Episode 6: Tom Allwright speaks with Donna Campisi

On this episode I spoke with Tom Allwright, who shares his story of inspiring others with his adventures, and how he became a game changer. 

Tom played AFL for the Geelong Cats before succumbing to an injury, which forced him to retire. This could be seen as an unfortunate story, but speaking with Tom, it’s proof of how you can turn your life around into an awesome adventure of following your passion.   

We were lucky to have the opportunity to speak with Tom, as before he left Australia for Nepal, to open a school that his team had built after it was severely damaged from the earthquake in 2015.

 Tom started Adventure Abroad to inspire people to get up and do the things that inspire them. He imparts this desire by providing a platform for unique adventure opportunities and experiences.  

Tom grew up on a small farm in central Tasmania, where he’d always had a passion for sport. He enjoyed rowing through high school and was selected to represent Tasmania before being drafted into his favourite AFL team, the Geelong Cats. Consecutive knee injuries cut short Tom’s dream of playing AFL in 2010. During this time, he also completed his Commerce and Law degree. 

While Tom was studying, he started a health and fitness business in Melbourne. This is where he found a passion for adventure travel. 

At the age of 26, Tom set up his first office in his grandma’s spare bedroom and founded Adventure Abroad. Now,  Adventure Abroad are partnered with some of the world’s leading brands. 

 Tom provides purpose with many of his quirky adventure expeditions by linking in with charity organisations from around the world to raise funds for a common goal. Adventure Abroad aim to help raise in excess of $1,000,000.00 in 2019. 

The success of Adventure Abroad, which includes having a long lunch at the North Pole, driving tuk tuk's through the Himalaya's in India (with celebrity guests) and forging partnerships with global luxury brands has not happened by chance.  

Every quarter, Tom sits down and writes 5 goals that he wants to achieve in both personal life and also in business.

Tom has completed two Ironman events, five marathons and led expeditions all around the world with this format. 

Tom lives in Hobart, Australia. 

You will certainly be inspired by Tom’s drive and enthusiasm, in achieving his goals.  

Check out more about Tom here: https://www.tomallwright.com/

Adventure Abroad: https://www.adventureabroad.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureabroadau/

Listen to more ‘Ready! Set! Goal! with Donna Campisi’ podcast at: https://donnacampisi.com/ready-set-goal/

Transcript

Tom: 0:00

The way I see my goal and the destination. Um, I try, I'll, I'll do anything to get to that. Um, I'll go around. Any obstacle will work my way around it. Um, and that's something that, you know, uh, through pride, my cell phone a little bit. I'm, I'm happy for there to be as many obstacles as it takes to get to a goal, which I think has been the cornerstone of our setting up. You know, amazing events that you were talking about before. Welcome to ready, set goal, the podcast that helps you turn your dreams into reality. We'll give you your regular dose of motivation along with our insights to help you achieve your goals. Listen, has I shared conversations with awesome influential guests who will inspire us and share their secrets behind their success in achieving their goals? Are you ready to move closer to your dream goal? I'm your host at Donna Campisi, I'm an inspirational speaker, author and adventurer. I'm excited to bring you this podcast. Are you ready? Let's do it on. Ready, set. Goal. Tom Allwright i s our guest today. Tom played AFL for the Geelong c ats before succumbing to an injury which required him to retire. He then founded adventure abroad, which is a luxury adventure travel company. At the age of 26, Tom set up his first office in his grandma's spare bedroom and founded adventure abroad. I love that. Now adventure abroad, uh, partnered with some of the world's leading brands, the success of adventure abroad, which includes having a long lunch at the North pole, driving tuk tuks through the Himalayas in India. With celebrity guests and forging partnerships with global luxury brands has not happened by chance. Every quarter Tom sits down and writes five goals that he wants to achieve in both personal life and also in business. I love it. Tom has completed two iron man events, five marathons and led expeditions all around the world with this format. We are very privileged to have Tom with us today because the day after tomorrow, so we've just caught him. He is going to Nepal to open a school that he built after it was severely damaged from the earthquakes in 2015 we have to chat more about that later. Hey, uh, welcome Tom from the lovely, awesome Tasmania in Australia. Donna, it's an absolute pleasure to be here with you.

Donna: 2:39

Out of all your achievements, which I, yeah, I am amazed by what would you say is your most outstanding goal that you've achieved?

