Howard Blackburn is the founder of Pathrive & creator of the “Beyond Busy Pathway”. A pathway that provides people leaders with the tools, mindset & support to overcome chaos, create more time & ignite their leadership.
You can join our free FB community “The Beyond Busy Mindset” – a community for “busy” people leaders on the below link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339303794569111/
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Howard, to know a bit more about his journey as a leadership coach and mentor.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Howard: I wanted to take my passion for people, leadership & mentoring to the next level.
Mentors aren’t just handed to you in the workplace, in fact, they are extremely rare.
Creating a community where leaders can openly value their growth and support others in similar positions to do the same.
Leadership can be a lonely space for some, so The “Beyond Busy Pathway” has been created to bring that supportive “team” culture to the forefront.
Q. How did you get started?
Howard: I took the time to understand not only my values but knowing my value itself.
Utilising my passion & drive for personal development I started out running a 1:1 coaching program which was successful however I wanted to impact & influence more leaders.
Through the support of my own business coach, I started working on & developing the “Beyond Busy Pathway”.
Inspired by my passion for mentoring & group coaching in previous roles, I created this platform to provide a journey map for people leaders to evolve beyond busy & into balance without abandoning their ambition.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Howard: Getting started was certainly my biggest challenge.
Having all the thoughts and ideas was one thing but going from corporate roles and having that direct report to be accountable too was a relationship I always thrived in.
I realised I wasn’t moving forward as quickly as I wanted so I went after my own “business coach” & created the “direct report” which has since moved this pathway to its launch & successful transition from a thought to a tangible journey for my clients.
So accountability (like most) is something that certainly drives me to move forward!
People often think having a coach means there’s something “wrong” or “they need help” – ultimately it’s about getting the best out of your people and as a coach, I am no different.
Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer all of these world-class athlete all have coaches helping them get the best out of themselves, we are no different!
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Howard: The most memorable thing I have done is create a “daddy/daughter” day every Thursday.
I set myself a goal as a new dad to build a formidable connection with my daughter & wanted to create a “daddy-daughter” day. This meant I needed to find a way to shorten my working week to 4 days.
For anyone that is unheard of right? Especially a new business owner, but I utilised the “how will I” mindset I work on within my Pathway and found a way to make that happen & for a year, I’ve only worked 4 days a week and have an amazing relationship with my daughter.
If we want something bad enough, we will find a way.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Howard: I’ll be honest, I’m not a reader.
I do love a good podcast though!
Being a leader who focuses on culture & the value of the team I love “Legacy” by James Kerr. Based on the “all blacks” & focused on what their culture can teach us about life.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
Howard: ROMWOD – a daily “range of motion workout of the day”. Self-care plays a huge role in my life & each day I start with self-care time and this app gives me 20min minimum to myself to stretch & zone out. A great foundational piece.
LinkedIn – I’m someone who thrives on people connection and absolutely love building relationships & having “virtual coffees” with other leaders out there!
Level Up Formula – my coach “Jim Cocks” tool for my development as a business owner is something I am extremely grateful for & continues to play a large role in my development.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Howard: To “unglorify busy”.
To inspire & empower people to stop using “busy” as a badge of honour.
To stop using “busy” to proclaim their value & be ok with saying “I’ve got plenty of time to me”.
To focus on attention, not time, and let busy drift off into the past and not use it as the emotion and personality it is used as today.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Howard: Be consistent, know & own your value but most of all be patient.
To keep up to date with Howard and his journey, connect with him on Facebook.