Engage to Succeed
Who are you and what does Engage to Succeed do?
I’m James Lambert, founder of Engage to Succeed: a business built around helping people thrive at work and in life.
We do three things: We run corporate training on how to effectively engage employees. We offer individual coaching to support people with personal development and life goals. And we run Men’s Days: transformative mini-retreats that include breathwork, trauma release, Cacao (yes, ‘The Chocolate Medicine’!), ice baths, and a whole lot more.
I’m based at Freedom Works’ Creative & Digital Hub in Worthing, where I’ve been a member for 18 months on a hot desk package.
What’s the story behind the business?
I spent more than 20 years in the corporate world in recruitment, helping businesses find the best talent. But over time, I became increasingly passionate about something else: what happens to people once they’re in those jobs.
I saw first-hand the impact of disengaged teams; 90% of the time, it came down to people feeling they didn’t have a voice or couldn’t share how they were feeling.
I also went through my own mental health struggles: divorce, financial pressure, hiding behind multiple masks while managing teams of 300+ people. I’d find all sorts of ways to cope, from drinking and overeating to throwing myself into Ironman competitions!
The idea for Engage to Succeed had been in the making for 10 years, but it took a big leap of faith to make it real. Just over two years ago, my now-wife and I both gave up our jobs, relocated to the South Coast, got married, and launched two brand new business ventures. Quite a year!
Tell us more about the Men’s Days – what actually happens?
They’re a safe space for men to step away from everyday pressures, open up, and challenge themselves, often in ways they didn’t think they could.
I bring in qualified practitioners to support different elements of the day, covering things like breathwork, trauma release exercises, and ice baths. It might sound intense, but the environment is warm, welcoming and supportive. The results can be remarkable.
My most memorable moment came when a guy arrived at a Men’s Day barely able to make eye contact with anyone. As the day went on, he gradually opened up. It took me about seven minutes to convince him to get in the ice bath — but when he did, had a full submersion, and came out with a smile and a glint in his eye, something had shifted. Later, a breathwork session helped him think differently about his addictions, and he openly shared his experience and his ideas for change with the whole group. Seven hours, total transformation. Hugely powerful day and exactly why I do what I do!
What’s the big ‘why’ behind everything you do?
Two things drive me every single day. The first is men’s mental health. The statistics are heading in the wrong direction, and I’m passionate about doing something about it. My work comes from lived experience; I know what it’s like to struggle and to hide it. I never want someone to go through what I went through without support.
The second is the magic of taking a corporate team on a journey of discovery: watching people understand something new about their colleagues, start working more closely together, and feel brave enough to say ‘I’m having a hard day’ without fear of judgment. That kind of culture change has a huge impact on morale, productivity and well-being.
Our mission sums it up: to help everyone love their life more every day!
What made you choose Freedom Works?
The culture: Freedom Works has a supportive, genuinely friendly environment that gives me the flexibility I need as a business owner.
And when you’re not changing lives at work?
I live in Ferring with my wife, our Cocker Spaniel Luna, and I’m a proud dad and stepdad to three grown-up kids. You’ll usually find me out in the countryside, whether that’s on a long walk or an ultra marathon, I’m happiest outdoors.
Website: engagetosucceed.co.uk
LinkedIn: James Lambert