Leading performance consultant Humphrey Walters, who worked with England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side, inspired pupils at a lecture held at Mount St Mary’s College.
Sixth-form students at Mount St Mary’s were treated to a talk held by the businessman as part of the Teaching and Learning programme, aimed to provide pupils with engaging and inspiring role models.
Humphrey, who also works with Chelsea Football Club, used his own personal experiences to illustrate to the students how to focus on success, in particular throughout the rest of their time at the Mount and onwards.
Speaking after the lecture, Humphrey, said: ‘I wanted the students to understand the importance of being part of a team and the key elements of success, not only by working together but also as an individual.
‘The main point of my talk is winners don’t do different things they just do things differently. By discussing my experiences I hope they recognise what it takes to go from average to outstanding, and how with simple behaviours you can be special in whatever field you choose.’
In 1996, Humphrey completed the BT Global Challenge branded 'the world’s toughest round-the-world yacht race’ to understand leadership in extreme circumstances – having never sailed before in his life.
Ten years later, he joined the JCB team which beat the land speed record for a diesel car in the USA. Humphrey also works with Sandhurst Military Academy, helping officers improve their team leading skills.
Toby Leadbetter, director of the Teaching and Learning programme, said: ‘Both students and parents all thoroughly enjoyed listening to the talk, commenting that they felt truly motivated and uplifted by his inspiring experiences both in business and personally.
‘The talk is one of a series we have put on this term as part of our new Teaching and Learning Enrichment programme, which has the aim of raising the students’ ambition and awareness of their potential, whilst challenging themselves with new experiences in order to be ambitious and creative whatever path they choose in life.’
After the lecture Humphrey joined students and teachers at a dinner celebrating sporting success and achievements amongst the sixth-form sports teams.