Tom: 2:51

Yeah, really difficult. I think, um, from a personal point of view, um, the, the fitness related things is something that's come through a passion of mine because I just love being healthy and fit. Um, I think it's really important. Um, and we need to, to maintain that. Um, but I think, you know, from, from what I guess we've been able to achieve as a business and I think moving forward is the fact that we've been able to, to rebuild a school in the Langtang Valley in Nepal that was, um, effectively decimated by the earthquake in 2015 people don't really understand this, but, um, the earthquake, you know, over 9,000 people died from the result of that earthquake. Napal's a place I fell in love with, um, and we'll, we'll discuss this a little bit lighter, I'm sure. But, um, over 8,000, 300 schools were knocked down and it was about 8 billion dollars worth of damage. Um, now the fact that they, you know, the, the, the fund raising efforts, I've been able to raise around four point$1 billion is actually a lot of communities that just have not seen a cent of it, um, which is really sad. So the fact that we've been able to, to build a school, um, and provide, you know, supplies that we, the supply chain to, um, I guess deliver to the community through some of our events that we run in Napal is pretty pleasing.

Donna: 4:17

Yeah. That's awesome. Well done.

Tom: 4:21

Yeah, it's, um, certainly it hasn't been a, uh, an easy road, but it's certainly something that we've had a lot of, uh, support, um, from our greater community. So, yeah, that's, that's, uh, that's pretty amazing. Then it tuk, tuk challenge, which you discussed, which is happening, u m, in my next year. U m, that's g oing t o be pretty exciting too.

Donna: 4:41

Yeah. Tell us a bit about that.

