Article: Drugs. Crime. Rehab. Management. Written by Stuart Rock Tuesday 19 April 2022 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email “There’s nothing I can do about the damage I caused in the past,” says entrepreneur Tobyn Brooks. “But I can share my story” This is an abridged version of an article that appeared in the CMI Spring 2022 Member magazine. Become a member today to access the full version of this article and many more like it. Become a member Already a member? Login now Learn more It’s September 1992. Socially uncomfortable and anxious, a 13-year-old boy starts to take drugs. He soon slips down the path of addiction. He drops out of school before taking any exams. His life swiftly spirals out of control – and it remains out of control for more than 15 years. Scarred by drug addiction, he lives on the streets, gets involved in crime and causes deep hurt to his family. He’s nearly 30 when he returns to his mother’s home in Didcot, Oxfordshire. He’s in pitiful physical condition, struggling to walk because of the damage inflicted on his vascular system. Today, the 42-year-old Tobyn Brooks reflects deeply about that past chaotic life – and the lessons it has taught him about management. Because today Brooks is running a specialist garage business based in Didcot with turnover in excess of £4m. He employs nearly 40 people. Not only that, he has just started an Executive MBA at Oxford Brookes University. Today, Tobyn Brooks runs a specialist garage dedicated to all aspects of the classic Nissan Figaro. Image: Will Amlot “Taking care of yourself in order to be able to take care of others is one of the greatest lessons that I learned through my addiction. That is fully transferable to running my business. It’s really important to the way I think about management.” Want to keep reading? Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.