Falklands war veteran and charity campaigner Simon Weston told business leaders to invest in themselves and to plan for the unexpected with an inspirational talk.
Mr Weston, who hails from Nelson, addressed members and guests of Caerphilly Business Forum at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw Campus, on Tuesday, May 9.
Drawing parallels with his time in the Army with his business and life experience, he said: “What you expect is not necessarily what you get and you then have to learn to ride the blows and react to the situation you find yourself in. Nothing ever stays the same and if all you do is plan for what you expect, then trust me, the unexpected will catch you out.”
During the hour-long speech and Q&A, Mr Weston spoke of the need for Wales to speak up for itself and to have confidence on the world stage and of his experiences on board the Sir Galahad during the Falklands conflict.
On June 8, 1982, the Welsh Guard was aboard the troopship when it was bombed by three Argentine Skyhawk fighters.
The attack claimed the lives of 48 British soldiers and crewmen, including 22 out of 30 soldiers in Mr Weston’s platoon and left him with 46% burns.
Denise Lovering, Chair of Caerphilly Business Forum, and pictured right with Mr Weston, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Simon and to listen to him.
“What he had to say was inspirational and I picked up on the point that Welsh businesses need to start shouting more about their successes.”
No surprise that Simon Weston advocates “Inspirational Talks” as that is a business interest of his. That said Mr. weston is an inspirational man, I went to his talk in Caerffili Castle a couple of years ago and was indeed inspired by what he had to say. I bought a copy of his book ‘Moving On’ which covers the aftermath following his life changing injuries sustained, serving his country, in the Falklands War.
His life is proof that someone from a humble background, further disadvantaged by terrrible injury, can make their mark through sheer determination and impressive courage. I recommend that anyone who has the chance to see one of Simon’s talks does so. It might change your life, at the very least you wil be entertained they way he presents things is very funny and raises frequent laughter from the audience.
All very well Mr Weston but sadly the politics of envy that goes on in Wales means that if a business wishes to succeed it should consider moving to England. Welsh authorities are anti-business unless there’s something in it for them, and are over run with fools who have no business sense and have an archaic public sector attitude to everything.