My Story: “Discovering the World between the Horse’s Ears”

From a young age, I felt a connection to my great-grandfathers, both of whom shared a deep bond with horses. One ran a horse-drawn taxi company and owned thoroughbreds, but it wasn’t just their legacy that captivated me. While my family believes I inherited this passion, I know it was the horses themselves—my heavyweight teachers—that shaped the person I am today.

My fascination with horses began early, but it wasn’t until my 30s, after moving to London, that I finally took up riding. What started as a hobby soon became a profound journey. Horses didn’t just become a part of my life; they became the lens through which I viewed the world, influencing my understanding of business, relationships, and life itself. My journey took me across continents, learning different styles of riding and the art of horsemanship. I was fortunate to learn from renowned horsemen and horsewomen: Monty Roberts in California, Pat Parelli in the USA, Gerhard Krebs in Germany, Kenzy Dysli in Spain, Gilbert Arnaud in France, and many others.

Wherever there are horses, there is a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and community. Through them, I discovered new worlds of music, food, and heritage. This exploration of the world through the horse’s ears was not just a personal journey; it mirrored my professional one. While I pursued a career in various corporations and industries, I began to see parallels between the dynamics of the corporate world and the lessons I learned from horses. Instead of becoming an expert in one niche, I embraced a holistic understanding of business units, teams, functions, and their interplays—their unique missions, cultures, and even conflicts.

My corporate career spanned the globe—from a decade in London to experiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE—each place steeped in its own equestrian traditions. These experiences deepened my commitment to lifelong learning, leading me to pursue advanced studies at Edinburgh Business School. Horses taught me to listen and be present, naturally steering me towards coaching. I became a certified coach in the USA, specializing in Change Management and Appreciative Inquiry.

Horses symbolize untamed freedom, and this spirit of roaming wild inspired my entrepreneurial journey. I launched an advertising firm, contributed to its growth, and successfully exited a few years later. Life has been generous to me, and I felt compelled to give back. Co-founding an NGO many years ago, I have watched it grow into one of the most significant players in the field of education.

For several years now, I have embraced the role of what Adizes calls an “insultant”—a consultant who works from within, hands-on, with a genuine stake in the game. I help people and businesses grow, turn around, or transform. And often, the insights and breakthroughs we achieve together have their roots in lessons learned from my heavyweight teachers, the horses.

Seeing the world through the horse’s ears has given me a unique perspective. It’s been an incredible journey, and I know your world, with its own unique viewpoint, is just as extraordinary.