle changes in their daily routines, fostering personal growth and self-assurance. For instance, I had a client who was deeply entrenched in their role as a tech entrepreneur. Through therapy, they realized a passion for writing fiction—a pursuit they hadn't explored since college. This findy not only enriched their personal life but also improved their creativity and problem-solving at work. This journey of self-exploration can be transformative, offering a more holistic view of one's identity.
One passion I've pursued is web design, specifically crafting high-converting websites. I've spent over eight years carefully creating over 1,000 websites, where design meets functionality. My approach balances stunning visuals with user-friendly experiences, which I've found essential in driving business results. Through my company, Quix Sites, I specialize in designing customized solutions on platforms like Wix and Shopify. For instance, a custom website for a hospitality startup included a sleek booking system and local attraction guides, significantly setting them apart in a competitive market. The experience of founding and scaling businesses in various industries, like my two e-commerce brands, has deepened my understanding of how design can impact success. This cross-industry perspective allows me to provide valuable strategic advice, helping businesses leverage their online presence for growth.
One passion I've pursued relentlessly in my career is helping indibiduals achieve rapid healing from trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This method has truly transformed lives, offering lasting change that traditional talk therapy often can't achieve. In my practice, I've seen clients overcome severe childhood traumas, such as abuse and neglect, and refresh their self-esteem and relationships through targeted EMDR intensives. I developed a program for EMDR Intensives, which condenses therapy sessions into half-day, full-day, or multi-day formats. This intensive approach accelerates healing for clients dealing with major trauma and those seeking peak performance in various areas of their lives, from public speaking to creative pursuits. The speed and depth of healing achieved through these intensives are repeatedly described by clients as life-changing. During the pandemic, I led initiatives with the NYC Trauma Recovery Network to support healthcare workers and first responders via EMDR. This example of practical application during urgent times underscores my commitment to using trauma-informed care to genuinely impact people's lives, demonstrating that healing and resilience are within reach, even in the most challenging circumstances.
I've pursued a life-long passion for changing waste into valuable resources through engineering and innovative business practices. At Replay Surfacing, I’ve dedicated my career to recycling millions of pounds of scrap tires, turning them into durable and eco-friendly rubber surfacing solutions for playgtounds and sports courts. This not only addresses the environmental challenge of tire waste but also contributes to community and industry needs. One specific example is our project with a local community that needed safe and sustainable playground surfaces. By using recycled rubber, we provided a solution that was both environmentally sound and cost-effective. This project helped reduce landfill waste while offering a safe space for children to play. This passion for sustainability and problem-solving is rooted in my engineering background and bolstered by my experiences in various industries, including manufacturing and aerospace. These experiences have shown me the value of innovative recycling solutions beyond traditional applications, continuously driving me to explore new possibilities in sustainability.
One passion I've pursued in my life is the integration of travel as a mindfulness practice to improve both personal and professional growth. Exploring diverse cultures has significantly impacted my understanding and approach to therapy. For instance, while rebuilding homes in hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico or exploring ancient ruins in Greece, I gained unique insights into resilience and adaptability—valuable traits I bring into my counseling practice. This integration isn't just a personal journey; it's a foundational aspect of how I guide my clients. I've seen how introducing these global perspectives can transform their healing process, by drawing parallels between their experiences and the broader human condition. It's about empowering them to see their struggles in a new light, much like how travel offers new vistas and experiences. By embedding travel-inspired mindfulness into therapy, clients can foster a profound sense of empathy and self-awareness, influencing their healing journey positively. Whether in therapy sessions or through retreats with structured EMDR intensives, I leverage these experiences to pioneer innovative therapeutic strategies that resonate deeply with those I serve.
One passion I've pursued is integrating trauma and attachment work with innovative therapeutic modalities to foster holistic healing. At the Pittsburgh Center for Integrative Therapy, I've blended techniques like EMDR, somatic therapy, and Polyvagal Theory to address the deep-seated effects of trauma in the nervous system. This approach is transformative because it goes beyond talk therapy, providing pathways for healing that involve body and mind integration. A specific example is my work with clients experiencing emotional regulation challenges due to attachment traumas. By using somatic therapy, we pinpoint and release stress responses held in the body. This tangible process not only alleviates symptoms like anxiety and chronic pain but also reshapes how clients connect with themselves and others. Furthermore, my experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community has deepened my understanding of the intersection between individual and collective healing. By considering clients' identities and life contexts, I've helped individuals work towards personal healing that reverberates through their communities. Through this work, I've seen how healing one person can create ripples of change beyond the therapy room.