Alan Dockree, Journey Coach

When I first started out on the HDN mentoring programme, I didn’t expect to be challenged in the way I have been. Meeting with my mentor has made me think deeply about myself, my circumstances and my situation in a way I’ve not done before. It’s been an eye-opening process, one that’s helped me take a step back and consider not only my career but my life as a whole.

It has pushed me to evaluate all of my responsibilities, not just in my professional role within Riverside, but also as a son, husband and father. It has helped me to take a step back and see the bigger picture and it has helped me to think about what I want to achieve in all areas of my life.

One of the most powerful aspects of this experience has been the way I’ve been challenged about:

• where I can grow
• my mental health and the impact that being a front-line worker has
• where my children will be in ten years’ time and does my current work life balance reflect the value and time that I want to input into them
• what I bring to the table in my current role.

Through all of this, one thing has become abundantly clear – my wellbeing must be a high priority. If I’m not well physically, mentally, and emotionally, it will have a knock-on effect in every other area of my life. The responsibility I carry—whether as a professional or a parent—requires that I’m functioning at my best. Taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for being there for others in a meaningful way.

Fortunately, my mentor has been incredibly relaxed and laid-back, which has helped me feel comfortable in the programme. Their approach has allowed me to reflect without feeling pressure, providing the space I need to really dig deep into these personal and professional challenges.

In my mind I had the following objectives for the programme:

• to gain a clearer vision and focus for my career.
• to develop a deeper sense of purpose
• to feel like I am growing and learning
• to better understand how to juggle career and family life
• to identify my weaknesses and work on them.

Although I have not achieved all of these objectives yet, I have been given plenty to think about on each of these areas in the sessions and workshops that I have done so far, and I continue to work on these areas. I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect, challenge myself, and work on the areas that matter most. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it leads.