When you’re not supporting employers to build their teams of tomorrow, you can be found cold water swimming in the North Sea.
What sparked your passion for such a challenging outdoor pursuit?
My love for the water goes way back, long before I realised cold water swimming would become such a defining part of my life.
I’ve always been a regular swimmer, starting most mornings at my local pool to clear my head and set myself up for the working day.
However, during lockdown in 2020, a few women from my gym kept talking about their early morning dips at the coast.
I was intrigued.
I’ve always felt naturally drawn to water – someone once told me it’s because I’m a Cancerian, a water sign.
Whether that’s true or not, being in the ocean has always felt like a calm, centred place for me.
So, I decided to give it a go, and I was hooked from that first dip.
What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, and I can now proudly say I’ve earned my badge as a fully committed cold water swimmer.
With its moody waters and biting temperatures, the North Sea is far from a forgiving place.
What are the toughest conditions you’ve faced, and how do you summon the courage to take the plunge on a freezing winter’s morning?
There have been mornings so cold that the sand has been covered in tiny ice particles, crunching under our feet as we walk towards the sea.
Those are the kind of days where your robe barely keeps the wind out and you question all your life choices as you wade in.
But then you remember why you’re there.
For me, it’s the people I swim with – our little tribe that has grown over the years.
We share stories, routines and laughter.
And there is nothing quite as motivating as knowing there’s a warm coffee and hearty breakfast waiting for you once you’ve braved the waves.
Challenging conditions demand focus, but they often give something back.
You come out calmer, clearer and occasionally with moments you never expect.
One morning at Seaburn, for example, a family of dolphins surfaced and swam alongside us.
That’s something I won’t forget.
Cold water swimming is the very antithesis of the calm local leisure centre and its orderly pool lanes.
What preparation or training did you need to undertake before heading into open water to build your strength, confidence and resilience?
My years of pool swimming definitely gave me a good foundation, but open water is a different world.
There are no lane ropes, lifeguards or a warm-up.
It’s just you, the tide and the elements.
I eased myself in slowly, literally and figuratively, learning how my body responded to cold shock, understanding tides and currents, and, most importantly, going with experienced swimmers who guided me through those early sessions.
Over time, your resilience builds naturally.
Your breathing regulates, your confidence grows and you discover your mind is often stronger than you think.
Have you ever taken part in competitions, or is cold water swimming purely recreational?
It’s mostly about joy, headspace and connection, but I have taken part in the Great North Swim a couple of times in Lake Windermere, which was an incredible experience.
I also love open water swims in lakes like Sweethope Loughs, Bolam Lake and the Lake District.
Wasdale and Grasmere are particular favourites.
The parallels between personal pursuits and professional success are very close, with one often informing the other.
Are there any lessons from cold water swimming that help shape your day job?
Absolutely – and more than I ever expected.
Cold water swimming teaches you resilience, clarity of thought, how to be calm under pressure and the ability to commit when something feels uncomfortable.
Those qualities are invaluable when you’re running a business like Extension Recruitment, where we specialise in finding talent for engineering and manufacturing organisations.
These industries are fast-moving, technical and constantly evolving, and being a strong leader requires clear decision making, emotional balance and adaptability.
Cold water swimming keeps me focused and energised.
It’s my mental reset, and it helps me show up as the best version of myself for my team, clients and candidates.
Beyond the North Sea, is there a body of water you’d like to swim before you decide to hang up your wetsuit and goggles?
I dream of swimming in Iceland.
Not the warm holiday version, but the dramatic, elemental experience: geothermal seawater, icy air, volcanic landscapes and the feeling the ocean is never fully tamed.
Swimming while snow falls, with the North Atlantic raging nearby, feels like the ultimate contrast – wild, uplifting and quietly euphoric.