My Confession - And Why It Is Time

I have been thinking about writing this article for a while but I have to admit it has filled me with fear, apprehension and nervousness. So why now? Well, in recent months I have been inspired by a number of individuals that I look up to who have shown their vulnerable side, who have admitted to their own struggles. People who have shown they have battles and challenges they fight on a daily basis just to be successful in what they do, whether that is in their work life or their personal life, or both.

On the surface I imagine I come across as quite self-assured, I come across as opinionated and confident about my passions and very much outspoken about what I believe in whether that is aspects of my professional life or aspects of my personal life. However, I do not mind admitting after all this time that I have my struggles and battles I fight on a regular basis. Some call it depression, some call it anxiety but me, I don’t have a name for it. I haven’t got a label for it but I just know how I feel on some days when it all becomes a little too much for me. When I struggle to show that same level of energy and passion that people associate with me.

At work, I have a job that I am passionate about and one that has an exciting future for me, my colleagues and my team. Away from work, I have an amazing wife and family that brings balance, context and joy on a regular basis. I have interests and passions that inspire, excite and drive me. So why is this not enough? Why does all of this leave me feeling lost and empty even though on the surface I have lots to look forward to? Honestly? I cannot explain it as much as people want and need me to.

So why am I writing this? Because I want people like me to know that all of this is OK. That you are not the only person who struggles, you are not the only person who feels alone on those dark days and actually if you can get through this moment, this hour or this minute then the day after will be a lot brighter. Of course it is not as simple as this, it isn’t this easy but at the very least, you do not need to feel alone. You need to understand that people more successful than me have these days too. That at the very least I sit here with you, knowing and understanding how you feel and if needed, I will sit there (wherever there is) with you to listen and know, and appreciate and respect you.


So why now? Why today? I genuinely do not know why on my flight to Munich this Tuesday night I have been motivated enough to type this. As I said at the beginning I have been thinking about this time for a while and I have been thinking about when I would finally get my head together, get my thoughts clear and just type what has been whirling through my mind for many weeks and months. That moment is now.
Over the coming weeks I will be looking at recording a new #CustomerSuccessMatters LIVE podcast talking about how the roles in Customer Success can impact your well-being, both mentally and physically. Importantly, we will try to learn from people that have and still experience this but have ways to cope.

And hopefully; just hopefully it helps someone to not feel that they are alone.