Lighthouse International

My Journey, Vision & Passions

Lighthouse International Group is the fruit of my humbling entrepreneurial and servant leadership journey spanning the last 25 years of my life. Quite simply, I whole-heartedly feel that we cannot consider ourselves as a progressive and successful global family until we are taking responsibility for the millions of human beings, both young and old alike, who still lack the basic qualities and opportunities of life. My life’s work is unequivocally devoted to creating human and global solutions to our most critical social challenges through the empowerment of the human being and uniting them in a genuine state of family and community. I find and invest an immense amount of joy and pleasure in the simple things and am a passionate Liverpool supporter and love cricket.

Favourite Quote

“Between stimulus and response is a space, and in that space is our freedom to choose, what we choose in that space determines our success and happiness.” – Vicktor Frankl

Funny Habits

Impromptu random dances and outbreaks of deep laughter from the gut.

My Journey, Passions and Vision 

I started to really wake up, become more aware, feel and realise that there was more to my life, what I could achieve and the difference I could make about 10 years ago when meeting Paul. Since then I have been working tirelessly at the coalface of the organisation, building, growing, developing my ability to choose how I want to feel, what value I want to add and how I want to live my life as a result of the difference we can make together. I am passionate about making a difference, about helping and serving people in the same way as I have been helped, guided and supported. I enjoy sport and in many cases use the game to help me improve my own life. Whether that be tennis, cricket, squash, running or a game of golf…each one teaches me a lot about my own character.

Favourite Quotes

“No success outside of the home can ever compensate for failure in it.” – Stephen R. Covey

“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Funny Habits

I lack Rhythm! I dance like a complete idiot and sing like a strangled cat. But for whatever reason I still enjoy it even though others don’t.

My Journey, Passions and Vision

Having grown up in South Africa I have a huge affinity for sports and the great outdoors. As a passionate sportsman, my vision is to use the medium of sport to develop leaders and entrepreneurs. I see sport making a significant difference on a global scale by helping people get more in touch with their humanness and becoming more affluent. It’s a wonderful vehicle to bring people together as well as harness qualities in aspiring leaders and pioneers. I came to the UK in 2004 seeking opportunities to build my life. I started in the banking world and soon knew that I could be doing so much more to fulfill my potential and make a difference in people’s lives. This lead me to search for answers, ways and means which is when I met Paul. I was one of the incredibly fortunate few who, under his mentorship has had an immense opportunity to serve small businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and aspiring change-makers for the last 9 years.

Favourite Quote

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Funny Habits

I’m known for sometimes making jokes at the wrong times – ‘Cooper-isms’ we call it.

My Journey, Passions and Vision

From as early as I remember I’ve always been incredibly passionate about expanding my world and first recognised the importance of developing myself and others through flying and adventure sports. A passion for inspiring others and making a difference in the world quickly grew. For the last 6 years, with Paul’s unprecedented mentorship I’ve been devoted to developing leaders and social entrepreneurs and will continue to do so across the world for the rest of my life.

Favourite Quote

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Funny Habits

Where do I start? Many people would describe me as being quite ‘quirky’ – from falling into the infamous ‘Golli’ Gap (you’ll have to ask me about that one), to wearing characteristically funky shirts.

My Journey, Passions and Vision

For many years I grew up as the shy kid, unaware of my own potential, creativity and ability to contribute. As the years have gone on, my sense of adventure, my love for seeing the world, living and helping others has naturally grown, but particularly in the last four years with the love, guidance and intense support from the Lighthouse family. I have a huge passion for creating; be it in film, writing or helping people build their lives and seeing the growth unfold. My main passion is to help revolutionise the education industry and families; to raise free and mature young people who are leaders of themselves and of our world; to bring up incredibly principle-centred human beings who can lead the generations to come.

Favourite Quote

“We shall not cease from exploration…and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T.S. Eliot

Funny Habits

I absolutely love dancing like a madman and as anyone who knows me can testify, the moment any Michael Jackson song is played in a club, I get a little bit excited… I’m also so trusting/gullible that one time Warren convinced me to play a golf shot by holding the club backwards. Needless to say I found out my trust was misplaced.

My Journey, Passions and Vision

I always thought growing up, that I was different to everyone else, a dreamer, out of place and that my grand ideas for the world and all that inhabit it, would never take shape and were outlandish to say the least! Then I met a group of people who have changed my life and my future family’s lives forever; through appreciating my unique value and potential, they helped me to start to explore those dreams again and unlock even bigger ones as well as elicit and nurture my creativity in order to pragmatically use it. Being cared for, loved and supported for six years, I have grown up in ways I didn’t even know were possible and during this time, I have discovered that my true purpose and passion is to serve others: by supporting and developing as many women to become leaders in their own lives to realise their personal dreams, their businesses and/or careers. I also want to play a significant role in developing pre-school children in order to start to raise successful, young leaders from a young age.

Favourite Quote

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Funny Habits

Everyone knows I laugh often and heartily, I find my friends here incredibly funny and often my laugh can be heard for miles away in their company!

My Journey, Passions and Vision

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to start an engineering business, but I soon learnt this would take more than just a computer and a bright idea! When I joined Lighthouse International, I discovered that mastering principles is the only way to build the relationships, community and organisation of my vision, that will make a truly global, positive difference in people’s quality of life.

Favourite Quote

“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” – Albert Einstein

Funny Habits

Always trying to reduce things to be as simple as possible, for example; “Music is really just the right noise made at the right time!”

