COURAGE TO BE DIFFERENT - David Liddle

Who is David Liddle?

It’s an interesting question - why do so many people struggle to answer the “I am a . . . “question? I am a husband, father, active parent (the two are different), son, brother and outdoor sports enthusiast.

I am an extremely active Scout leader. I am a Mortgage Broker, qualified coach, ultrarunner, cyclist, paddle boarder and paraglider. I’m a lateral thinker and problem solver and always willing to have a go at anything new. In work I am compliance driven. Out of my work environment especially when it comes to outdoor sports, I’m a “jump in and work it out on the way” type of guy. I am always prepared, and if caught short on a day out in the hills the chances are I will have something in my bag to solve the problem.

What fills you with joy?

Camping with the kids. Paddle boarding out to a sand bar and cooking fresh mussels on the beach.

Jousting over a cheese fondue (if you’ve met my family, you’d know it’s more like Mortal Kombat).

Sitting round a campfire with a glass of wine roasting marshmallows. There is something about the smell of logs on the fire and watching the flames dance in the dark that simply brings instant relaxation, and a total escape from the electronics and unnaturally rushed data input that has become so much of our lives. Those bonding moments sat in with good friends watching the smoke rise into a star lit sky.

Life’s simple pleasures that make you belly laugh till you cry - a good laugh in good company solves all life’s challenges.

Generally being outdoors in any weather at any time of the year – it’s good for the soul to blow the cobwebs away on a regular basis.

What is your reason for BEing? Or in other words what are you passionate about?

I am hugely passionate about expanding horizons and experiencing different things. With my volunteer roles with the Scouts, it is incredible to see the change and growth in the young people and the adults.

With a little enthusiasm and encouragement, I’m in the very fortunate position to be able to help young people get out of their comfort zones, away from their tech, and get them achieving things they would not otherwise have done. Whether it is new physical experiences such as sailing or camping or tasting new things from around the world it’s often a new experience for many. This week I had some of our leaders eating locusts and meal worms, and the funny thing is that their responses were identical to when I did it with the Scouts. When you see a person move from euwww, yuck, no way, not touching that . . . to oh . . . that’s actually quite nice, can I take another one for my other half (leader talking), that is my goal achieved. While I always over prepare for events and activities (I love my kit so tend to overpack), I am not shy about getting stuck in at short notice. Sometimes it’s good to simply get stuck in, after all what is the worst that can happen? PS Surströmming is next on the list!

If you could choose one Collaboration Global behaviour or value that you identify with what might that be?

We do not judge ourselves or others but accept people for who they are.

I work in financial services principally as a mortgage broker. As such I see people from all walks of life and all circumstances. Finance is a confidential subject for most, as the majority of society attaches a lot of subconscious, and conscious, judgement to people and their perceived financial status.

I approach all conversations with clients openly, and listen to understand and help, rather than to judge.

You are a founding member of Collaboration Global, can you share what your experience has been since you joined?

So often in life we do not take the time to be present and get to know those we meet, and we talk to the mask that we think they are wearing and not the real person they are. It’s a normal human approach to be guarded before letting your barriers down in a safe environment, and in doing this we miss so much of the experience of connecting with other individuals. The people I have met in Collaboration Global are all different, however there is huge strength in values and character that bind them.

The help and guidance that I have received from them has been superb. It’s a refreshing politics free community.

This issue of The Quest has focused on ‘Courage To Be Different, how do you see that manifest in your life?

I’m not sure if this is part of an extended midlife crisis (my wife will tell you otherwise), but I definitely have a “jump in” attitude especially when it comes to the fun stuff.

“For me the commitment to do something is when I actually sign up.”

So many people miss out on valuable experience, training in the perfect way to achieve a desired outcome, when in reality much of the experience is actually in the journey. Clichéd? Do kids have more fun splashing about in the river or having that perfect paddle?

For me running an ultra-marathon is actually run in the preparation, not on the day of the event.

For me the commitment to do something is when I actually sign up. I find that I benefit mentally and physically from the meditative routine, and the sense of measured control that it affords me in the run up to an event. It is almost a metaphor for life, in not only achieving the goal, but also enjoying the journey.

The event itself is an opportunity to spend time with other amazing people pushing themselves to take part. So, whether that is wing walking and standing on top of a plane, entering 100 km run, taking the kids out paddling – just get out and do it. Don’t wait. You may not have the health tomorrow to do what you can today.

I’m not looking to be perfect, but I am absolutely looking to get the best of the experience. Experiencing the best and worst that nature can throw at you expands the breadth and depth of your physical and mental experience.

Go out in the rain and the snow. Get out when the wind blows the hail in your face. Get out in the dark when your spatial awareness is dramatically altered. Get cold and wet. Push yourself till your legs wobble with fatigue. It’s incredible how much more you appreciate the warmth of a fire and a warm glow of a pair of thick socks afterwards.

Are you free to operate within your Genius? What does that mean for you?

Most of the time!

With the very best of intentions much of my working life is reactive, as things change in a dynamic manner as things come together and as we are involved in helping people buy their dream home for example. Client decisions are typically emotionally driven.

My genius is very much in how I deal with clients supporting them and helping them navigate the multitude of options and decisions.

My genius is adding positive and proactive support, letting clients know the things they need to know before they need to know it.

Applying a coach approach in dealing with clients makes the process less stressful for all concerned, and keeps communication constructive, and most importantly keeps our clients ahead of the game.

What vision do you have for your business and your life going forward within the Collaboration Global community?

Liddle Perrett take a collaborative approach to working with our clients.

I provide a supportive environment to help clients make life changing decisions and we support people in times in their lives when they need it, but do not often know that they need that support.

Taking a collaborative approach to working with others, and a coach approach to working with clients is in my blood, and actually makes things so much easier.

Being part of a community where this approach is second nature is like coming home for me (without the screaming kids and outdoor kit all over the place).

If someone is interested in getting involved with our Collaboration Global community, from your perspective what might they expect when they get there?

The Collaboration Global community is a globally diverse, open minded, group of interesting people from a variety of backgrounds.

The conversation is non-judgemental, open, supportive, and holistic, and there is a depth of knowledge and experience from all walks of life that allows people to help and support each other on a personal or business basis, but on a different level.

You’ll meet people you would never have thought to speak to and learn a lot. You’ll get out a lot more than you put in if you approach the community with an open mind and an open heart – best advice I can give . . . get involved!

Email: david@liddleperrett.com Telephone: 07810508781 Website: www.liddleperrett.com