I was ten days into the 34-day commercial fishing trip and, if I’m honest, I was feeling rather sorry for myself. I felt like I was staring down a long dark tunnel and I couldn’t see the end in sight. I knew I was facing a choice.

I decided to take my mind off myself and make it about encouraging others. Taking my focus off myself helped me to forget my own struggles. If I could start every shift with a smile, and look for ways to bring positivity to others, even when I was finding things tough going, I knew it would make a massive difference to me and to the team.

I was full of admiration for my fellow crew mates. Most of them had been through challenging events in their lives - compared to my own comfortable life. I was impressed with how resolute they were, and how accomplished they were at their roles.

One bloke, Glenn, was great at teaching me the correct and safest way to do various tasks. Glenn told me “be careful when you’re moving the trays off the conveyor belt that you don't catch your fingers”. He also taught me how to do the task quicker and easier so I could complete my work efficiently. Thanks Glenn, for being an excellent trainer!

Has there been a time in your life when you have needed to change your thinking and look outwards? Who has been an excellent teacher or mentor in your career journey?

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing the top leadership thoughts I learned on this journey, so stay tuned!