31st January 2025 · Business Networx
From the Sports Fields to Leadership: a life of empowering others through mental toughness and mindset growth
Chris Kirkland from Ryton has applied his experience in school improvement and leadership to help businesses and elite athletes achieve outstanding performance and well-being, influenced by the challenges he faced from a young age.
Pictured left to right: Simon Bibby (MD of Minster Cleaning Services) & Chris Kirkland (Owner of unlockingBETTER)
A former teacher and senior leader, Chris has dedicated decades to transforming schools across the North East of England, specialising in behaviour, culture, and leadership development. Today, through his consultancy unlockingBETTER, he leverages these skills to empower organisations and elite athletes to achieve peak mental performance and long-term success.
Chris’s journey has been shaped by the many challenges and opportunities life has presented. Reflecting on the loss of his father at the age of 12, Chris says, “Growing up without a father figure quickly taught me the value of choices and the impact they have on people’s lives. “The experiences I’ve had—from representing Scotland Rugby League to driving change in education—have all reinforced the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of supporting others to thrive,” Chris shares. “Now, I aim to provide that support and direction to others, whether it’s students, athletes, or professionals.”
His career began in 1994 as a PE teacher at schools including Teesdale Comprehensive, Hookergate and Thorp Academy. His passion for fostering growth led him to senior leadership positions, where he championed strategies that enhanced educational outcomes and empowered communities. Recognised for his ability to create positive, sustainable change, Chris transitioned his focus and expertise to businesses looking to thrive One of his recent successes has been with Minster Cleaning Services in Blaydon, where he partnered with Managing Director Simon Bibby to elevate the team’s performance through workshops on mental toughness and leadership.
A former teacher and senior leader, Chris has dedicated decades to transforming schools across the North East of England, specialising in behaviour, culture, and leadership development
This initiative resulted in a 59% increase in business growth, improved staff retention, and a more energised workplace culture. “It’s not just about growth,” Chris explains. “It’s about building the habits and mindset that drive long-term success and well-being.” MD Simon Bibby added: “Chris’s insights and proactive approach have undoubtedly influenced our strategies and aspirations at Minster Cleaning Services. He has an unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and impactful change.”
Chris continues to bring his expertise to elite sports, where he helps athletes manage pressure and excel. Collaborating with several professional golfers from across the UK, all of which compete on the Tartan Tour, he supports their mental performance and mindset, enabling them to achieve personal bests and compete on a global stage. With programs tailored to leadership development, cultural transformation, and mental toughness, Chris ensures that the focus remains on empowering individuals and fostering sustainable success.
Driven by a deeply personal understanding of the importance of care and connection and his innate desire to seek out the potential that an individual possesses, he is committed to looking after people, ensuring everyone moves forward together, and that no one is left behind.
For more information on unlockingBETTER, please visit www.unlockingbetter.co.uk.