Today we focus on Mike Hurley’s story, one of the Axxon founders. In 1993, Mike was a businessman and an entrepreneur who joined the investors team that founded Axxon, together with Mariona de Puig. At that moment, Mike’s experience was on multinational business from different sectors. Some years before starting the Axxon project, he specialised in temporary recruiting in the UK.
Mike is a strategic and leader person, who has loads of energy and ability to unite and motivate the team in order to accomplish the established goals. Even if some years ago he retired, the figure of Mike is still very present in Axxon as he was a big influence on defining and implementing Axxon’s purpose, culture and value from its beginnings.
What is more, Mike has another face to highlight. Last year he surpassed the worldwide record of indoor rowing 2000 m. in the Master Rower category (85 – 89 years old). Now, he is preparing himself to defend the title in the competition that will take place in December. With his perseverance, we believe that Mike transmits very well the Axxon values, so we have interviewed him to learn from his influence.
I became interested in indoor rowing almost by accident when I was 74. My trainer was concerned pending a replacement hip operation that I should not use the jogging machine and thought the indoor rower would be better and kinder for me. The rest is history, I entered my first National Competition the following year and attained a Silver Medal. Over ten years, I got another Silver plus eight consecutive Gold Medals and on the way several national and world records.
Yes a very tough training routine throughout the year. Once Will, my trainer, and I realised I had potential the training became consistent but varied throughout the year. I normally train both on and off the rower on average five times a week, last year 238 training sessions 1.25 million meters each year. Much of it High Intensity Interval Training. EG 10 x 500 meters faster than race pace plus a warm up and cool down.
Food is fuel! In order to achieve success whether in business or sport one needs high levels of energy. So eat healthily, lots of positive calories, fruit, vegetables, lean protein.
Definitely yes! The similarity between success in business, sport, and life in general is surprisingly close. Whatever the commercial activity or sport the attitudes, focus and dedication are very much the same.Having talent and ability is of course important, but a strong work ethic is essential. If you don’t work/ train hard your ability will be wasted.
Build a strong team to achieve your aims, whether in business or sport you cannot do it alone. Concentrate and build on your strengths rather than worry about your weaknesses. Focus on what you can control and effect and don’t waste time and energy on matters on which you have no influence.Don't cheat, it is inevitable you will get caught, but more importantly is the damage you cause to yourself and those close to you and a dishonest reputation is disastrous. Be dignified in defeat, when you lose a contract or a race, don't make excuses. Just be focused on making sure it does not happen next time!
However there is one major difference between the commercial environment and competitive sport. The fantastic drugs called endorphins which occur after successful physical activity and which last for hours! They make you feel top of the world for a few hours and they are legal!
By remembering the good ones! In truth the mental pressures for any athlete are greater than most people realise.A good positive team in a company helps and it is the same in sport, a good trainer, physio AND other athletes help too! Remember life is not a dress rehearsal! So try to enjoy it at work and play, have fun!
The overall message from someone in their 87th year is stay active and be healthy. The benefits of staying active are huge, both physically and mentally. Not only for the individual but also for the Company and the Nation. The quality of life at all ages is improved and because of a feeling of wellbeing energy levels are high and objectives more easily reached.
Be Active, stay healthy!
Taking Mike’s example, we notice the importance of staying active in order to keep good health. Following Axxon’s values, we want to highlight how age can just be a number and should not be a limitation but a chance to use positively your experience. It is time to show off your best version!