Tom: 4:45

Well about what, um, but, um, so effectively it's, he's a a thousand kilometer, um, tuk tuk ride over the Himalaya's. Uh, we're going to be going up the second highest motorable pass in the world. Um, we know he's dipped, it took talks to, to work that hub. We don't know. That's part of the challenge. So, um, yeah, it's, it's something that's a little bit different. It's quite exclusive and we're certainly looking forward to, um, you know, doing something that's fun but also for a worthwhile cause, uh, with my Bemba. Yeah. Yeah. Great. So that's next year. That's in my next year yet unfortunately discussed too much more about, yeah. Okay. Hey, um, I, I get asked this a lot, uh, because of, uh, the different goals, uh, that I have achieved and so forth, but I like to ask other people as well because it's for Allie Smith. Of course. How do you keep motivated when you're aiming for a goal, especially these huge goals that you've achieved that, what keeps you motivated? I think breaking them down. It's on. Um, I think, you know, when you look at big goals that you set for yourself or your business or whatever it is, um, there's usually a subsequent smaller goals attached to it. Um, so that's, that's kind of bang something for me is, yes, you've got the big fish there, but what steps do you need to take to get to that big fish? And that's how I paid quite motivated. Um, you know, I have it stuck in the wall. We might office, um, about what my five goals for the quarter are going to base. I see them every single day and sometimes it's about breaking them down and I make sure that, you know, like, I'm not gonna lie. Like obviously my life is quite revolved around businesses. It's how I make a living. Um, so some of them have to be revenue related, whether it be partnerships or, or stuff that we do. Um, but I make sure that it's not all business related because I'm a really big advocate for having a balanced loss. So that's why I always put some personal goals in there through different events I want to achieve or, or training books that I want to do. It's something that I, I do every day, which is training and it's certainly allowed me to, um, go and do some really cool things. Yeah. Awesome adventure. Uh, abroad. What, where did that go an idea come from originally, the story behind that? I know that you had to retire from football, but then how did that come about? So it kind of about, um, I was involved in running a gym, uh, in Melbourne after, uh, my applying dyes, which alone had finished. And I, um, was lucky enough to have a really inspirational group that weren't just happy to be training that kind of wanted to go and do something. So we kind of went from there and then all of a sudden I realized I liked this more adventure travel style, um, role more than having a gym. So I left the gym about four years ago and started with venture abroad, but adventure abroad, um, actually came about through something that was quite challenging and personal for me. We were hiking to Mount Everest. Um, I was with a, a, a friend and a, and a larger group and he, um, he actually ended up, um, POS, you know, why on that trip, um, in my arms and it's a, it's a, it's stemmed from conversations that we'd had together about, but you know, able to take people to remote areas of the world, but also provide uncompromising levels of luxury. Um, so that's kind of where it all STEM from, from those conversations I had with him. And without going into too much debt, um, you know, that event and that, the series of events, it was straight up. That is the Kickstarter that I, I needed to, um, go out on my own. Um, and kind of chase, you know, what, what is my drain? And, and, and I guess, you know, I get to, to, uh, leave the loft that I've always wanted to leave. Yeah, yeah. Oh, awesome. Uh, why, what I don't understand is looking through your websites, uh, the adventure abroad annual personal one. Um, the, and a lot of people may not understand this, these words together, every luxury Everest base camp. How do you, how do you get luxury? That's, um, cause I've really looked into that and I don't know about luxury. Yeah, no, it's different. Um, so I guess, um, and that's, that's one of the things that we really believe in, edit, adventure broad and our team here, uh, we always talk about providing tremendous amounts of value. Um, we do live off the philosophy that anything is possible. So when we're talking about luxury of our spice camp, we don't talk about say, houses, um, that, you know, and most other people would be familiar with. We do. And we're really fortunate and I'm very grateful to have context that allows us to go into VIP lodges that are only reserved for celebrities or politicians in Nepal and luxury. Um, you know, I acquainted size beds, um, hated rooms, beautiful tea houses. Um, where there aren't any of these lodges. We take a Safari lodge ourselves. So, um, we actually create a camp for our guests. Um, so yeah, it's, um, it's certainly been challenging, uh, the journey to, to make sure that we do the uncompromising levels of luxury, but it's something that we know we can do and we've been doing it and it's certainly something we're very comfortable with in spreading that word about. Mm. Mm. Oh, awesome. Um, out of all the different climates you've faced though on, on these, um, you know, journey's adventures, uh, what was anything, I mean, I suppose we could even go into your personal ones like the, uh, the iron man and the marathons and all of that. What, so what's been the most different and challenging climate that you've faced and how did you keep going? Uh, I think, um, I'll, I'll talk about both ends of the spectrum. I'll talk about the New Zealand Dawn man, where at average 36 degrees Celsius, the whole thing, and I sound paper was safe 36 degrees, but when you're exercising for 10 hours, which is roughly the time, um, it's, it's extremely challenging. Um, so you've got so many things to, um, to go to, I guess, challenge you and then, you know, working from the other end, Kilimanjaro itself and Bain about minus 25 degrees Celsius. Um, so you know, you're having your water bottles are freezing. Um, you're in attitude, so you're not