Lee Spencer BEM, grew up in very difficult circumstances in a home dominated by alcoholism and violence and despite being told that he wasn’t what they were looking for, joined the Royal Marine Commandos in 1992. He completed operational tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq where he led a section in the first wave on the assault of the Al Faw peninsula. Lee then served as a troop Sergeant before qualifying for special duties and subsequently undertook 3 tours of Afghanistan working in an undercover and covert role within the Human Intelligence sphere.
In January 2014 whilst helping motorists who had crashed into a motorway central reservation, Lee lost his right leg below the knee having been hit by debris from a further crash. Conscious throughout, Lee was able to utilise his military training to save his own life by instructing a passer-by to apply a tourniquet. Lee was awarded the High Chief Constables award for his selfless actions on the night.
In 2015 as a crew member of Row2Recovery’s all amputee crew of four, Lee rowed across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua and into the Guinness world record books, as the first physically disabled crew of four to row any ocean.
In January 2019, Lee set off from Portimão, Portugal to attempt rowing solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America. 60 days, 16 hours and 6 minutes later, he rowed into Cayenne, French Guiana not only becoming the first physically disabled person to do so and completing the longest solo row of any disabled person, he beat the able bodied record by an astonishing 36 days: A further 3 Guinness World Records. In December 2019 Lee was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charity having raised over a quarter of a million pounds.
A natural and engaging speaker, Lee’s incredible personal story of courage, determination leadership and overcoming adversity has captivated a range of audiences: From business conferences to after dinner gala events, from festivals to elite and national sports teams including the England senior men’s team in their pre 2018 World Cup training camp.
In everyday life we are constantly making decisions, some are instantaneous and made in the limbic system, an older part of the brain from early in human evolution where we make subconscious decisions. Other decisions are made in the prefrontal cortex, a more evolved part of the brain where we make conscious decisions.
Both systems work in unison and have advantages and disadvantages. By understanding principles of decision making and by then asking yourself certain questions, you can ensure you can make an informed, considered and ultimately better decisions.
TOP TIPS
1. Our Subconscious
Our subconscious contains a vast library of past experiences that helps us understand the world. It influences our decision-making both at subconscious and conscious levels.
2. Our Decisions
In everyday life we are constantly making decisions, some are instantaneous and made in the subconscious. Others are made conscious mind.
3. Our Subconscious and Conscious Mind
Both the subconscious and conscious mind usually work in harmony and have advantages and disadvantages.
4. Condor Moment
By taking a ‘Condor Moment’, we can recognise whether it is the conscious or subconscious mind making or informing a decision.
5. Ask Yourself
Ask yourself: “What do I need to do?” “What are my limitations?” “What resources do I have?” And “Do I have an emotional attachment to the decision?”
6. Communicating a Decision
Communicating a decision is as important as coming to the right decision. To do this ask yourself “What actions do I want to initiate?”
Written By Lee Spencer BEM
If you want to hear more from Lee Spencer he will be speaking at our next event The SHE Show North East, Tuesday 25th March 2025, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
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