Leveling Up: Lessons in Resilience and Leadership with George McLennan

In this candid episode, Brad sits down with George McLennan, a former professional footballer turned founder of G Mac Gardens. After ten years in professional football, highlighted by a league title win with Cheltenham, injuries, performance anxiety, and burnout forced George to pivot away from the sport. Facing zero income, a broken ankle, and a low point driving Deliveroo with a lawnmower crammed into the back of his Ford Fiesta, George turned sheer necessity into entrepreneurial drive.  **KEY TAKEAWAYS** **Necessity Breeds Breakthroughs:** Being backed into a corner forces rapid learning and action. When options are limited, survival instinct transforms into powerful entrepreneurial drive. **Exposure Dissolves Anxiety:** Overcoming fear and performance anxiety doesn't come from overthinking it comes from repeatedly putting yourself into uncomfortable, challenging situations until confidence builds. **Fall in Love with the Process:** Fixating solely on an end goal or exit strategy can create unnecessary stress. Real fulfillment and sustainable growth come from enjoying the day-to-day journey, problem-solving, and continuous learning. **Tailored Leadership Beats One-Size-Fits-All:** Inspired by the varying styles of football managers, effective team leadership relies on understanding individual personalities and knowing whether a team member needs an arm around the shoulder or a push to perform. **Humility opens Doors:** Don't let pride or fear of competition stop you from seeking advice. Most business owners are happy to share insights and point newcomers in the right direction if you simply dare to ask. **BEST MOMENTS** *"I think when you're backed into a corner... your best work is done and your fastest-growing times happen, because you need to learn everything."*  *"Of all the therapy and sports psychology... the main thing that got me out of that anxiety is literally facing fears. Putting yourself in scary situations gives you self-respect."*  *"The fun part isn't the exit—it's the journey. You're progressing, you're learning, you're getting new experiences, and you're meeting people."*  *"I literally had a lawnmower in the back and a Deliveroo bag in the front seat... I was trying to do two gigs at the same time!"*  **VALUABLE RESOURCES** LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/penny-ford **HOST BIO** Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.