THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

Every time I hear from Trent and Gordana the same thought goes through my mind: How do they fit it all in? British readers will know Trent from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing during which he partnered Pixie Lott. It was an event, both televised and as a stage show, in which he and Gordana featured prominently, but life for the couple as dancers began long before Strictly, as I discovered in… Continue Reading Trent and Gordana Whiddon Part 2

Sometimes I like to delve into the past, take a look at success in its inception. Either by asking where it all began, or trying to catch a successful musician or actor just at that point where they are on the cusp of greatness. But then it dawned on me: to really grasp where success comes from, who better to canvass than the parents? And in this instance, with Father’s Day… Continue Reading Bill Whiddon

Fast Facts: Pursuit: Four-time Olympic medal winner, World Champion, IAAF Ambassador, NBC Broadcaster etc.. Definition of success: “Success is when someone pays you well to do something you’d do for free.” Sunday 12th August 2001. Edmonton, Canada: arena for the IAAF World Championships. At a few minutes after 5pm sprinters from eight nations settle into their starting blocks for the 4×100 metre relay. USA are favourites, and although they will subsequently be… Continue Reading Ato Boldon

Fast Facts: Pursuit: Professional dance couple Definition of success: “Being able to do what you love every day.”     If you’re a Brit like me, you probably know Trent Whiddon as the professional dance partner of Pixie Lott on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. But this is merely a veneer, below which you’ll find layer upon layer of achievement and success. You’ll also find a real-life partner, Gordana, whose role in the duo… Continue Reading Trent Whiddon & Gordana Grandosek

Fast Facts: Pursuit: Poker player, tutor, mentor, tournament winner. Definition of success: “Adding value to the world.”   Do you like poker? I do. I mean – I really do. Playing with friends and family, on-line – you name it, I’m into it. When I open up YouTube I’m assailed by countless suggestions for World Series of Poker videos I ought to watch. In fact, when I went to Las Vegas for… Continue Reading Evan Jarvis

  Fast Facts: Pursuit: Four time Winter Olympian, Right To Play Ambassador and TV presenter Definition of success: “Knowing you have done your personal best – tried as hard as you could and ticked every box.”   She’s a four time Winter Olympian, the first British woman to qualify for the World Cup finals, and at her peak was ranked eighth in the world. She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, hosted her own… Continue Reading Chemmy Alcott