By 2018, it became clear that I could no longer pursue my career in the same capacity. Something was out there calling. While the path I had been on was familiar and comfortable, I felt a growing need to redirect my energy toward something purposeful—something that could create tangible impact for individuals navigating adversity, particularly those affected by Complex PTSD and other challenges. I wanted my work to matter, not only in professional outcomes but in the lives of real people, communities, and the systems that support them.

It was at this pivotal moment that I realized cycling had evolved into more than a personal pursuit—it had become central to my identity, my discipline, and my sense of direction. The bicycle was no longer simply a vehicle for movement; it was a tool for change, a platform for leadership, and a symbol of endurance and resilience. I recognized that cycling and the journey itself could serve as a vehicle for education, inspiration, and advocacy.

With this clarity, I established a foundation and committed to cycling globally. The initiative was designed with purpose: to merge endurance with visibility, passion with service. Every kilometre was not just a test of stamina—it was an opportunity to engage communities, spark conversation, and foster meaningful connections. It became a way to raise awareness about mental health, highlight the power of human resilience, and demonstrate that leadership is not only about directing others—it is about showing courage, modelling consistency, and amplifying the voices of those often unheard.

Through cycling and my future work, I began to understand leadership as a dynamic, living practice. It is rooted in presence, empathy, and integrity. It requires vulnerability, the willingness to face uncertainty, and the dedication to keep moving even when the path is challenging. More than that, leadership is about community—building bridges between people, supporting networks of care, and empowering individuals to recognize their own strength and potential.

Cycling became a lens through which I could translate personal passion into societal impact. Every community I visited, from small towns to bustling cities, taught me lessons in generosity, resilience, and collective purpose. The journey reinforced that change does not happen in isolation—it happens when vision is combined with action, when determination meets collaboration, and when leadership is exercised with humility and empathy.

Ultimately, this initiative was—and continues to be—about transformation, growth, and reeducation. Not only my own, but the transformation of how we understand endurance, purpose, and the potential to affect meaningful change. It showed me that with intention, courage, and a commitment to service, one person’s journey can inspire, connect, and uplift entire communities, creating ripples of leadership and change that extend far beyond the individual.