THE MANFOLK STORY
Welcome to Manfolk
The name Manfolk came out of powerful and supportive conversations with my friend Nigel, during lockdown in the UK. We were both actively battling with our mental health, trying to find solutions. We were and still are both avid consumers of self development info and practices and keen to share our latest understandings, to test theories, talk through complex ideas and to try and find answers, meaning and direction in our lives. Those supportive, open, vulnerable and explorative conversations were priceless to both of us and continue to this day, as do valuable 'walk and talk chats' with other close friends.
During one of the walks, we were so impressed with ourselves that it was agreed that our conversations would make a great podcast for other men to listen to and comment on. I said, "It would be called Manfolk" and went home and registered the domain name that day.
Several years later, I realised that I needed to make a 'now or never' career change from Sales and Business Development into something that was more meaningful to me and would allow me to contribute more to the world. I trained to become a Life Coach and NLP Master Practitioner in order to support other men who want to make real changes, to continue to work with people and continue my own development journey. I am genuinely grateful and honoured to be in a position to provide professional, empowering support to others. It’s an honour to help men to become the man they want to be, to create the life they want to live, to positively impact those around them and the world as a whole.
My Personal Story
It might sound cheesy but.... I was lucky to grow up in a nice village with nice schools, nice family and plenty of friends. I spent my time playing football, climbing trees and playing out in the street with other kids. I was extremely connected to myself, a true inner knowing and wisdom. Things always happened for me; I knew myself well. Idyllic, I know!
Until....At the age of 12, trauma found me and my life would never be the same again. Within days of the event, I couldn't tell you what my favourite colour was, I lost the connection to myself that had been such a deep and trusted companion and my life unfolded in unwanted and uncontrolled ways.
This trauma affected me in the form of (later diagnosed) PTSD which in my case, caused symptoms of dissociation, anxiety, stress, bouts of depression, panic attacks and addiction.
Losing connection with myself meant that I had lost touch with my internal compass and therefore struggled to navigate life from an ungrounded place. I was rarely present, I functioned in the world by maintaining a persona and leaning on alcohol (in particular) and later, opioid painkillers due to chronic back pain. This was a way of subduing an over active, critical mind and to find temporary release from negative, suppressed emotions. Balancing family, work, financial, social, mental health and energy levels within the context of my situation was often extremely challenging. I experienced successes and failures, burnouts and a breakdown.
Throughout adult life though, my often ignored inner guide was always there offering the wisdom that I needed. When I chose to listen, the message was always to reconnect to my true self, move through the obstacles blocking this path. I knew what I wanted but had no idea of how to get there, so I sought professional help mainly in the form of talking therapy including: Hypnotherapy, Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. All of these are credible and powerful and did help me to find some balance in my life, although none either individually or collectively helped me to get to where I wanted and needed to be.
Then my life changed around 7 years ago when I started using meditation practices. Meditation opened latent networks in my brain and helped to open me up to new possibilities, adding more balance and connection, however I needed more in order to get back the connection I had lost. This is where Personal Coaching (Life Coaching) and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) changed my life.
I recruited an NLP Master Practitioner, who expertly supported and empowered me to make fast and permanent positive change within myself to incredible effect. I trained as a Life Coach and NLP Master Practitioner, which helped me to enhance and speed up my own personal transformation. I am reconnected to myself, balanced, more present, more whole and future focussed.
Through the process of Personal Coaching using NLP, I have moved from being a victim of what life threw at me to being grateful for it’s lessons; without them I would never have grown. The journey continues…….continues….