Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

His favourite place in Dorset is Hengistbury Head, he gets angry at bullying and unkindness of any kind, is obsessed with a vegan chocolate called ‘Loving Earth’ and he always wanted to be a Care Bear and make people happier (and realises that’s what he’s doing now!).

Coach and motivational speaker Paul Scadding takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: I have such a wide taste when it comes to viewing, I love to learn about anything and everything so documentaries are a must for me. I love to learn about people and their lives and what has shaped them to be who they are. I love fantasy/sci-fi stuff too.

Q: Who would you like to share a lift with?

A: Oprah Winfrey. We are the best of friends…she just hasn’t met me yet!

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: I have the best job in the world, guiding people to overcome blocks that have in some cases been holding them back for decades is wonderful. When ideas suddenly click with people and it creates a shift in their mindset it’s amazing to see them achieve things they might have once thought impossible. I feel so blessed to do what I do.

Q: And the worst…?

A: I can’t actually think of a downside.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: When I was small, I wanted to be a Care Bear and help people be happier. I have just this second realised that’s what I do now. Wow. Dreams do come true.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Lavender. It’s so calming and relaxing.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Hengistbury Head. I always feel really invigorated there and the views from the top are stunning. In any weather it’s beautiful.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Continually work on your mindset. Mindset and attitude are everything. Don’t let your inner critic run your life or make you doubt yourself. Your inner critic has no idea what you’re capable of. Also treat people as you would like to be treated yourself. Kindness is key.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Britney Spears’ first album…which I absolutely stand by.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Bullying and unkindness of any kind. I cannot bear to see or hear about people, animals or the environment being mistreated.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: I listen to Whitney Houston singing ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ at the Super Bowl in 1991 all the time. It really uplifts me. It’s not the words of the song but the power in her voice and her talent blows me away. If ever nerves creep in before I speak to big audiences I play that and it galvanises me.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: People work with me, not for me, we’re collaborating. I only work with people who are passionate about what they do. I get a real buzz from working with people who get excited about things, especially if they’re things I am not good at. It’s infectious. Surround yourself with people you can get excited with.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: I am obsessed with a vegan chocolate called ‘Loving Earth’. I could eat the hazelnut one all day.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Neither.

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: We live in a beautiful part of the world. We have so much geographical diversity be it seaside, forests, countryside and heathland. I live ten minutes from the sea and coastal living is so good for your wellbeing. I feel very blessed to live in Dorset. Dorset born and bred!

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Amazing question! Firstly before I did a thing, I would make sure my intentions were clean and clear and focused on serving people and making their lives easier to live. I would also ensure I had the best people around me that were experts in their field and shared an intention to serve people. I would make sure that schools stopped focusing so much on output i.e exam results, certificates etc and instead give kids the tools to actually make life work. A great education is essential. I will never understand why knowing what a poor husband Henry the 8th was and memorising how many women he let down helps anyone when we could be teaching kids emotional awareness, resilience, financial wellness and so on. School should be an inspiring and safe place to learn and grow. We need to equip kids with the knowledge that will help them navigate the complexity of life and help them to succeed. I would also create solutions to irradicate bullying as it’s so damaging. I think this is the start of a manifesto!

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: That for some employers, their culture and how they support their people is often an afterthought to sales and productivity. If you treat your people well they will naturally want to do a good job. I really love supporting businesses to evolve and improve their culture and supporting their people to improve resilience, focus on wellness and navigate change.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: I spend a lot of time in Tenerife. It’s beautiful all year round. In fact, it just so happens that I am sat on a balcony overlooking the sea right now answering these questions. I feel really at home on Tenerife. One of my favourite things to do is sitting on a boat looking for dolphins. Bliss.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: That’s a tough one. I want to continue to do the work that I love and reach people all over the world.  I am committed to showing people that the key to their success is their mindset and developing an attitude that allows them to respond effectively to challenges and change. I want to be a source of inspiration for people.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Being kind and encouraging.