How a Shoe, an Olympian, and a Veteran Reveal Our World's Complexities
Intersting conversations are worth sharing
Welcome back to the Woz Report. My work in both the private and public sectors has led me to meet some fascinating individuals. In this edition, we're diving into the world of eye-opening conversations and insider revelations that can change how you see things.
Imagine walking into a high-end shoe store, admiring a pair of Birkenstocks with an £80 price tag. You appreciate the craftsmanship, the brand's reputation for quality, and maybe even feel a twinge of guilt for considering such an "investment" in footwear. Now, picture yourself at a dinner party, seated next to a former Birkenstock sales director who leans in and whispers, "You know those sandals actually cost less than £7 to make?"
That's exactly the kind of conversation I had recently, and it's left me questioning everything I thought I knew about the products we buy, and what’s sustainable. Speaking of sustainability, don't miss my eye-opening report, available to read here.
Olympic Gold
During a recent transformative leadership course, I had the pleasure of meeting Dom, a former Team GB hockey player. As we chatted between sessions, he shared a fascinating story that transported us back to the electric atmosphere of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Dom was there, not just as a spectator, but as an athlete representing Team GB’s hockey team.
He recounted the electrifying moment when Daley Thompson clinched gold in the decathlon. The stadium was buzzing with energy as Thompson, in his iconic trainers, completed the 1500 meters – the final event of the grueling two-day competition. Dom described the roar of the crowd as Thompson crossed the finish line, securing not just the gold medal, but his second in succession.
What struck me most about Dom's recollection wasn't just the victory itself, but the way he described the unity and pride felt by all the athletes present. Regardless of their own sports, they had rallied together to witness this historic moment.
Man Chair Overboard
During a recent conversation with a furniture director who supplies sustainably made products to the office industry and cruise lines, I uncovered a disturbing practice that stands in stark contrast to the eco-friendly image many cruise companies project.
The director, whose name I'll withhold for professional reasons, shared a shocking anecdote from a cruise line conference he attended. At this event, a video circulated among attendees showing installers callously tossing old, redundant furniture overboard, straight into the depths of the ocean.
This practice is not just environmentally irresponsible; it's illegal and certainly unethical. It's a stark reminder that behind the glossy brochures and promises of "green" initiatives, some sectors of the travel industry are still engaging in practices that are incredibly harmful to our oceans.
The irony wasn't lost on my contact. Here he was, dedicated to producing sustainable furniture, while sections of the very industry he supplies was secretly dumping old items into the sea. It's a prime example of the disconnect that can exist between a company's public image and its behind-the-scenes operations.
Don’t give up
My last conversation relates to Mal, a former Army veteran, who passed both the arduous Parachute and Commando courses. Mal served with distinction, and I worked with him in the construction industry, and he’s a phenominal team player. Sadly Mal suffered a double stroke. His doctor said he would never walk again, but he obviously didnt’ know Mal, who is mobile, albeit with the aid of a walking stick.
When I speak to Mal, he is nothing put positive. He told me that he was writing a book on leadership. I was really intrigued by his determingation to carry out this endeavour. If anyone knows about leadership, it’s Mal.
Mal's journey from decorated Army veteran to construction worker to stroke survivor and author is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to defy medical expectations and not only walk again but go on to write a book on leadership speaks volumes about his character and determination.
However, Mal's collapse at home serves as a stark reminder of the toll that high-stress careers can take on individuals, both physically and mentally. It's a wake-up call that we need to pay closer attention to the well-being of our colleagues and employees, especially those who have served in the military or work in demanding industries.
Earlier this month, I delivered a motivational talk on mental health. It was the same event that I met Dom at. The statistics I shared about the UK construction industry are alarming:
An average of 510 construction workers take their own lives annually.
A significant number of workers in the industry suffer from some form of mental health issue.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people, families, and communities affected by the mental health crisis in the construction sector. That’s it for this edition of the Woz Report.
💡Let me know what interesting conversations you’ve had in the past few months. Every story is one worth telling.