In 2015, while teaching my children to surf, I fell from a surfboard into shallow water and sustained a spinal cord injury. Overnight, I became a wheelchair user — and along with the immense physical and emotional adjustments, I became acutely aware of society’s often negative assumptions about people with impairments.

Rather than accepting those limitations — real or perceived — I chose to push back. My journey has been one of facing obstacles, letting go of who I thought I needed to be, and reimagining what a purposeful life could look like. Part of that purpose is to challenge outdated narratives about disability and to offer a different story: one of capability, contribution, and growth.

This mission is now part of the DNA of AdventureWorks. I have always found the greatest meaning and fulfilment in helping others connect with themselves, grow through challenge, and discover healthier, more purposeful ways of living. This business is my way of living that purpose — and of modelling a positive, strengths-based view of difference.

Before my injury, I was an active adventurer — alpine climbing, rock climbing, kayaking, adventure racing, and multi-day hikes. I was also a teacher-in-charge of a secondary school Outdoor Education programme and trained as a counsellor.

The transition from nine years of teaching to becoming a business owner — and learning how to live as a quadriplegic — has been steep but rewarding. I believe there is no such thing as an easy life: either we lean into challenge and act intentionally toward a meaningful existence, or we slowly drift backwards. AdventureWorks exists to help people choose the first path — and to see that limitations can be catalysts for strength.