INDUSTRY
BEYOND BUSINESS
Rowing for the Stars
Taking a break from training, DAN WOOLER of TC Group joined us to discuss his 3,000-mile rowing challenge in support of the star* scheme and how the workplace supplies industry has rallied behind the team
W
hen you say, ‘rowing the Atlantic,’ it sounds
because when you meet an angry customer, you stop and think hang
like a joke. What do you mean row the
on a minute - what’s going on for them I don’t know about?
Atlantic? More people climb Everest in a year
Training for this challenge has been punishing. We’ve been
than have rowed an ocean, which really puts
training for over a year, and it is gruelling! What it brings to the
it in perspective! I wouldn’t be able to do this
forefront is how much you learn about people and the skills they
without a great team. When I started star*
have that you never knew about. We’ve recently done an exercise
scheme, I spoke with the TC board about what I wanted to do. I said if
where we completed questionnaires to better understand what
I step back, you guys are going to have to step up and they did. Every
motivates us and the best ways to communicate. An instruction
chance I get, I make it a point to acknowledge that if it weren’t for their
manual for working together!
efforts, the hundreds—and hopefully thousands—of children and families would not be able to benefit from the star* scheme.
So many people have been involved with this challenge - there is a network of support that extends beyond the boat team. United is one of our sponsors and the level of energy they’ve brought to this
ACES IN THE WORKPLACE
is utterly inspiring. Darren Lloyd made introductions between the
With the scheme, we offer ACES (adverse childhood experiences)
star* scheme and Clifton Rugby club, and they’ve created a golf day
training, focusing on its impact on the brain and behaviour. Almost
for the office products industry to support us. All our sponsors are
all people have been touched by some form of trauma, and that goes
fantastic, we’ve had huge support from Daren Spencer at AllBoxed,
for the people we work with.
a sister company to Elm Interiors. Doing this brings a new level to
People discuss mental health in business, but we’re focusing on understanding its root causes and compassion and understanding.
these relationships that transcends business. We are collaborating on a greater mission, sharing culture and value.
Of course, that’s going to make you a more effective manager and
The insights I’ve gained over the past year have definitely influenced
a better colleague. It’s about creating safe environments in which
how I approach leadership. When I think about business, I think about
people feel nurtured and loved. You’re going to be a better supplier,
waypoints. Just as we set waypoints to reach while rowing, we have goals
[14] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER MAY 2022 www.dealersupport.co.uk 2024 www.dealersupport.co.uk