Having realised that there is no such thing as normal, Ashley Blackmore determined to help others push beyond what they consider normal.
What’s your story?
I built and sold my own telecoms business. I consulted for 15 years, broadly but not exclusively working across the sustainability sector, helping grow purpose and values-driven businesses. I became a coach when I realised how much transformational change was available to me and how much I wanted the change I’ve seen in my life to be available to others. State of mind is the bottom line for your business and in every area of life.
What excites you most about your industry?
I coach CEOs, Founders, Owners, and Business Chairs. What most people don’t know is that a brilliant coach can help create huge transformation for people: helping them be happier, feel lighter, not take their thinking so seriously, and have better lives. Ultimately, if they’re my customer, they’ll be running a better business.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
I’ve never quite fitted the mould and never been considered quite normal. I’ve never been corporate. I’ve always stood out on my own, and for many years I thought that was wrong. Now I see that no one is normal, and we should all be pushing beyond normal, whatever that is, open to the billions of possibilities that are present to us every second. Creativity really happens beyond normal. It’s where the excitement is.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
To be quieter in my mind, to trust that the real insight and creativity come from something beyond me, that my experience is filed and will turn up when I need it, and that true clarity and the best decisions (the ones that change the world) never came from overthinking.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I don’t need to be “Ashley Blackmore” to be brilliant. When I just turn up and listen, the magic happens.
Who inspires you?
Too many people to note: many people who do amazing things, athletes, people who undertake huge journeys on foot or by bike, but above and beyond everyone else, Sydney Banks, who discovered of the Three Principles.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
That I truly can be quiet in my head and be beyond thinking for more than a few seconds at a time.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Understood sooner that striving for money and material possessions would never bring me happiness. Understood sooner that being a better listener and having a quieter mind would bring more joy, more interest, and more excitement than could ever be imagined.
How do you unwind?
I am a doer of stuff. I go to the cinema, I go to the theatre, I go to the cathedral. I read, look at things, take things in, run, swim, cycle, and walk. I take part in life.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
I think I’ve been pointing to this in all the other answers. It’s the basis of how I work. It’s the basis of my life and it’s that my thinking is not real. Truth is not in my head and when I’m present to what’s actually going on in front of me, this minute is the only moment there is.
Everyone in business should read this book:
State of Mind is the Bottom Line by Don Donovan and George Pransky.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
I work with people who want to feel as good as their results look. The clients I work with feel better and happier. Their already successful businesses grow. Their home life is happier. Their work life is happier, and they see beyond the day-to-day of running their business.
How can people connect with you?
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackmore/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.