The Convex Conversation

As 17-year-old Charlie Cosser lay dying after being stabbed by a teenager at an end of term party, his dad Martin made him a promise - to dedicate the rest of his life to educating young people about the devastating, traumatic consequences of knife crime.  Charlie should have celebrated his 21st last month. Since his murder, Martin has spoken to more than 137,000 school children across the UK, driven by love for his son ‘Cheeks’. His charity – Charlie’s Promise – has partnered with Crimestoppers’ youth service Fearless to make a short film reconstructing what happened that night and urging us all to report knife carriers in total anonymity. If someone had reported the lad that night, Charlie might still be here.  

Damian ‘Demon’ Rowley’s midlife awakening, as he calls it, came as he approached 50, felt burnt out and realised he had more life behind him than lay ahead. In a radical move, he quit his job as a professional motorcyclist/limo rider, overpacked a bag and ran away from the noise of everyday life to explore the world on a KTM690 motorbike, in search of inner peace and contentment. Damian shares stories from his solo travels, what he learned about himself, and reveals plans for his next adventure across The Stans and China in collaboration with Mental Health Motorbike which offers free support to bikers struggling with mental health.  

In part 2 of our special with Major Scotty Mills – a Green Beret for 32 years - we explore how we can all embrace the Royal Marines’ core values including humility, courage, respect and kindness. Scotty was known as former England Manager Gareth Southgate’s ‘secret weapon’ when he put Harry Kane and the squad through Commando training before the 2018 World Cup and recalls the deep bond he forged with Gareth and the players.  Scotty continues to mentor world-class sports teams and athletes, as well as global brands like Google and Apple, and shares wonderful stories from dining at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty the late Queen to being an Olympic flag bearer at the London Games. 

From the streets of south London to leading the physical training of all 6,500 Royal Marines, Major Scotty Mills' 32-year career as a Green Beret is a powerful story of leadership, resilience and courage. In part one, Scotty recalls how sheltering from the rain in a recruitment office to keep his skates dry saved him from heading down the wrong tracks. Inspired by his hero – Grandad Harry - he signed up for the toughest training on the planet and went on to become the highest-ranking Black officer in the Corps’ history. As a Sergeant in 40 Commando, Scotty spearheaded the invasion of Iraq in a do-or-die mission and fought in four war zones. He broke world records, was an Olympic flag bearer and dined with the late Queen Elizabeth. In part two – we explore how Scotty became Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane's 'secret weapon' with the England football squad as well as coaching and mentoring some of the most high-profile sports and business teams in the world. Major Scotty Mills putting former England Manager Gareth Southgate through the sheep dip!   

A made-up job title, his philosophy scribbled down on a legal pad, Chris Bennett was surprised to become Nike Running Global Head Coach in 2015. Over a decade on, the former American athlete and history teacher has inspired and motivated millions of runners of all levels as the calm, encouraging voice of the Nike Run Club app. Coach Chris, who lives near Nike’s HQ in Oregon, has finally been persuaded to share his philosophy and mantras in ‘This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running’ and, as the book title suggests, it includes lessons for all of us between and beyond the start and finish line.