Making it all the way over a big tabletop jump to the landing... is probably one
By Oliverjohnbradley · October 18, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
Making it all the way over a big tabletop jump to the landing...
is probably one of the most satisfying moments for me mountain biking.
Today we rode Bracknell Forest Swinley Bike Hub "The Summit" and I chose the longer harder jumps as I figured that I worked hard all summer on my riding and it felt like "now or next year" given winter is closing in.
I was chatting to a good friend today who I mountain bike with and saying that this new season working for Neem has been the most exhilarating time in my career.
The three C's building
Courage,
Confidence
Competence
at something completely new.
It has definitely felt the most stretching in the best possible way.
It has used all the skills and experience I learned at Unilever and found that I still have had to step up.
There's a phrase we use a lot...
"Stand up to the jump"
the bigger the jump the stronger you need to push into the steeper takeoff so you control the takeoff off the lip.
If you roll in fast without actively pushing your bike will buck you and things will go south usually ending with an "over the bars" aka OTB experience. The bike launches you, instead of you controlling the bike in the air. Nasty.
MTB is very much a mental and "do the right thing" at the big moment that matters much like being entrepreneurial at Neem.
MTB jumping demands pushing down into the lip of the jump with your legs..."pushing through the ramp" until the very top of the lip where you stand up straight.
Timing, confidence, flow, and never ever touching the brakes once you decide to commit.
My biking for sure impacts how I show up and think about work.
The mental attitude of fully committing is exactly the same.
I am all in.
I am enjoying some of the most satisfying moments in my career just like a good jump line.
What hobby or sport helps you see things differently at work?
What is stretching you in this season of your life and also making you feel a real sense of satisfaction that you are progressing?