Transforming products and people

1. Everything we transform, transforms us back
We live in an age of rapid change and transformation. With these short interviews I would like to introduce you to
inspirational people who initiate, cultivate and experience positive transformation on different levels and in different
areas. Rich insights and lessons learned that you might take forward into your own journey.
6 Questions to
Mark Shayler

2. 1. Can you paint me a picture of how you bring change in the world? What do you personally see as your biggest
contribution?
This has changed over time. I used to specialise in sustainability and design sustainable products and
services. From washing machines to houses, from neighbourhoods to packaging. Now I help people and
organisations innovate better products (still sustainability most of the time) but I’ve added helping people
and businesses find their voice. This is in the form of authentic presenting workshops and a book, and
brand provocation for businesses.
More recently I’ve designed and developed a workshop called FOMO – Fear of Moving on – to help
people move beyond their constraining beliefs. This is, along with my book Do Present, means that I am
doing some of the most transformational work of my career.

3. 2. Many change pioneers and activists speak of external and internal transformation. When or how have you
noticed transformation within yourself, triggered by your work and actions?
About two years ago a mentor and business partner dropped me from his plans. No explanation, no
nothing. It was pretty bruising and I expected it to be the start of a transformation. In reality the
transformation had already started. As you change, as you power-up, some people won’t like it. They
liked the old you, the you they had a place for. This new you, well it can just be too powerful for some
and they will drop you. This is about them rather than you. It is their reaction to your transformation. My
transformation was triggered by a reassessment of myself, of the value I added to others, and this
changed how I looked at myself, presented myself, and spoke about myself. Transformation is healthy,
no it is essential. Whatever is not transformed will be transferred.

4. 3. Which experiences or people have shaped your personal transformation (Who inspired or even mentored you)?
What would you share with others to help them shape their journey?
Great leaders don’t control people, they set them free. Great leaders recruit people and let them grow.
My second boss was one such leader. He created a safe space to grow, to fail, to succeed, and to play.
The best boss I ever had. Lead should lead, not manage. Let people manage themselves.

5. 4. What changes do you find particularly moving at this moment?
There are a number of fascinating changes that are all aligning. First there is an increase in environmental
awareness that shows no sign of waning. This is fantastic and as someone who has lead in this area it is
great for me to see. But, we need to use science as our guide here. Plastic in the ocean is bad but it is
not the main issue that we face; that is climate change. Moving to glass over plastic increases carbon
impact (in most cases). So we need to use science more. Second there is a shift in how we view our
health. Living longer and living better are becoming more closely aligned. People are beginning to value
health over wealth (please understand that I’m not romanticising poverty, it is no fun) and this will
continue. Thirdly, there is greater understanding of the importance of protecting and enhancing mental
health. This is to be welcomed as it has been ignored for way too long and is central to many things from
happiness to productivity. Fourthly, and associated to mental health, there has been a booming in
mindfulness and meditation. Meditation is magic. When your brain shifts from Beta, to Alpha and into
Theta brainwaves you have more ideas, you become more creative. Theta brainwaves are achieved when
you meditate, are going to sleep, or doing something repetitive like cycling or even showering. Meditation
isn’t just good for the mind, body and soul; it is also good for business.

6. 5. How can you or one of your projects be supported?
My projects are wide-ranging. From full-on commercial innovation projects and environmental design
projects, to executive and personal coaching, to creating amazing events and workshops like Reasons to
be Cheerful at The Goodlife Experience. Just give me a call if you want to get involved.

7. 6. Who would you recommend that could offer transformational experiences and inspirational thoughts?
All transformation starts with you. But there are a couple of catalysts that may help. The Mankind Project
was a big starting point for me (and Woman Within similarly for my wife), The Good Life Experience, The
Do Lectures, The Good Business Festival, The Offgrid Sessions are all amazing short events that will
leave you wanting to change things.

8. Here you find more resources about Mark
www.thisisape.co.uk
Listen to my podcast here: http://bit.do/Betterpodcast
See my book here: http://bit.do/Dodisrupt
Subscribe to my newsletter here: http://bit.do/Woodshed