hungry. There might be some slight effects, um, of attitude, whether it be headaches or just feeling a little bit nauseous. So they're all challenges that you have to face and work around. Um, but usually for me, it's, you know, that go the destination, the pool for that, um, and I speak about this often is, you know, the, the why I say my goal and the destination. Um, I try, I'll, I'll do anything to get to that. Um, I'll go around any obstacle, we'll work my way around it. Um, and that's something that, you know, uh, through pride myself on a little bit. I'm, I'm happy for Mitsubishi as many obstacles as it takes to get to a go, which I think has been the cornerstone of us setting up, you know, my eyes in events that you were talking about before. Um, it's something that I, I don't think everyone, um, donut does that when they say that journey's been too difficult, um, to overcome, to get to their destination. I'm sure a lot of people probably stop, um, before they've really started because I, I think that journey's too difficult. But certainly a lot of people that I've met away brought a lot of inspiration for me and I'm very grateful for the people that I've met. Um, because I certainly do a lot of things to inspire me to make sure that, you know, w not only I complete Margoles but also, um, help them achieve this. Yeah. Yeah. It's, it's like two in one. What you're doing. It's awesome. So is there a plan that you put in place when aiming for your goal and is it the same plan you use all the time? Cause we were just talking about people that, you know, I can say, Oh look, I can easily give up, there's too many obstacles and whatever. So for the listeners out there and you know, for someone saying, Oh, you know, it is too hard, what sort of plan do you have? Do you have the, I don't know, some people put, you know, steps or plans in place or what would you Charlie Donner, I'm quite competitive. So if there was a goal there that I gave up on two ways, they'll be very disappointed in myself in sign that I do revisit that, that shape that I was talking about earlier where I do keep my five goals down. Like I said, it's, it's in my office, so I see it every day. Um, other people say it every day. We, we don't, this is something that we do implement across our business[inaudible] action plan. Um, and that they are the five goals that we want to achieve in the next 90 days. And, and what I have found, um, the more that I've done this is people think that they can, you know, achieve 20 goals. But the thing is, if you achieved five goals, um, every cold, that's 20 goals you could shave. Yeah. Which not that many people would shave 20, you know, decent goals for the year. So, um, that's why we try and keep it to a really manageable number. And it's something that we've really, um, undertaken. We've, um, wait, we're quite serious about it. Um, but we try and help each other get there as well. So it's, um, it's, yeah, it's that 90 day action plan. Um, also have an app on[inaudible] to remind me, um, you know, to do, to do stuff like that. So yeah, I think it's just really positioning it and making sure that doesn't get lost in translation because you live a busy loss. Um, you know, we, uh, we work to live, we don't live to work, so we certainly take that motto on. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That sounds like a good motto to me. Hey, I, uh, wonder whether you, you, cause you, you've speaking a little about Wade, do you have a team or is this a one man show or do you keep, yeah, we've got a team now. We, uh, we certainly grind, so there's four of us here at adventure abroad. Um, it's way was, yeah, like I started the company certainly wouldn't have achieved what we have, um, without my team and, uh, die of the greatest asset to adventure of reward. So, um, yeah, I don't speak about me anymore. I speak about weight. It's, it's honestly what adventure of groceries and I'm very proud and I'm very grateful for what we have been able to do and the paper we have been able to make. Awesome. Yeah. I wasn't sure what he was saying. We have seen the team of people as in your clients or your colleagues or, yeah. So, yeah, sure. Because would you have, uh, clients that repeatedly come back for different adventures or, yeah. Yeah. Well, yeah. Um, we have a very hot, um, repeat business, which is, which is a Testament to I guess the time that we've got here and what we've been able to deliver. Um, I think Donna, one of the things that I'm really proud of is, you know, we're not, um, we're not cheap. Um, but we do, you know, provide really personable experiences that we are, you know, real people, um, on the ends of the phone. And, and we do everything within our nature. We make mistakes just like anyone else. And, um, you know, and nothing's ever perfect. And we certainly live by the rule of thumb. That progression is better than perfection. So, um, you know, we've learned to lost along the way. Um, and I think with that has come a lot of, you know, credible, um, testimonials and, uh, that's provided a lot of trust from that plant. So we've allowed them to have the Fife that know will deliver on something that they ask us to. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. What, uh, advice, um, would you with others thinking of going for a new scary goal? You know, something, something that if someone's sitting here listening and just going, yeah, yeah, it's all right for you to do this, you're into sport, whatever. But it really, um, does it matter whether it's sport or any big goal? I, that's what this show is about. Encouraging people to turn their dreams into reality. So what advice would you like to just the first step? What do they have to do to move? I think, um, I don't know exactly what you sign. I think that most important thing, um, that people can have when really, you know, taking that late of whatever that they pop they're going down some do is to have a purpose behind why they're doing it. Because, um, you know, traditionally your first couple of years in business is difficult. Um, people need to learn about who you are. Um, so you need to have something more than, um, more than just the, um, things lock. You