EP343: Don’t Let Your Condition Hold You Back with Craig Parkinson

In today’s episode, I’m to bring you the inspiring journey of Craig Parkinson, a hairdresser who has carved out a successful career despite the ongoing challenge of a stammer.

I first met Craig at an event I hosted in 2016. He was taking to the stage for the first time ever, presenting a look he had created. That’s nothing special, you might say. But what made it memorable for me was that Craig had a stammer, and by presenting on stage he was facing his fear in front of an audience. I was full of admiration for him when I saw what he had accomplished on stage that night, and I wanted to catch up with Craig since that event. How’s his career shaping whilst dealing with a stammer?

In our conversation today Craig opens up about his personal experiences dealing with a stammer, from early hurdles in professional and social settings to the transformative moments that shaped his path. We’ll take a closer look at Craig’s unique strategies for managing his stammer, like the time he confronted his reflection in a shop full of mirrors, turning a challenging situation into a moment of self-growth.

You’ll get to discover the techniques he’s developed to thrive under pressure and the confidence he’s built to communicate effectively in this vibrant industry. Craig also candidly discusses the apprehension many feel about phone conversations and how he overcame this particular challenge.

Beyond the stammer, Craig sheds light on his early foray into business, sharing insights on tackling the feeling of never having enough hours in the day and the treasure trove of lessons learned from working independently.

This episode is not only about resilience and determination but also about embracing transparency and self-acceptance. Craig’s experiences serve as a beacon of hope for any of you facing personal challenges—urging you to be open, persevere through discomfort, and stay true to your passions. Tune in for an episode that’s sure to inspire and illustrate how obstacles can indeed become opportunities.