I started to lay down ground work for future success so when things turned around we would be ready to be successful again. I needed to get the team excited about what the future could bring but I had to be honest about the situation.

Whether you are an athlete or businessman or woman, if you are in ‘the zone’ you can’t help but perform well. The phrase ‘the zone’ has been talked about for many years but, in essence, it is a physiological and psychological state between the brain, heart and nervous system.

We are all leaders in some aspect of our lives – the key is to get help in acquiring the key skills that enable us to lead effectively.

In 1998, a couple of weeks before the World Championships, each of our crew members was asked to write a list of reasons why we rated one another. There were eight other people on the team. I left two blanks and struggled with another two. We came seventh in the World Championships.

In the old days – pre internet I mean – if you wanted to raise your profile the avenues available to you were print and broadcast media. Taking out an ad in Yellow Pages or your Thomson Local didn’t quite cut it, and still doesn’t. And let’s be honest, these days who actually looks for expert services in this way?