Greetings Punks!

Introduction

“Christ on a bike.

Not another bloody self-help guru with a book deal.

And this one’s expecting me to ‘be more punk’, is he?

Oh, do fuck off...”

Yeah, that’s pretty much my reaction, too, whenever I see another book launch, growth strategy, or ‘fresh approach’ claiming to tackle the same old pungent corporate or personal development bullshit.

It’s especially irritating when you find out that prior to them offering up their slimy spiel on social media, that same guru of the hour was in fact a pretty soulless marketing executive in some fairly faceless corporate organisation. Since then, however, they’ve read a couple of books (or at least the blurbs), listened to a few ‘inspirational’ podcasts, and apparently enjoyed somewhat of an epiphany as a result. This blessed event usually involves some sort of ‘standing at the top of a mountain, feeding dolphins, and staring longingly into the sunset’ scenario (obviously they took pictures to prove it), at a point when they realised that their purpose in life was to “help others”.

Whilst helping themselves to those same people’s cash, naturally.

Groan.

So, what makes me and my ramblings any better than that - other than the fact I once saw a dolphin at the top of a mountain?

Nothing, really, if I’m honest.

Good on those folk if they genuinely do want to get out there to help people and make some cash along the way - providing they do it ethically and don’t become pathological con artists, obviously.

But why keep reading what I’ve written?

I’ll give you two reasons in hoping to make my case, but after that, it’s up to you…

The first reason is that you can maybe relate to me because I’m normal(ish).

Sure, I’ve got loads of tattoos, have an obsession with skulls and the colour black, and listen to music that allegedly conjures the Devil. But outside of that, I’ve lived a normal life like nearly everyone else. I’ve worked hard, had fun, raised a family, got things right, and got some things spectacularly wrong, too. I’ve been good, kind, and loving, and I’ve also been a dickhead of impressive proportions. It makes me human, and being a decent human can be bloody hard sometimes. Lots of things can challenge you and get in the way, and I’ve got the t-shirt for most of them. Yes, they’re black.

And the second reason to keep you reading? Easy. I’ve been focussed on/fascinated by the personal development of people for over 20 years. No flashes in inspirational pans, here! This is what I do.

Okay, that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. For over two decades, I’ve dedicated all my working time and energy to helping people get the best out of themselves. This has taken the form of coaching, training, team building… and I’ve successfully done all of that for hundreds of people in numerous locations all around the world. I’ve had lots of ‘proper’ jobs, been an employee, served as a manager, taken charge as a leader… and I’ve run my own business.  Twice. And what does that mean for you? It means I’ve experienced pretty much everything in the world of work and business. Success, failure, friendship, promotion, arguments, idiots, redundancy… and that was all just in one job, now I come to think of it…

Both of these reasons or aspects have made me who I am today as the writer of this guide. If I knew then what I know now, I may have done things differently. I’d have been more PUNK, for starters – just like I want you to be, too.

But what does the titular ‘Be More Punk’ even mean?

People Using Nous & Knowhow.

Simple.

My business is called Punk Incorporated. I work with high-growth businesses who want to explore and develop the skills, capabilities, and emotional intelligence of their people. Why? Because they know this approach pays huge dividends for everyone involved. Everyone benefits. Sound good?

When we learn to harness and sharpen the things we are good at and adopt the right attitude and behaviours to what we do, a lot of good things start to happen. And the brilliant thing is that we can all do it. You already have access to so much experience and people power around you to learn from, so you don’t have to be a superhero, rock star, spiritual leader, or a fucking Jedi, to pull this off.

But you do need to Be More Punk… and I’m gunna show you how to do it.