An Amazing Day with Alan Cook’s Vistage Group

This week, I had the chance to spend time with Chair Alan Cook and his fantastic Vistage group during their retreat in Dartmouth. We stayed at the Dart Marina Hotel, which was stunning and made the event feel exceptional.
 
The night before my Mental Resilience Masterclass, Alan and the group kindly invited me to dinner at an exclusive restaurant. We enjoyed a seven-course tasting menu prepared by an award-winning chef.
 
The food was delicious, and it was terrific to chat, share stories, and laugh together. Even though it was a late night, everyone turned up bright and early for the session the next morning, which demonstrated their dedication.


An outstanding group.
 
Alan leads an exceptional group of CEOs and MDs who trust and support one another. It was an absolute joy to share my Mental Resilience techniques with them; these are tools I’ve used myself to make significant changes in my life.
 
Our three-hour session flew by. As a finale, I brought out a basketball and demonstrated how I could spin it on my finger. I used this as an example of how practice, focus, and perseverance can contribute to success.
 
To conclude the session, we all went outside, and everyone took a turn spinning the basketball. I split the group into teams of three so they could encourage and support one another. It was great fun, and many people managed to spin the ball, even if only for a brief moment. The energy and excitement were amazing.
 
 
From Painting Walls to Speaking on Stages.
 
As I drove home, I found myself reflecting on how dramatically my life has changed over the past 14 years. There was a time when I worked as a painter and decorator, weighed down by heavy debt and uncertain about what my future would hold.
 
Now, many would say I’m “living the dream” working as an international speaker, trainer, and coach, with two published books and the privilege of speaking for Vistage across the country.
 
But this journey wasn’t easy. It took immense resilience to keep going when everything felt impossible. Just as importantly, it took the support of special people who believed in me when I needed it most.
 
One of those people is Peter Hills, a Vistage Chair in the North West of England. Last week, I attended an event celebrating Peter’s remarkable 25 years as a Vistage Chair, with people from all over the country coming together to honour his work.
 
At that event, I finally had the opportunity to express publicly how much Peter has meant to me. He played a massive part in my journey as a speaker. He gave me a chance at a time when no one else reached out, and it changed the entire course of my life.
 
 
Here’s how it all began.
 
Fourteen years ago, while still painting and decorating for £70 a day, I was introduced to an organisation called The Academy for Chief Executives. Peter chaired a couple of groups at the time. Another Chair invited me to deliver a short, 20-minute showcase presentation for a room full of Chairs who were looking for new speakers for their groups.
 
I didn’t know what I was doing. I put together a PowerPoint presentation, and when it was my turn, I stood up and gave it my best shot.
 
It wasn’t great. After I finished, I stood to the side and watched the next speaker deliver an excellent session, far better than mine. When the event ended, I packed up my things and waited, hoping one of the Chairs might approach me to book me for their group.
 
No one did. Feeling vulnerable and deflated, I finally decided to leave. As I was heading toward the door, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Peter Hills.
 
Peter told me he’d seen potential in my talk and that he wanted to book me for his group.
 
 
That single moment changed everything.
 
Before Peter stopped me, I had decided speaking wasn’t for me, that perhaps I should stick to the decorating trade. If Peter hadn’t shown his belief in me that day, I’m certain I’d have chosen another career or business altogether.
 
Today, I’m grateful to say things are very different. I’m an international speaker, I’ve written two books, and I’m a regular speaker for Vistage, which acquired The Academy for Chief Executives several years ago.
 
Peter, I want to thank you again, not just for that tap on the shoulder all those years ago, but for your continued support over the past 14 years. It has meant a great deal to me, and I’ve cherished every opportunity to speak to your groups.
 
The best part is that, through resilience, determination, and the encouragement of people like you, I’ve grown into a far better speaker, receiving great feedback and recommendations – something that still amazes me to this day.
 
 
Thoughts for the week. 

1. Who has been a “Peter Hills” in your life, a person who saw potential in you when others didn’t? Have you thanked them recently? 
2. Is there a skill, talent, or dream you’ve abandoned because you thought you weren’t good enough? Could you give it another try? 
3. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new, even if you felt unsure? 
4. If you were to look back 10 years from now, what change or growth would you hope to see in yourself?

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John

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