Men at NEXT

What gives you confidence?

A nice, strong coffee, whilst reading my book, puts me in a good headspace and lifts my confidence, which then makes me feel productive and proactive. 

What are your passions?

Gardening - F1 - Cinema - Coffee

The role models who've shaped you?

My parents. Growing up, it was only me, mum & dad, so naturally they influenced me a lot and became my best friends at a young age. To this day we are still really close and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. 

My late Grandad. He always taught me to see the good in people and to be happy with what I've got. He always grounded me and made me appreciate what is around me, especially in a world where we are always wanting the next best phone or the latest video game. He made me see what is really important: family and friends.

What does the phrase 'Invest in Yourself' mean to you personally?
To me, investing in yourself comes down to three key areas: your health, your happiness, and your success. When you dedicate time and energy to all three, you create a powerful balance that allows you to reach your full potential. It’s about making conscious choices every day that help you grow, thrive, and become the best version of yourself.

Why is it important for men to actively invest in themselves?Many men naturally focus on investing in others - their families, loved ones, or careers — and often forget to give that same care to themselves. Over time, that neglect can take a toll on mental health and overall wellbeing. Taking small, consistent steps toward self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When men invest in themselves, they build resilience, confidence, and the strength to support others even more effectively.

If you could encourage other men to do one thing for themselves this month, what would it be and why?
Reach out and connect with another man - whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or someone in your community. Take a moment to tell them what you appreciate about them and let them know you’re there if they ever need support. Sometimes, a simple conversation or a few kind words can be the lift someone needs to get through a tough day. Genuine connection is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in both ourselves and each other.

What does 'Invest in Yourself' mean to you?

It’s making time to achieve your personal vision for yourself, whether that’s professional development, physical improvement, or emotional maturity.

Why is this important for men? 

Investing that time helps us lead more fulfilling lives by being better parents, friends and making connections that enrich our lives. For men particularly, it gives us an opportunity to shake off some of the negative influences we grew up with and normalise just being better.

What gives you confidence?

Lifting weights, without a doubt. It has shown me that I can achieve exactly what I set my mind to. And confidence transfer is a thing,  achievements in the gym make achievements at work feel possible, at home.. everywhere.

If you could encourage other men to do one thing, what would it be?

Take time to dream. It might sound a bit hippy, but it works. Take time away from all the screens and distractions and use that dream to shape the vision of the life you want. A clear vision is the best way to start making it happen.

Your advice for the next generation?

Reflect, adapt, improve. If you honestly follow those three steps in anything, you will get better.

Who is your role model? 

Arnold Schwarzenegger! He's taught me that the only limits to my capabilities are the ones I put there. He’s helped show me that every mistake is simply another step towards improvement, and that counting the small, sustainable wins will help keep you moving forward through anything.

What does the phrase “Invest in Yourself” mean to you personally?

After many years growing up and not taking the time to fully embrace who I am as a person - I decided in January of this year to “invest” in myself and take the opportunity to grow as an individual. I bought myself a gym membership, I only bought healthy foods, I reduced the portion sizes (this was such a hard thing to do) and because I took the time to do this properly. By June this year I had lost 7 and a half stone. I have no regrets and I am incredibly proud of this achievement. Investing in yourself by putting in the time, effort and care you need to achieve your goals can be so rewarding and for me it truly was. 

Why is it so important for men to actively invest in themselves? 

By actively investing in yourself, you can find your unique talents and strengths that sometimes you don't even know are there. You might discover a new skill or a new hobby that you can enjoy. Nobody can take away what you have within yourself and everyone has potential that they haven't discovered yet. 

What gives you confidence?

Having self-awareness helps me to be confident in my day-to-day life. Knowing how I look, feel and act allows me to learn, grow and become the best version of myself. 

If you could encourage other men to do one thing for themselves this month, what would it be and why?
Be yourself - we are all unique in our own little ways, embrace that. By being yourself, you will get more out of your life that you can truly enjoy. 

Whether you're a father, uncle, mentor or friend, what is one piece of advice you hope to pass on to the next generation of men?

If I was to pass on any advice to the next generation of men it would be to make time for yourself. Sometimes life becomes so busy that you forget to take care of something important and that something important is yourself! 

What is a subject you could talk about for hours? What sparks that passion for you?

The Sea! Anything related to the sea. It holds another life that I don't believe people really understand. It's beautiful, colourful and is home to thousands of creatures that are so unique it is unreal. Growing up I was drawn to the film Finding Nemo - it holds a very special place in my heart. I have a real passion for championing any kind of initiatives that can help look after our seas more kindly than they are treated now. 

Who has been an important role model?

My Grandad - growing up he taught me how important it was to just enjoy myself. Now that he is sadly no longer with us - I keep his memory alive by making sure I enjoy everyday as it comes.

