Simon Lock is a man on a mission. And this time, its personal.
OK … I borrowed that strapline from every B-grade action movie ever made (I know, I’ve watched them all). But ignoring that for a moment, it’s a tag that fits (sorry Simon!).
Don’t let the mild-mannered, GQ look fool you. Behind the dark-rimmed glasses and the all black attire, behind the pleasant demeanour and thoughtful introspection lies a steely determination.
20,000kms. Are you mad? You do know that’s equal to half a lap of the equator? Cold stare from Simon.
10 charities? What’s that all about? A wicked smile flashes across his lips and disappears as quickly.
He means business. And, after heavy, thoughtful pause, he begins to tell me …
In an interesting parallel, as Simon and I were discussing these matters, Morgan was off being interviewed on RTHK, one of the premier radio stations in Hong Kong. At one point in the interview, referring to his Fashion Week and Project Runway background, radio presenter Sarah Passmore questioned whether Simon “had what it takes” for the journey.
Rather than creating doubt, I think Simon’s brand of experience should be an endorsement and create confidence. After all, to rise to the top in the ultra competitive fashion business takes creativity, street smarts, perseverance, thick skin and an iron will. Seemingly the perfect credentials for the W2W mission.
Beyond that, anyone who has been following his updates on his road to recovery from rupturing his ACL in August would share my amazement at his powers of recuperation. I mean it is already a feat that he’s mobile and active again, but to see him on and off the bike and working out like a madman every day – he’s a man posessed. Or in these more politically correct times, he’s motivated by a superordinate goal. He’s driven.
Which brings us back to the headline topic.
Is he having an existential crisis? Is he on a quest to save the world? Is he simply a masochist?
The insight I had was simpler and more powerful.
Yes he wants to adventure off the beaten path in Asia. Yes he wants to leave a positive footprint by supporting the work of these great charitable projects.
Peeling back a layer of the onion reveals the influence and example he wants to set for his 3 kids. Providing exposure to a world outside of the mainstream; appreciating the challenges facing the world, but also that the choices and actions of individuals can have an impact; instilling a sense of possibility and responsibility.
And he believes the best way of expanding their horizons is by expanding his own. Setting a example through deeds not words.
Simon humbly admits this will be a learning experience for him on many fronts. Accustomed to the bustling cities and financial centres of Asia, he’s looking forward to going backcountry. Accustomed to wheeling and dealing in a world where success is measured in material terms, he’s looking forward to learning from people whose success is counted by number of children fed or lives saved and turned around.
At the heart of this is a deep, and possibly transformational, personal journey. A walk that has to be walked.
This is what made him take the time out from his ongoing business interests, to dedicate the time, effort and resources to make Wheel2Wheel a reality.
This is what it means to “Live” the dream, and not just dream it.
The cool facade has morphed into a broad grin discussing all that lies ahead. I think all this deep and meaningful stuff is also going to be an insane amount of fun!
And with that, the determined stare returned and it was back to the nitty gritty of living the dream … working the blackberry overtime … his current focus is seeking sponsorship for the television series being produced about the journey.
(If this may be of interest to anyone you know, get in touch.)
And the strapline kinda fits, right? [Read aloud with booming, cinematic voice]
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