Josh Beaumont: Quietening The Mind In Service to Community

I have the privilege of meeting some amazing people. Most of them aren’t famous, rich or extraordinary in a public, “I’m on television!” way. They’re quiet achievers, doers, who go about their life in service to others, in service to their community. That’s what makes them amazing to me.

In that spirit, I enjoyed speaking recently with Josh Beaumont.

Josh is a young bloke, just 28 years old, who works for Cricket Victoria in Australia. I had the privilege of meeting Josh virtually last year, in the midst of one of Victoria’s many lockdowns. My good mate, John Watkin, was then leading the Community Cricket and Key Stakeholders (CCKS) Team within Cricket Victoria whose ranks had just been decimated as a result of Covid-related budget cuts. As part of my work with ‘a different way,’ I do a lot of listening to individuals and teams who are grappling with challenges. I help them to explore and capture their values as a starting point for moving forward. In the midst of so much upheaval, John thought a chat with the team might help.

My colleague Julien Troussier and I did that, leading 5 or 6 sessions with the CCKS Team. We thought it might be a challenge over Zoom but actually, it worked just fine. We spent a lot of time listening and connecting with each other, in one big group and in breakout sessions.

Josh stood out for me as a thoughtful young man who understood the value of being connected to himself, of finding the time to be present in the moment with his partner and Kevin, his canine mate and just being open in everything he does.

He’s recently moved out of Melbourne to return to Ocean Grove, to be closer to his family and community.

I recorded our chat in a Scott Poynton Podcast. Josh speaks about his work as a Club and Competitions Specialist for Cricket Victoria and about his journey, through his love of sport and cricket in particular, to the job he’s doing now. We speak about getting through the lockdowns and the importance of being part of a supportive team, of being connected to yourself and being intentional about self-care practices. And we wonder what the future might hold!

I always feel inspired when I speak to young people like Josh. It’s his strong connection to his local community that speaks loudest to me and his efforts to both serve that community and to be the best person he can be, in this moment, this present second, that has me feeling super positive for the future. It’s young people like Josh who, just by being themselves, will slowly but surely, make the world a better place.

Here’s my podcast with Josh. I hope you enjoy it.