50 and Fearless:

Guess what? I’ve just turned the big five-oh, and I’m still pinching myself when I remember where I started: a scrappy kid from a tiny mining town in the north east of England, where opportunities were about as rare as sunshine in winter. Today, I’ve touched down in 79 countries, I get paid to help executives fix their businesses, and have more wild travel stories than I ever thought possible. So, if you’re itching to level up your career—especially if you think you’re “too old” or come from “the wrong place”—grab a cuppa and settle in. This is my tell-all for smashing that corporate ceiling (and your own self-doubt) after 50.

1. Stop Letting Impostor Syndrome Steal the Show

I’ll kick off with the biggest party crasher of all: Impostor Syndrome. You know, that nagging voice that says, “You? Really? You’re not that good.” Let me tell you: coming from my small town background, I spent years feeling out of place in boardrooms full of polished MBAs. But here’s the truth—nobody’s perfect, and everyone’s faking it at least a little bit. Acknowledge that voice, then blast it with facts: your own achievements, big or small. Replace the “I’m not worthy” script with “I got this,” because if I can go from my humble beginnings to coaching top executives across the planet, you can knock your own ambitions out of the park.

Action Step: Next time you feel like a fraud, list three major career wins that prove you belong. Read it daily until it shuts that impostor voice down.

2. Take Risks—Even If They Sound Ridiculous

I’ll never forget the day I got offered a three-month posting in Russia. Did I speak Russian? Nope. Did I wonder why on earth a Russian telecom would want a “little chav” (my words!) from near Newcastle? Absolutely. But guess what? I packed my bags anyway. That leap of faith became a pivotal move for my career. If you want to turbocharge your trajectory, be the one who steps forward when others hang back.

Action Step: The next time an out-of-left-field opportunity pops up—whether that’s a stretch project, an overseas assignment, or a weird job title—go for it. The worst that happens is you learn something new.

3. Travel, Travel, Travel… and Then Travel Some More

Business travel isn’t just about fancy airports and lounge selfies. It’s about blowing up your assumptions and embracing the unknown. I’ve spent months in a gated compound in Saudi Arabia (where I freaked out at how quiet it was at night), eaten lamb and rice on the floor with sales teams in Oman, and realized that, no matter where you go, “family” is a core value the world over. Don’t pass up the chance to see how people live and work elsewhere. Trust me, it’ll give you a global perspective that sets you apart in any boardroom on the planet.

Action Step: Start smaller if you must: attend an out-of-town conference or volunteer for an away-day project. If a big overseas chance pops up, say YES.

4. Don’t Bluff—Own Your Gaps

Let’s kill that old-school idea that acting like a know-it-all is key to leadership. It’s not. People respect honesty. If you haven’t got a clue, say so—and then hustle to find out. I learned early on that trying to bluff my way through a client question about a new telecom platform was far riskier than simply admitting, “I’m not sure, but let me check.” People value authenticity and problem-solving over big talk.

Action Step: Next time you’re tempted to fake an answer, stop. Jot down the question and go find the real solution. It shows integrity—and people remember integrity.

5. Keep Your Word and Diarize Like a Maniac

It’s insane how many corporate types promise the earth and then ghost you when it’s time to deliver. What sets you apart is doing exactly what you say you will, every single time. When I promise a CEO a project timeline or an operations strategy, I’m on it. If you say you’ll call at 2 p.m., ring at 1:59 p.m. Not 2:05. Not 2:30. It’s so simple, but it’s tragically rare.

Action Step: Live by your calendar. The minute you make a promise—whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a project deadline—block it out. Being reliable is a currency more valuable than gold.

6. People Forget Words, But Not How You Made Them Feel

Want to really stand out in a sea of LinkedIn “thought leaders”? Make people feel valued. Whether you’re meeting a new colleague overseas or connecting with a client’s junior staff, do the little personal touches: smile, remember names, send small gifts from your country, recall birthdays, or ask how their kids are doing. The day I realized my job was 90% about relationships was the day my career rocketed.

Action Step: Pick a key contact—maybe someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reach out with a quick message just to see how they’re doing. Trust me, it resonates.

7. Vision First, Details Later

We’ve all worked with that colleague who’s so bogged down in the minutiae that they never see the big picture. Guess what? All the greatest successes in my career happened when I started at 30,000 feet—asking “What’s our ultimate goal?”—and only then drilling into the details. Yes, detail work matters, but if you don’t begin with a shared vision, you’re basically building a house without a blueprint.

Action Step: In your next big project or meeting, insist on clarifying the grand objective before diving into specifics. You’ll thank yourself when you see how smoothly everything else follows.

Wrapping It Up

At 50, I’m more convinced than ever: your background does not dictate your destiny. If a kid from a near-forgotten mining town can travel to 79 countries, coach top-tier executives, and still laugh about it all, then you can absolutely smash your own career ceilings. Ditch the impostor act, say yes to the crazy opportunities, make it personal (and global), and always keep that bigger picture in sight. Life’s too short for half-measures, my friends—so let’s make every year from here on out count.

Now, if you’re ready to share your own risk-taking (or risk-averting) stories, let’s hear them! Drop a comment, an email, or a carrier pigeon—whatever floats your boat. But remember: the best gift you can give yourself is the permission to push past every boundary you’ve ever believed in.

Here’s to being 50 and fearless—cheers to your next big leap!