In 1994 my wife and I bought a house "with great development potential" – that is, run-down - in West London. Two years later the house next door became a crack house and brothel.

Over the next five years I dedicated myself to clearing our area of its long standing on-street sex-and-drugs market. The campaign, which involved many residents, a great deal of community activism, and much work that was new to me, succeeded. The open drug market is now gone, the neighborhood is peaceful, the sense of community incredibly strong. Estate agents now refer to our area as part of that fabled urban setting "Notting Hill".

This experience taught me the importance of presenting yourself powerfully even - especially - when in an apparently inferior position and the rewards of working to help others. Following this, I coached a CEO to do a presentation, which lead to a business coaching assignment, and from there to my wider practice.