know, you want to end your own money or you want to have more time for other things. I, they are things that will come with it. But, um, you need to need to have a purpose. And I'll explain what[inaudible] this. Um, and one of the reasons I started adventure abroad was to type people unexperienced, um, and show them exactly what can be achieved when you actually think outside the square and getting uncomfortable positions so that they can come back, um, and provide that inspiration to empower their own communities. Because I really believe that, um, if we could provide society with more opportunities, we would live in a much better place. So about taking PayPal to those places and providing events that people go, wow, how did you even think of that? But doing that, um, it's actually making them think bigger. So that's why I do this. And there's going to, you know, if you're going to, to start something yourself, um, or go on on your own to, to do, you know, something, you need to have a purpose because there are going to be a lot of sleepless nights and early mornings and Toms when you go to get on the phone at 3:00 AM to someone in America that doesn't suit your lifestyle, but they of raisins, that's the purpose behind why you get up and do those things. Because, you know, I, I can, you know, running your own business is great. I love it. I can't think of doing anything else. There's certainly a lot of times where you probably think, well, you know, I'm doing a nod to fog would be a lot easier. Mm. I suppose. Oh, also it's not about, it's not, we're not just talking about your business too though. We're talking about your adventures as such. Uh, whereas, uh, you know, if someone wanted to just, they think it's kind of unbelievable to go and do, you know, Everest base camp or whatever challenge. What's there, what advice also would you be saying to people for someone who's just still sitting on the fence? Uh, I would say do it. And the reason I, I would side to it is because you don't know what you don't know. Um, so if you go and do something that you, you're not sure about, at least you'll learn about it. And I think you need to do your research and make sure you go read, you know, credible sources, credible companies. Um, so I'm fortunate that we do live in a, um, in industry. I'm involved in an industry where, um, you know, I often hear about people being let down. Um, and you know, what we've seen in the travel industry, um, recently with a lot of companies, uh, you know, going into receivership and things like that. And then ministration. So, um, you know, make sure that you do your due diligence. But you know, when, uh, when we're talking about an experience, yes, going to the beach is great and obviously there's a time for that as well. But I think actually going and building on life experiences is something that I would always jump up. Yeah, totally. I agree. I'm going to be talking to you after these personally about what's, what's makes it so cause what, what sort of clients do, is it only it politicians and you know, celebrities or is it, is it everyday people like myself, we absolutely get a lot of day. I'm not sure if I want to travel with a politician to be honest. You had a lot of everyday people that just, it's their go, um, to go and do something like[inaudible] or Mount Kilimanjaro or, or any of the, um, events. And you ask them, you know, why, why do you do it? And sometimes it is as, as deep as, you know, a family member had cancer. I realized I could, I only got 20 years to go and do this stuff. It might be something deep and meaningful like that or it might be, I just wanted to fitness go and, and that was it. Um, and that's what I needed to, to get into the gym and correct my healthy lifestyle so that I could go and, um, you know, it shaved, it shaped, this is my goal. So, yeah, I mean we certainly get a little bit of everyone. Um, I would say I'm most, um, you know, our demographic is kind of your early retirees, um, kind of around 50, um, to, you know, I took a 93 year old up Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago. So yeah, it's pretty, pretty amazing. And that's what some of the inspiring people that I get to made. I'm very fortunate that I get to do that. It provides me with a lot of inspiration as well to watch people going, you know, overcome their challenges to achieve, you know, their goals. Definitely. Yeah, I could see how that would, Hey, if you were to go back to the beginning of this whole journey of, uh, adventure abroad and when you it, what advice would you give yourself? This is just generally to learn for other people who are thinking about doing their new goal or challenge. The advice I'd give to my younger self is, um, probably to stop worrying so much about what other people thought. I think I'd probably stop me, um, for a long time, but pursuing what I wanted to do. Just, you know, whether you are worried about disappointing people close to you or your family or, or what the perception of you might be. I know it sounds very shallow, but that's something that really helped. I don't think it does. And I'm wondering whether that was because of your age too. You are young. Probably time cause we always say give them approval and you know, wanting to, you know, be in with what, I don't know. I think he's great. Yeah. Well he held me back in terms of giving it absolutely everything. Um, in those initial, you know, first 12 months especially, um, so I'll probably put this on the back foot because I was waiting for approval. Um, you know, and, and some paper will naturally, you know, in Australia, unfortunately we have what we call the tall poppy syndrome. So some people will naturally, um, you know, I put you down before you've ever been started. And certainly I did experience that, but it's, you know, it's something that I would just wish I'd, I didn't listen to other people. I think you've got to really peak[inaudible] yeah, I personally think he, um, yeah, PQ listen to, but also tell perhaps you know, or hang out with, I really believe in, uh, the people that you surround yourself with and surrounding yourself. Uh, I mean sometimes it can be family that can also be a little bit doubt