What does the phrase 'Invest in Yourself' mean to you personally?

To take time to really understand yourself and your feelings. The days of "Men don't struggle or cry" are long over, and it's so important to really check in with yourself at times of struggle to work out if you need a bit more help. It's losing that ego which is sometimes the hardest, but definitely the most important.

Why is it important for men to actively invest in themselves?

Because sometimes it's not second nature to us and sometimes takes a little extra effort to kick start ourselves.

What gives you confidence? 

Being able to be proud of who you are, even the quirks, and knowing it's what makes me, me. Acknowledging my flaws and not becoming a victim to them, but rather change that into positive action. I'm a different person to even a few years ago when I started NEXT, and that's because I've worked on myself and really listened to people who are important to me, so that's given me a lot more confidence.

If you could encourage other men to do one thing for themselves this month, what would it be and why?

Just reach out to a mate. Men don't get asked enough how they actually are. It's the classic "How are you?" "Good, you?" but then we don't often dive a little deeper, and a lot of time, we need to. It's worth doing even if you're not the one struggling - most of your mates might be fine, but they'll be one who is going through a particularly hard time and just your reach out will mean a lot.

Whether you're a father, uncle, mentor or friend, what is one piece of advice you hope to pass on to the next generation of men?

Talk. Whether it's over a coffee, on a run, or with a beer in hand, talk. Everyone needs it.

What is a subject you could talk about for hours? What sparks that passion for you?

Politics, which is a bit sad, but something really interests me in it. I'm always up for a conversation with people from all different sides of the spectrum, and I love having those healthy conversations to try and understand different viewpoints. If both sides are able to keep it healthy and nice, you end up learning a lot about people, and is a great way to build a connection, even if you disagree!

Who has been an important role model?

In my past career, I was a teacher. When training to be that, I had the best teaching mentor ever. His name was Henry, and was everything I've mentioned above - self-reflecting, self-aware, not scared to be himself and always wanting to talk about his struggles openly. This inspired me to be more like this.

What does the phrase 'Invest in Yourself' mean to you personally?

 It’s to take time everyday to look after my physical health & appearance. Whether that is exercise, eating well, drinking plenty of water, skin routine, what I decide to wear, etc. All of this is with the intention to make me feel good, and perform at my best, which helps to put my mental health in the best possible place, too.

Why is it important for men to actively invest in themselves?

As above it’s trying to be set up for the day as best as possible. To be ready for all the day might throw at you. From high pressure workloads, deadlines, and getting back home that evening to take on all responsibilities of being a Dad, a Husband and an amateur DIY’er! 

What gives you confidence?

Performing to a high standard as a Dad and sole-provider for my family. 

If you could encourage other men to do one thing for themselves this month, what would it be and why?

Every evening, make a list of all the things you want to achieve tomorrow (no matter how big or small), and tick them off the following event and repeat. It helps you keep track of everything you want to achieve/ tick off the to-do list, and empties your mind of all the clutter swirling around!

Whether you're a father, uncle, mentor or friend, what is one piece of advice you hope to pass on to the next generation of men?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, too young. Life is a journey, enjoy the moments along the way.

What is a subject you could talk about for hours? What sparks that passion for you?

Playing guitar, or talking about music in general.

Who has been an important role model?

My uncle, Simon. He taught me to be open, approachable, a good person, a hardworker, to show me what real confidence looks like, to work hard and play hard, to put your family first and never settle for less.

What does the phrase 'Invest in Yourself' mean to you personally?

Investing in myself is looking for ways to improve myself be it physically, mentally or socially. This could be doing more exercise, spending more time with family and friends or taking time to work on mental health or areas of learning that need improving

Why is it important for men to actively invest in themselves?

If men stop investing in themselves they run the chance of beginning to neglect themselves either physically or mentally which can lead to physical or mental health problems 

What gives you confidence?

I gain confidence from arranging an activity with family effectively, be it spending time with my family or arranging a holiday or completing a work based task effectively and on time with praise from my peers.

If you could encourage other men to do one thing for themselves this month, what would it be and why?

Find time to stop what your doing and give yourself some social time with family, friends or work colleagues as you don't get this time back.

Whether you're a father, uncle, mentor or friend, what is one piece of advice you hope to pass on to the next generation of men?

You are your own brand, the more you invest in yourself the more you will see the benefits around you. Spend time with your family, work hard in your job role and  always make time for yourself

What is a subject you could talk about for hours? What sparks that passion for you?

How boardgames and roleplaying games are a subtle yet effective way to improve social interaction and help people who are neurodivergent, suffering with mental health or just looking to socialise and make friends.

Who has been an important role model in your life, and what did you learn from them?

One of my old bosses who unfortunately is no longer with us, Janice Sladek, she helped me understand the importance of investing in myself as well as helping me and my wife with our careers long after we parted ways professionally.