Consultant Spotlight: Rick Cotgreave

1. What motivates you?

Autonomy, mastery and the discovery of new. I am intrigued by progress and anything that expands my physical and mental capacity. I was always inspired by physical challenges, but now mental and emotional growth is so much more motivating.

2. How do you handle pressure?

I love the pressure of improving but not when it gets overwhelming. I put time in my busy diary just for me – whether that’s to exercise, meditate or to do yoga. Finding the balance is really important to me. When I’ve got a lot on I make sure I find time for myself and step back from the stressor. I make sure I have a little oasis of calm in my week and micro-moments where I can be in control.

3. What will change most about the world of work in the next few years?

The growing awareness of the environment will impact our working environment. There is a shrinking number of resources so I’m intrigued about what happens to the social dynamics within a society that is undergoing such radical change.

4. What book, film or tv show has really changed the way you thought about something?

I read a lot because I gain so much from it and it helps me constantly re-evaluate what I’m thinking. One book that’s stood out is “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig. I’ve read it a few times and it’s a different story every time I read it.

5. What’s your favorite sport to business lesson or story?

Dave Brailsford, team coach for the GB cycling team, using marginal gains to bring about success.

6. What makes you proud?

I am most proud of our Athlete Transition Programme. It takes years of research and applies it to a hugely successful programme to help athletes transition from sport to business.

Working hard to achieve something, doing something different and new, and having a significant opportunity to have a positive impact on people.

7. What makes you angry?

Lying and cheating… but I try not to be angry.

8. Which leader do you most admire most and why?

Gandhi. He achieved so much and mobilised a huge population through being quiet but clear with his values led message.

9. What are your best and worst characteristics?

Best – Enthusiastic and curious.

Worst – Overthink and in some cases I over-care.

10. What would you like to learn and why?

Currently learning the guitar and exploring a new side of me which I’ve not explored before.

11. If you could choose anybody, who would you be for a day?

Me – I don’t have a sense of wanting to be anyone else.

12. Who would you like to invite for a dinner party, living or dead?

My best friends.

13. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Take the knocks and come back stronger

14. What would your motto be (if you haven’t already got one)?

Don’t fight reality, you’ll lose every time.

15. What personal value would you never compromise?

Integrity.