In this episode, I speak with Alan Sowersby, who shares his journey of battling OCD throughout his career. Alan discusses the challenges he faced while hiding behind a mask of confidence, the tipping point that led him to seek help, and how he rediscovered his passion for writing. Through poetry and self-expression, Alan learned to embrace his vulnerabilities and celebrate his neurodiversity, ultimately finding empowerment in sharing his story. Takeaways Alan battled with OCD throughout his career, impacting his personal and professional life. He felt like he was living behind a mask, projecting confidence while struggling internally. The turning point for Alan came when he realised he needed help and sought therapy. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Alan, allowing him to express his emotions. His retirement speech marked a significant moment of vulnerability and authenticity. Alan's journey emphasises that it's never too late to rewrite your own story. He learned to embrace his neurodiversity and celebrate his unique experiences. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and can lead to empowerment. Transformation is possible at any age when one embraces authenticity.  Chapters 00:00 - The Mask of Perception 02:05 - Understanding OCD and Its Impact 11:07 - The Tipping Point: Coming Out from Behind the Mask 18:22 - Act Two: Rediscovering Passion Through Writing 30:22 - Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability   Learn more about Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-sowersby-5342969/   The book 'Breaking my Silence': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-My-Silence-longer-anxiety/dp/1916920764   -- Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745