Chance Encounters

A few months ago I promised you a new blog. So, here it is… a little later than anticipated, but here, nonetheless. Each post will be a short nugget from my book Swim Jump Fly, or a theme from my coaching, or just random thoughts that might be helpful in your life and work. I promised an espresso shot, short, energy giving and to the point. So here it is.

Over the summer I read an article about talking to strangers and how this can improve our mood, make us feel connected and help us to learn more than we might expect. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I was staring out of window at a rainy runway.

It was late on a Friday night and I had been in Madrid for work. I was tired, my flight was delayed and I wanted to get home. Drew* was a gift at the end of the week. A stranger who improved my mood and taught me more than I might know.

I first noticed him when he came bowling over to say hello. Drew had a neatly trimmed beard, combed-back hair, was well-dressed and bubbly. I badged him to be much younger than his 67 years. He also turned out to be fascinating. Here’s why:

Drew is a haematologist by trade (a medic with expertise in blood). Now retired, he still runs a London practice for patients, but is often invited to speak at medical conferences (hence Madrid). An average year for Drew would be 50. But ‘Peak Lecture’ was 80 presentations. It was during lockdown so he could reach more events via…