David and I met a few years ago in New York City. It just so happened to be New Years Eve and he was visiting from the UK with a good friend of mine. I had just returned home from living in Kuwait and this would be the first time in a few years that I would be celebrating NYE back in the states.

David and I hit it off and enjoyed a pretty crazy evening with our buddy John. We shared some good chats and his story blew me away. Listening to him speak about his life and the events that led him to become a motivational speaker gave me chills. Although we shared a few cocktails during our chats, I was very aware that this dude had some special qualities that made him who he was.

I kept in touch with David, we even shared a trip together to Costa Rica for that same friends wedding. He has certainly been a person who has shown me how to speak your truth and why it is important that we all share our story.

I know you're going to get so much from this episode. This was by far my most challenging interview I have ever done. I found myself at a loss for words everytime he would finish his thoughts. I’ve never been one to be short on words so it was new territory for me. Loads to continue to learn as I dive forward more into the space. This is the fun part.

Thank you for listening.

James

A little about David

David spent much of his childhood moving from home to home and as a result attended 6 different schools, leaving with basic GCSE's and intent on going straight into full-time employment to create a better life for himself.

David grew up in council housing, often living in areas where the crime was normalised. His friend was imprisoned for a life term, and his brother kept finding himself on the wrong side of the law. While David kept himself out of trouble, this was not always easy as a life of crime could have easily led him astray at any moment.

At the age of 24,  David decided a positive change was needed in his life and decided to join the British Army. Having completed initial training, David found himself at the start of a 14-week intensive course where he would learn to not only ride a Cavalry horse but look after and clean all of the equipment that came with it.

In October 2011 David was struck by a vehicle, leaving him in an induced coma with a brain injury, with doctors telling his family members on numerous occasions to say their goodbyes. He awoke 7 weeks later missing a large portion of his skull and facing medical discharge from the Armed Forces and of course now a disability that would change his life forever.

In this episode we discuss

• Davids Back story
• Why he joined the British Army
• The opportunity to escort her majesty The Queen of England
• The accident that would change his life
• Mental Health
• How to understand mental health
• As a man, being able to admit to dealing with issues
• Understanding the origins of symptoms of depression and anxiety
• How to overcome your own worst enemy. You.
• Davids tips for success
• When will we go on our next lads trip

How to get in touch with David

http://www.davidomahoney.com/contact.html

IG: daring_gratefully

How to get in touch me

www.thejamesquigley.com

IG: lifeasjamesquigley