Fireman recognised for innovative idea

Nov 11 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

GUISBOROUGH fireman Matt’s passionate interest in health and fitness led to Streetlife Youth Fitness, an innovative idea that saw him named the If We Can You Can campaign’s face of entrepreneurship 2009 for Teesside.

Still in development, Streetlife Youth Fitness will take fitness equipment to schools and community venues for young people and uses innovative LifePod technology to help monitor their progress.

Matt’s mindset profile revealed he had a great deal of ‘entrepreneurial energy’ which motivated him to succeed in business. He scored highly on self-belief but recognised that he needed to learn and change as he moved up the steep, and at times challenging, learning curve.

Encouragingly for Matt, the analysis suggested that he would be successful with his chosen venture.

Matt’s entrepreneurial team role identified him as an Engager, and when he read through the personalised coaching he had a “light bulb” moment.

Matt described the feedback he received in the report as “motivational”. His opportunistic streak in particular was revealed to be both a weakness and a strength that allowed him to identify numerous opportunities, but he needed to spend more time solving the problems behind them.

“It showed me a few home truths and helped me to recognise not only that I needed to do something about it, but pointed me in the right direction,” he said.

Engagers are friendly, sociable - but not always extravert - and are comfortable with the need to network. Indeed many engagers will network forever, but it’s what they do with the contacts they build which is critical to the success of their business. Engagers are often friendly, but they aren’t always tough, and may at times lack focus.