Being a father is the most valuable and fulfilling role in my life. Co-parenting has been a journey of growth, teaching me invaluable lessons every day.
I thrive in the great outdoors, embracing "van life" and exploring my favourite places—Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the rugged Devonshire coastlines. These landscapes are where I feel most at home, connected to nature and myself.
Raised in North Devon, I moved to London at age 7, where I grew up, studied, and built my career. Over the years, I’ve gained diverse experience across various industries:
✔ Sports Broadcasting
✔ Sales & Corporate Hospitality
✔ Legal & Financial Recruitment
✔ Entrepreneurship, including running a successful transport company, working with clients like ITV, BBC, and Decca Records
I’ve worked in offices, but I’ve also grafted in the mud and rain, embracing every challenge along the way.
My first jobs, from working in a pet shop and garden centre to helping at Greenwich Market, taught me the value of hard work from an early age.
Joining the Army Cadets provided life lessons that still guide me today. Moving frequently as a child meant I was always the “new kid,” forcing me to adapt, navigate challenges, and build resilience.
But life hasn’t always been smooth. Like many, I’ve faced struggles, made mistakes, and learned tough lessons. The most powerful? "The Power of No"—a principle I now share with every young person I mentor.
When Covid changed the world, it also changed me. I knew I wanted something more meaningful than corporate life. Two people—one a parent, the other an industry veteran—told me, "You’d be great at this." So I listened.
Since 2020, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a Young Person Practitioner, using my life experiences to guide and empower young people.
🔹 Reconnect young people with life—help them see their potential and develop self-belief.
🔹 Empower them to make the right choices, regulate behavior, and build coping strategies.
🔹 Encourage honest conversations about the past—but never let it define who we are today.
🔹 Foster trust and respect by giving them the space and time to grow—without forcing “feelings” conversations.
At ReCon Devon, it’s all about connection—helping young people move forward and grow organically.
💡 "What happens, happens. But we can be ready, adaptable, and able to cope."
Copyright © 2025 James Dashwood | All Rights Reserved.
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