Responsible Business Network – A Powerful Morning in Blackpool

This morning Sam Scott had the pleasure of attending the Responsible Business Network (RBN) Meeting for Blackpool and Fylde, hosted at Blackpool Football Club.

These events are always worthwhile, but today’s session was particularly impactful.

Our guest speaker, John Ainsworth, author of Beyond OK, delivered an incredibly open and powerful talk. He spoke candidly about his experience with burnout, the personal toll it took, and his journey back to mental wellbeing.

You could have heard a pin drop.

The room was completely silent as we listened to his story and it was clear that his message resonated deeply with so many people there. His honesty was refreshing, brave, and much needed. In business, conversations around performance, targets and growth are common. Conversations about vulnerability, burnout and recovery are far less so, yet arguably even more important.

What stood out most was the reminder that being “OK” isn’t always enough and that acknowledging when we’re not OK is a strength, not a weakness.

There was also encouraging discussion about a new support group being developed specifically for business leaders; a safe space to share challenges, experiences and provide peer support. Leadership can be isolating, and creating a trusted network where honest conversations can take place feels like a significant and positive step forward for our local business community.

Events like this reinforce why the Responsible Business Network is so valuable. They create space for real conversations, real connection and real impact.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising such a meaningful session.
If today proved anything, it’s that responsible business isn’t just about what we do — it’s about how we look after the people behind the business too.

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