In this episode, Fergus is joined by Mick Hawkes, former 22 SAS, undercover surveillance operator and security consultant.

Mick has lived a fascinating life. He grew up wanting to be a professional footballer, but an unsuccessful trial at Lincoln City put his dream on hold. He joined the military at 16, serving with the Parachute Regiment and 29 Commando before eventually taking on SAS selection. After ending up in hospital and failing the first time, he successfully passed on the 2nd attempt. Mick spent 14 years in the SAS and operated all over the world, including Bosnia, where he was taken prisoner alongside Billy Billingham. As well as this, Mick conducted successful surveillance operations with The Det in Northern Ireland and even worked with MI5. After leaving the military, he went onto work in the corporate world, providing security consultancy to large organisations and now runs Hawkes and Co with his daughter, delivering training to multiple sectors including schools and agriculture.

Mick shares details of his childhood, his career in the military, what it was like working undercover in the surveillance world, his experience of being captured in Bosnia, many of the lessons learned and much much more…

Expect to gain insight into the hidden world of surveillance.

Expect to reflect on how you overcome challenges in life.

Expect to understand more on the mindset required to be a special forces operator.

Mick is also releasing a book called Life On The Edge, dedicated to his co-writer Nicole Johnston, who sadly passed away very recently. The book aims to help people get around all the obstacles life throws at us. The release date is to be announced in the near future.

Mick’s Website: https://www.hawkesandco.uk

Mick’s Instagram: @mhawkes40

Fergus’s Instagram: @ferguscrawley

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