My Journey, Passions and Vision

Before joining Lighthouse International, I was progressing in a well paid career, but it just wasn’t fulfilling. I felt I needed more meaning and purpose in my life because my job wasn’t all I wanted my life to be about. The Lighthouse community has given me incredible guidance and support and I have grown immensely from where I began. I literally couldn’t have done it on my own, which is what I appreciate the most. I have a real passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially the younger generation. I believe there’s so much missing from what is taught in schools which would make a big difference in helping people to live with more inspiration and happiness.

Favourite Quote

“…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” –Marianne Williamson

Funny Habits

I have a habit of playing cheesy music to get me going when I get in the shower in the mornings.

My Journey, Passions and Vision

Over the years I had developed an interest in leadership, personal development and entrepreneurship whilst establishing a career in the charity sector. I enjoyed making a difference through my work, but felt frustrated that some problems seemed to persist; lacking the leadership to solve them. Through intensive mentorship I am happier and have an increasingly clear vision for myself. My passion is education and my vision is that we have an inspirational teacher in every classroom.

Favourite Quote

“Security is almost a superstition. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller

Funny Habits

Every so often I become lost in deep thought and wake up with a rabbit-in-the-headlights look. I also have the random habit of unconsciously tapping my foot after sharing something in a team meeting!

My Journey, Passion and Vision

For many years I have been on a journey of developing myself and looking to really add value into this world. Much of that journey has been a struggle on my own, and so I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the community that is so dedicated to and passionate about serving our human family. I have always had an immense curiosity as to how systems, societies and people work; part of my vision is to use the power and potential of technology with the wisdom that is so untapped of human beings, to make a difference in many areas of our society such as healthcare. There is so much more that I cannot fit in this short paragraph!

Favourite Quote

“Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.” – Dalai Lama

Funny Habits

People call me ‘the watcher’, as I have a tendency to silently observe people in social situations. Oh and if I’m ever given the space to ask a question, watch out – it could be the start of a very long and winding conversation!

My Journey, Passion and Vision

It’s a massive cliche to say Life is a journey, but it’s been a wave of twists and turns for me. I did the route of school, university and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the mid 2000’s. I remember being in Alexandra Palace sitting an exam with another 2000 trainee accountants thinking there has to be more to life! After going through some challenges in business a few years later I realised I needed the support of a network that I could trust and that I wanted more from life. I had to make changes. Meeting the guys at LIG was a massive turning point for me, seeing that there were genuine people out there who wanted to make a difference in this world and achieve big things for themselves. In turn I am passionate about helping people have the opportunities I have had and want to help people to succeed in their lives, careers and business.

Favourite Quote

“I felt I had been walking with destiny and all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial.” – Winston Churchill

Funny Habits

Where do I start!

My Journey, Passion and Vision

My 5 year journey thus far has been the most rewarding and the most challenging to date but I’m very grateful for having the opportunity to travel it. My ability and likelihood of success is very certain, this is directly the result of having the mentorship of a senior entrepreneur to understand and live successfully. Equally, having a group of people dedicated to their success around me, encouraging, supporting and helping me when I fall while laughing along with me on this amazing journey has been essential. A design creative at heart, I love manifesting something from nothing to inspire and improve our lives individually and as a human race, which is my passion. The time with LIG has facilitated me to bring that to life and to enable me to realise it on a global scale. Overcoming the challenges that lie in my way and developing a keen ability to fulfil my dreams and aspirations has been one of the greatest gift’s I’ve received and still am receiving. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to live life to the fullest and leave a worthy legacy. I knew from young that by having the amazing people around me I’ll be able to do amazing things.

Favourite Quote

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Funny Habits

Like my name I say things twice, “Hello, hello!” Why? I don’t know. 

My Journey, Passion and Vision

Over the years I recognised the importance of focussing on areas I’m passionate about instead of just doing a job to pay the bills. I started to look a few years ahead and thought about the direction I want to take in life.

I realised that having a business is a great way to create more choices and freedom though during my business adventure I learned the hard way what happens when you don’t have the right relationships in place.

The more I looked into this I was fortunate to find the people to help me see the need to develop myself and the advantage of mentorship as a foundation to build successful businesses and to create a compelling vision for my life. I also started to appreciate the importance and opportunities of giving back and of making a positive difference to others ad how to combine that with business.

Arguably the biggest experience was becoming a father and it helped me to see the importance of becoming a better father, caring for my daughter, for other children and to make a difference to the next generation.

I’m looking forward to the next steps on this journey and to add more and more value in areas I’m passionate about!

Favourite Quote

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Victor Frankl.

Funny Habits

I’m always happy, I just can’t stop smiling!!

My Journey, Passion and Vision

So many things have changed for the better for me and my family in the short time I’ve been learning to become a mentor to adults and children with Lighthouse International.

The catalyst for me in my own life to embrace personal change was when I lost my father. My awareness of my own role as a father, along with my responsibility to my family and others suddenly began to dawn on me.

The benefit of having mentors supporting me to realise that lasting change starts with us and our ability to lead ourselves before leading others and to succeed wonderfully in life means to succeed through helping others become successful.

This is what gets me up and gets me going each day.

Favourite Quote

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavour.” – Henry David Thoreau

Funny Habits

I walk just like C – 3PO (from Star Wars!) 🙂

My Journey, Passions and Vision

I have a passion for life and a passion for people and the mentorship I’ve received at Lighthouse has helped me unlock this within me because I, like many people was giving up on my dreams… Part of my life’s vision is to be involved in transforming the lives of single parent families and ending child abuse.

Favourite Quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

Funny Habits

I get quite addicted to mince pies and double cream at Christmas time (well anything with double cream really!) and when my hair grows long I get called “helmet head.”