Liverpool Hope University was privileged to welcome internationally renowned third sector advisor fundraiser and storyteller Bernie Hollywood onto campus on Thursday 3 April.
Having advised thousands of charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and governments, Bernie has spoken actively on numerous occasions at high profile events across the globe, and now for staff and students at Hope Park where he inspired the audience to ‘dream big’.
Talking about his roots in the city, Bernie said: “I’m born and bred in Liverpool and my parents had a huge influence on me. My mum always inspired me to give everything away – she had nothing but she gave everything and I wanted to follow in her footsteps when it came to generosity. I saw the difference that giving made, even at that young age.
“I have found that in life that if you give, you get an awful lot back in return and I think there’s something so special in that.”
Coming from a background in corporate finance as finance director for the 2012 London Olympics, Bernie now operates five charities in the UK and one in the US alongside his adventures and expeditions around the world.
Bernie is considered one of the world's most accomplished explorers and adventurers having recently rowed solo 3,540 miles and 109 days alone at sea across the Atlantic Ocean at the age of 63.
He said: “There’s been times while being on our explorations that I’ve wanted to give up but the thing that keeps me going is the cause behind it and my passion for that cause. One of the biggest motivators for me is other people; when you get to that low point and you think you can’t go on, having somebody there to remind you what it's all for is what makes the world of difference and I have plenty of those people around me.
“Going solo across the Atlantic Ocean was the most gruelling challenge and from a mental point of view it almost broke me. Completing that journey was such a relief, particularly being met on the other side by my son and partner.”
Bernie hopes that this talk will inspire students to make their own dreams a reality, commenting, “the subject of the talk is how to dream big and make your dreams come true and inspire others. Every person in this room has a dream and what I’m doing is being the catalyst to speed that up. This talk is about finding those connections that can actually make your dreams come true.”
Through what I do in my life, I meet so many extraordinary people. I have lived all over the world but my mum always said to me ‘never forget where you come from’. My primary school was St Ambrose, Speke, and I continue to support them now. I have never given up my roots. They gave me the inspiration to be who I am today and I have never forgotten that.”
Bernie has reached the Geographic Poles, climbed some of the world’s highest mountains, trekked through deserts, cycled across continents, ran over 150 marathons and even holds a Guinness World Record.
He was appointed by 'His Royal Majesty King Charles' to act as a 'Justice of the Peace' within Merseyside and Cheshire and sits on a regular basis in the Liverpool, Birkenhead and Sefton Magistrates Courts.
Many thanks to Bernie Hollywood for joining us, and to the Faculty of Business, Law and Criminology and the faculty of Education and Social Sciences for arranging this special session.
Photos: Distinguished Lecture: How to Dream Big and Inspire Others | Flickr