Who do you think personifies resilience?

When faced with uncertain times on almost every front, fear is omnipresent and markets are jittery, we debated who we thought personified resilience, strength of character, unwavering belief in who they are and what they are about and mental toughness. The brainstorm went through a number of outstanding characters both local and further afield but one name lit up like the neon signs in Times Square. Justin Langer.

Whether you are in the grip of the Coronavirus pandemic from a health crisis, an economic crisis or even a jaded view of the world and world leaders, I think all with even a passing knowledge of Australian Cricket will agree that Justin Langer stood tall when all seemed lost. It seems somewhat trivial now given world events, but the cheating saga in South Africa saw Australian Cricket knocked down from a pedestal, becoming a pariah in society, losing the faith of sponsors and risking the hearts and minds of the backyard family culture. Boards had become complacent, the players were in a bubble and losing touch with the common man, the team was generally disliked amongst their peers and had lost their way. Put this in another context and use a few different words and it sounds a lot like the USA or more particularly the Trump administration at the present time doesn't it!

Justin Langer, the martial arts trained, soulful reader of philosophy, disciplined mentor to a loyal band of Western warriors decided it was time. Time to roll up his sleeves. Time to fulfil a destiny that many saw in him from the time he acted as scholarship coach at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy under the legendary Rod Marsh. Justin stepped forward when so many stepped back. He took on a group devoid of leadership and haunted by recent events. He reinstilled the pride of summer's past and the expectations of the former greats. He reminded the group of the need to be good people, not just talented players and demanded a work ethic and vulnerability to push until there was no more to give that the public could both admire and aspire to.

I remember as a very young man being pushed by Justin to run up and down sandhills, to lift more weight in the gym and to not rely on talent that was passed down in my genes. It is a shame that he lived on the other side of the country as I would have loved nothing more than to rub shoulders with him more often than was possible. The work ethic is the measure of the man and fitness is the most outwardly obvious aspect to that ethic. It is something that stayed with me throughout my sporting life and culminated in running a marathon because it is there. A challenge to conquer. My mind went to really strange places in the closing stages and I had a flashback of myself as an 18 year being told to not give up and go one more time at about the 40km mark. Justin has the capacity to demand quite ruthlessly, yet to inspire and to bounce back when adversity strikes as you just know he would never ask something that he wouldn't be prepared to do himself.

Whilst sport is not real life, the lessons learned can be applied everywhere. This year we are so fortunate to have Justin prepared to speak to our clients. Covid-19 demands that this happen by electronic means rather than in person but it is a session not to be missed. He sits comfortably with other gurus in their field and is remarkably humble for someone who has achieved so much. We will put out data on our website, www.proadvice.com.au for interested parties both current clients and future to listen in to the great man share his views on how we can be resilient in these uncertain times.