ABOUT ME

I’m one of the co-founders of the Ministry of Sound, alongside Justin Berkmann and James Palumbo. My professional life, then and since, has been dedicated to the people of new and growing businesses.

With over 30 years experience in mentoring and pastoral care in the workplace, I specialise in developing the individual in their employment role. In addition to the Ministry of Sound, I have also worked with the Battersea Arts Centre, Music for Youth, The Actors Centre, and Coin Street Community Builders, among others. I am currently in-house mentor to the staff team at the Ministry of Sound Group.

I was sent to boarding school at the age of seven, where I learned to shut down my feelings, to live on a flat-line without expressing emotion, and to be perfect – I did this to survive, and to protect myself from bullying and harsh conditions. My parents were old-fashioned and did not believe in expressing love or support. I have had a very difficult relationship with my mother for most of my life, but I have recently let go of my anger with her and found some joy in the relationship. I have learned that this is possible despite the trauma, and it is possible for anyone.

“Humphrey's communication and listening skills are exemplary.” CD, London

I have been studying mentoring for three decades, including with the Mankind Project, Boarding School Survivors, and more recently with Piers Cross, Barnaby Proctor, and Maddalena Rodolfi.

I am also passionate about acting and cycling. The former enables me to connect with people and bring them moments of joy; the latter helps me to think, keeps me fit, and brings me closer to nature. I love nature, contact with nature is so important for our mental health. I have spent many weekends with the Wildwise project, and on outdoor craft and adventure camps.

Sharing my personal experiences is an important part of my mentoring work. I am married with two children, and to keep the family together I have battled against my own anger and control issues for over twenty years, and I am still battling. I have my own mentors, and I continue to learn every day.

I went through a nervous breakdown during COVID lockdown at the beginning of 2021, and took time out to recover in Aberdeen away from my family. The closeness to nature there, combined with therapy, enabled me to recover, discover my purpose, and move on from what has been holding me back for most of my life. I have discovered that there is no greater reward than being of service to others in need.

My Mission: “To mentor men and women by sharing my wound and my passion; to build love and connection through my acting.”

My Purpose: “I create a world of honest connection by choosing each day to be present with an open heart.”

“Humphrey is simply amazingly effective.” AA, London