Dan Jarvis

Purpose gives endurance and perseverance, even when things get tough.

“If you've got people who've got a sense of purpose, who believe in their leadership, who believe in what they're doing you can do extraordinary things"

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central and Shadow Security Minister shares insights on the challenges of frontbench politics and his unwavering commitment to running, even during the busiest of times.

Dan recounts his experiences as a former soldier, including his deployment to the Helmand province in 2007. Discover how running became a lifeline in the midst of the daily challenges and dangers of serving in a war zone. As Dan shares his journey, we explore the enduring impact of these experiences on his values and perspective. From the lessons of leadership, integrity, and maintaining morale in the military to translating those principles into the political arena, Dan underlines the importance of staying connected with the community while working in politics.

Dan underscores the crucial role of honesty and accountability in politics, the transformative power of running in his life, and his exciting future plans in both running and politics. Don't miss this episode that delves into the heart of a remarkable public servant's life and principles.

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Go Do:

Define your purpose - ask yourself:

1. What are you doing?
2. Who are you doing it for?
3. How do they benefit from it?

We'd love to hear what emerges for you as you work through these questions. Follow us and tag us on twitter, instagram, linkedin, tiktok or send us an email: hello@runalive.co.uk

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This season of the podcast is sponsored by Run Unbound Endurance Coaching.

Whether running your first half, discovering trail running, tackling an ultramarathon or attempting one of the UK big 3 rounds, Run Unbound can help you to achieve your goals in a fun and inspiring way.

We are so grateful for Run Unbound's support Find out more about them here.

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Show Notes:

The RunAlive Podcast x Dan Jarvis

Podcast Title: A purpose gives endurance and perseverance, even when things get tough.
Hosts: Ed Perry and Gary Armstrong

Introduction - Dan Jarvis

• Dan Jarvis introduces himself, discussing his role as an MP and Shadow Security Minister, his past as the first Mayor of South Yorkshire, and his military background in the Parachute Regiment

Daily Routine and Morning Routine

• Dan Jarvis describes his morning routine, emphasising his early wake-up time, engagement with media, and dedication to maintaining a productive morning 

Transition to Shadow Minister for Security

• Dan Jarvis discusses the transition to his new role as Shadow Minister for Security, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of frontbench politics

Maintaining Running Routine during Busy Weeks

• Dan Jarvis explains how he maintained his running routine despite a busy schedule, emphasising the importance of running for managing pressure and maintaining balance 

Reflecting on Deployment to Afghanistan in 2007

• Dan Jarvis recalls the difficult decision to deploy to Afghanistan in 2007, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and the impact of his deployment on his family

Running in a War Zone: Afghanistan 2007

• Dan Jarvis describes how running became part of their routine in Afghanistan, providing a physical outlet and a sense of peace amidst a dangerous environment

Impact of Military Service on World View and Political Career

• Dan Jarvis discusses how his military service shaped his worldview and values, emphasising the importance of leadership, service, and morale in both military and political contexts

Dan Jarvis's Leadership Approach

• Dan discusses the importance of delegating, investing faith, and having a clear purpose and morale within a team.

• Draws from his military experience to emphasise the value of purpose-driven leadership in both the army and politics.

• Highlights the critical role of conveying the importance of tasks to his team, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

Leading During the Pandemic 

• Dan shares the challenges he faced as a mayor during the pandemic and how he managed to maintain team morale.

• Discusses the economic crisis and the need for stability during the pandemic, emphasising the importance of public service during such critical times. 

Maintaining Integrity in Politics

• Discusses the importance of integrity in politics and counterbalances negative perceptions by highlighting the dedication of many public servants.

• Encourages taking responsibility for actions and being transparent, emphasising the need for honest communication with constituents.

Running and Mental Well-being 

• Dan emphasises the mental and physical health benefits of running, describing it as an essential part of his routine.

• Shares how running provides a peaceful space for reflection and clears the mind, enhancing overall well-being.

Participating in Marathons 

• Dan discusses his love for running, including the London Marathon and the Snowdonia Marathon.

• Highlights the emotional and communal aspects of participating in marathons and their significance in his life.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 

• Advises openly discussing challenges and seeking support, particularly for mental health issues, and stresses the importance of carving out quality time for oneself.

• Reflects on finding motivation to persevere, drawing from personal experiences and compartmentalising difficulties.

Future Endeavours and Engagement

• Dan discusses upcoming activities, including his role as the Shadow Security Minister and plans to participate in the London Marathon and Parkrun events.

• Encourages people to stay engaged with his work and running adventures through social media.