Failure on the Agenda

November 2025

Not often 'failure and weakness' is the only item on the agenda. But it was yesterday, and rightly so.
I was speaking to Year 8, 9 and 10 boys at St Anne's RC Voluntary School in Stockport supporting StateTalking Manchester.

The agenda was important: how we all face moments of fear, of loneliness, or feel a sense of failure or despair. It's normal and to be expected - the thing to do is find someone to talk with, not to bottle it up. The occasion was International Men's Day and the school's theme was Stay Strong, Speak Up.

I've been open in the past about my feelings and mental health concerns before leaving Sellick Partnership and how I sought help. It was a cross-roads moment for me in lots of ways and I'm so glad that I found someone to talk to and that I've been open about it.

I was fortunate yesterday to be speaking alongside Lee Mason, Joe Kennedy, and Scott Smith, and we all had similar stories to share. It was a very powerful few hours and all the schoolboys were incredible. I hope they were able to take a few things away from it. They should all be very proud of themselves.

For those who don't know, StateTalking is a fantastic organisation founded by Frances Kennedy. It encourages and enables successful state educated people to go into schools to speak with pupils and hopefully be role models, or answer questions, and help them realise their potential.

Please do get in touch via Frances if you're interested in getting involved.