for them. And a lot of that is concerned probably, uh, to be honest. Uh, maybe. And so you can't really just mute them out of your life, but maybe choose a, how often that you speak or hang around people. And you know, because I really found that with especially my strike to marathon challenge, a lot of people were saying at the beginning, you know, you're crazy, Donner and blah blah, blah. And if I just sat there and listened to all of that, uh, I wouldn't have probably done it. So I think it's really important, um, who you, uh, surrounding yourself with and telling and listening to you, like you said. Yeah, for sure. Hey, what's, I don't know if you've already answered this, but the most rewarding thing from achieving, you'll go without beach do, where are we going back to Nepal and talking about that or school is something that I'm, I'm really proud because we have been able to, so to give you a bit of background, um, a school in Tasmania, it's been their, um, their project for the year to be able to provide funds to help rebuild the school. We obviously orchestrated. So, um, Thursday we are taking the school from Tasmania over to Nepal, um, to open the school and obviously spend time in the community. So, um, incredible side of 26,000 in it, 24. I bet you I fund rising, um, not only if they've been able to rebuild the school, they've been able to provide, you know, sanitary and hygiene products is a big issue with female hygiene in Nepal. So we've been able to address that. Um, and we type them, you know, it's a[inaudible] walk into the community. Um, so it's very remote and you know, even this community itself, it's where the epicenter of the 295, um, people die just from this one community. Um, during the as, so I never liked going to school. Um, you know, the kids, the girls from the school in Tasmania that were going over with though spent time teaching English and teaching hi Jane, and, and next day saying, um, you know, what the country contribution to change that they've been able to, to implement because we, we give money a lot to aid and, and charities as everyone does, but to be able to go and do it directly, it's been incredible. It's been incredible. Yeah. So can I ask what, I mean it's, it's great that you have done this, but what we road drawn to different things and charities and what, what still connection is it because you had traveled there with groups and done adventures? Yeah, that's right. It's just, it's just where I really fell in love with, um, with, with my industry is cynically incredible. You know? Um, I've been very fortunate to go to a lot of places in the world. The first trip I ever did was[inaudible] in Papa new Guinea. I've done that 15 times now. Um, but Nepal Nepalis where they're awkward, you know what, I want this to be being my loss. Um, she's traveled because it's just something that, um, know I just became really passionate about. And when, when I was talking about before my friend, God, it's certainly the thing that cemented that into my, my mind. Yeah. So very inspiring. Tom inspires you. He's your super hero and why? Um, I've listening, there's a lot of people that inspire me or like I remember there are certainly things that I, I've learned along the way and taken, um, little of other people's life into my own and thawed. Y'all want to implement things like that, you know, from as close as, you know, my father who, um, unfortunately when I was younger, we, we grew up in a farm and we got burnt out by a fire. Now most people would probably think it's Chi to just, you know, I take it in and, and you know, I have a couple of weeks off or, or what not. The dad, the next day that the fire was, um, had obviously gone through farm, we lost about 5,000 acres the next day he started rebuilding the fence. So, um, yeah, sorry, little, little acts like that certainly are things that, um, I've always wanted to capture and put into my life. And you know, I just came from meeting so many inspirational people along my journey. It's, it really is. I'm very fortunate. Um, you know, I from PayPal, you know, you're going to do things, um, you know, they've had cancer or you know, they've got their own stories. It's odd. Just sit back in their groups and just listen with admiration to be honest. Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome. I, uh, wonder also with adventure abroad or even you have two websites which I'll be putting the link to below this one is adventure abroad.com. Dot. EU is it? Yeah. And also Tom oreck.com. I, uh, wonder what are you, are you also like doing one on one coaching or are you you're a speaker. Yeah, I've done some talks, um, in different places around the world. So for some of the companies that we've done events for, so I'm very fortunate to do that. Something that I, I, um, I really enjoy as well. And it goes back to the purpose. I said before, um, the ball, I can spread my message. Um, you know, the more people that aren't, I'm getting to and if my stories help inspire and motivate people to go and do inspirational things and think bigger, um, then, um, you know, achieving my purpose as a person as well. Is there a book coming out? Uh, is this a secret? Ah, okay. So let's go back to football. I know, you know, we're going back and forth and jumping around here, but when, when did you play, what years were you playing? Sorry, I got dropped it straight out of school. I literally finished my year 12 exams two days later, had some moved from Hobart to Julong. So that's how quick it all happened. And I was there for a few years. We were there through a very successful time. I thought, um, I didn't play as many games as I probably had thought I would add as it was my childhood drain. Um, but you know, these things happen. We, you know, we want apprenticeship in 2000 and, uh, 2009, 2011. So I've been very, very lucky to say that. Very successful. But, um, yeah, it's had a couple of nay nay reconstructions. And you know, when you get a surgeon signs you want to kick a football with your kid or um, cause if you do you might have to rethink, um, your career. Um, now that that's a pretty strong indication that I had to go and do something else. I went into university and did that. Um, and then yeah, no, I'd venture abroad and loving it. Yeah. Awesome. Well done. Yeah. Turning something, um, what could people could say a negative into a positive? Uh, how do you look at it? Do you call it that? I don't call it that. I actually speak often about these. Um, when I go and speak about, um, changing the word failure into discovery. Um, cause you know, we, we try and do events or pitch events, you know, walls, what we see on the outside. It all looks, um, amazing. There'll be so many things that we've pitched or, um, spoken to companies about, but just get hit on the head and nothing ever happens and it's turning, um, bass. That feeling of[inaudible] into discovery and how to just do it differently. Um, so whether that be a different process or, or different events, um, it doesn't need to be a bad thing. Five, yeah, no mine, I don't know that strive for failure probably on my successful paper in the world, but it just discovering how to do things differently. Yeah. And it's all part of the journey and every direction. Like if someone says, you know, I always say, well, if someone says no, I just say, next, you know, where to what next and where are you next and what are the possibility or dork and overrode can be taken. You know, all of those sayings that go with it because I don't, yeah, I actually don't think there are, you, you mentioned the word before mistakes and I was going to jump in when I, um, I don't know what we're talking about exactly. I think it was to the advice that you would give your younger self maybe. Yeah. And I always just call mistakes lessons really because it's something that you learned from, you learn to perhaps do it a different way, tweak it, whatever, or on a totally different angle, which you know is, is, is kind of what you've done. I mean, sort of totally different angle cause it's still to do with fitness but it's adventure and helping other people and that sort of thing is wrong. Football is, is pretty amazing. No, I certainly agree with your philosophy with that. You know, if we leave the last way we was scared about making the Stites um, you know, I don't think we'd have a very fun life all successful life nine, nine gray. Tidally it's um, yeah, that fear and that's, that's why I really encourage, I actually do, do different adventures myself. And the thing about getting facing your fears and getting out of your comfort zone is, is a really big lesson when once you've done something, you know, it just, even one thing like that and learn from it. It's just like what are the other possibilities that we have? Yeah. There's so many amazing opportunities out there to be taken and to be made. Like I always say is, well I don't know if you agree with this, but sometimes we talk about uh, wait for that opportunity to be taken. But I always think about why don't you make your opportunities make it happen. Yeah, I totally agree with you and one, one other. And just to extend on that, opportunities aren't missed opportunities, just take them by the PayPal. They're just taken by on the paper. So when an opportunity does present, whether you've mighty sail for it's come to you actually needs to be quite proactive that making sure that that opportunity is yours. Because IOI side to our guys, if a company has come to us, they want something, they've generally gone to three or four other people as well. And it's not price sensitive, but it's about how we can build a trusted relationship. Yeah, definitely. Yeah. Relationships,[inaudible] Honda computers and just endowment. That's we we'd do, we try and get it on the sign as quickly as we can so we can build a nurture or something. Yeah, yeah, I agree. That's, that's, yeah, very good information and advice to be giving to people think, Hey, I, uh, we just connected very quickly. We have to admit, say, yeah, because you're in a hurry to, well not you're in a hurry. The fact is you're going to pull, which is very exciting. So I wanted to get this interview and conversation, uh, in, and I'm really grateful for it. I what, is there anything in particular that way we haven't covered that you want to let my listeners know? I think it's been a very organic and a very fruitful conversation so far. So I think, um, you know, as long as you're, um, but going back to your goals, I don't think, um, I think goes, uh, uh, you know, as important as anything that I've been able to achieve in, in my life. I, I think we, that if I wasn't a Gulf, sir, I wouldn't have done half the things that I have done. So, you know, it goes back to that. I think it's really knowing what your foundations are and making sure that, um, you know, if you say you're going to do something but you accountable and do it until all the paper, that this is what I'm going to do. And that's something that I'm not afraid to do paperwork my take that the on the line. But if I say I'm going to do, and I'm, and I'll generally tell PayPal maybe going to an iron man because it makes me accountable. I agree. When I w I was the same with the marathon and I told, and I, I do talk about this when I talk with people as well. I, I tell people to just tell everyone, you are like, I, you know, I this following on Facebook and, uh, told mania and everything has, you probably would've done the same. And then you feel like, well, yeah, I'm accountable now. These people were following me and cheering me on. So there's no way I'm not going to, I think that's great advice. Yeah. So is there any awesome personal adventures and goals that are coming up for you? Uh, not, not. Um, in the near future, um, we will be doing, I'll be rotting my Bach in, um, the start of April from Melbourne to Sydney. Um, so I've started with a thousand kilometers, um, again for another charity organization and[inaudible]. So that's, uh, that's pretty exciting. Um, something I'm certainly looking forward to, to getting some training in and, um, you know, I've been involved with, uh, another amazing non for profit organization. Yeah. So when training and planning, uh, for a major goal such as that, what changes do you need to make in, um, it's allowing the time. It's been really, um, you know, something like that. It does, it does take time to try and say, um, I always think if someone wants to do something, they'll create the time. Um, it really annoys me when people say I'm too busy. Um, just be honest and say you don't want to do it because if you wanted to do it, you would make time. Um, so that's what I would say is, yeah, it can be a challenge to do that. But um, if you really want to do it, you'll, you'll create that time. Whether that means getting up early or, or, or scheduling training around, um, certain events, it's then so be it, you know, it's amazing how many times we can sit down and spend on Instagram or Facebook or even watching TV. And one scary statistic, uh, is the fact that people between, um, I think it's like 14 and 25 now spend on average 15 hours a week on social media. That is scary. That's a whole dime. But what about TV? Actually just watching TV, like people can spend hours just on the catch, which yeah, each episode and it's quite scary. So you think about what you could achieve, um, during that time. And like I said before, you know, I'm not all about work. I'm not all about, I'm about very balanced. Loft-style so certainly Tom for that. But, um, yeah, just, it's just always a question. I, I run past my selfies, you know, now without our phones telling us how much time we're spending on them. Um, you know, you think, wow, I mentioned if I wasn't on Instagram for five hours this week or whatever it was, you know? Yeah, yeah. So after doing something like a big major challenge to how do you to everyday life after doing a major challenge? Yeah, I'm very fortunate that actual, the loft that I live or the business that I have is actually part of my lifestyle. I don't think I would be any different. Um, I honestly and truly love what I do. Like I can't put it any other way. I don't feel like our guide to work. So if I have to do something on a Sunday, I'd never think twice about it. I, I love it. It's, it's, you know, it's something I'm very thankful for. Um, but you know, so for me to be, and whether it be on an adventure or bane, some admin stuff, it's, it's goes back to that purpose about why I'm doing it. Um, and I think that is the driving factor behind, you know, just slotting back, you know, I don't get post-trip loses or anything like that. I just look forward to the next line. And I'm, like I said, it's not, not everyone gets to, you know, effectively type people on their holidays, um, as their job. But you know, it's a loft. It, I've, I've kind of gone after and, um, in, in a sense, Bain responsible for living. Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Sounds good. Hey, I ask everyone this, uh, about, um, assuming that people do and I, I would assume that they say never assume. Do they, um, what is your mantra, your favorite quote that you use? Oh, my fiber quote, my iron mantra. Um, Oh, you have to come back to me. Um, I don't think there's any, well, one of the things that IOI is, um, used to decide to myself as a kid when I was training to get drafted was, um, you don't push yourself to the limits. How do you know what the limits are? And so that I guess in a way goes back to, um, my purpose in, well, if you don't get uncomfortable with what you're doing, how do you know where that comfort zone finishes? Yeah. If you can kind of get that feeling. It's really hard to explain, but I say there's a feeling where you kind of thought that is the limit. That is, I know that is where I can get through. Um, cause it's amazing that mentally we probably give up a lot lot sooner and then we physically, physically capably do[inaudible]. Yes, yes. Uh, that reminds me of, uh, again I'm, I'm referring to the marathon again. Sorry. But it's, it's just a challenge for an example of when you're talking about mental and physical. I remember my, my thing is when doing a challenge, you know, get it, hang out with those people who've already done it or get advice or whatever, you know, and a lot of people were telling me before that particular challenge, Donna, it's, it's a mental game. It's not a physical game. And I'm just kidding. I guess it's really hard physically, but no, I get it. Yeah. And I think it probably takes doing something like a marathon or an iron man. So to really, really get a true understanding. I always used to go back and watch the iron mans and watch the guys finishing up to 16, 17 or 18 hours because it's, I'm thinking you are the inspiration people that are finishing eye on 10 as you feet and you know what you're doing. The ones that are literally out there for a whole day. Yeah. The inspiration they have pushed themselves to another level that I did not think that they had. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Totally. Yeah, I agree with that. I am just so wrapped up, we got to have this conversation before you left. Are you packed and ready and done and everything? I'm a very quick packet. I'm not ready, but you know, I have to, um, I, there's a few things I have to make sure I've got saw. Ya know, it's a, it's an absolute pleasure to be with you. It's an honor. It's been a fantastic conversation and look forward to hearing more about what's your, uh, what's your uptake. Yeah. Great. Thank you. If people want to find out more about what the schools in Nepal as well. Is this going to be on your, are you on Instagram, Instagram at adventure abroad? Are you same as Facebook? Um, or yeah, obviously sign up to our newsletter and, and we can certainly share more details so you can sign up to the newsletter@adventureabroad.com. Yeah, I'm going to put all those links up. So for those who are interested in, you know, really want to see what's going on, uh, not only with adventure abroad end, you know, if they want to contact you for, to come on an adventure, but also, yeah, just to see what you've done with your whole goals and missions and that's pretty impressive. So yeah, thanks for joining us. It's a pleasure. Thanks for hanging out with us on the ready set gold podcast we've done at camp Casey, please take a moment to rate and review this podcast on your preferred podcast app. I'm really grateful for your feedback. H writing and review helps us fulfill our goal of giving inspiration to many[inaudible].