Meet Paul, Milky and Simon

Meet Paul, Milky and Simon. If you're an IOM TT Races fan, you may know them: Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport Richard "Milky" Quayle, the man responsible for much of the rider development, safety, and course knowledge that underpins the event today. Simon Crellin, who has built the TT story across the world. What you may not know is that 21 years ago, none of them were doing those jobs or even thinking of it. But bringing all three into the TT Races team made all the difference. Back then, I became Chief Executive of the Department of Tourism & Leisure, and delivering the TT sat within my remit. It became obvious very quickly that the event needed an overhaul. So I did what I always do when I don't know enough. I got curious. I met riders. I met teams. I met officials. I met volunteers. I met sponsors. I asked questions. I listened. I made a plan. And one thing became clear: The answers weren't sitting in an organisational chart. The answers were sitting in involving passionate people who cared deeply about the future of the event. Rider Ian Lougher suggested I speak to a young guy working in a bank IT department who spent his spare time running a website called RealRoadRacing. He had opinions. Lots of them. Most importantly, he wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo. That young man was Paul. When we met, I wasn't looking at his job title or CV in motorsport. I was looking at his passion, ideas, energy, and commitment to making the TT better. Paul later introduced me to his mate "Milky" Quayle, a former rider and TT winner with incredible knowledge of the course and a deep commitment to rider development. Then (Manx) Simon returned from London, via a tender, bringing top notch communications expertise, fresh thinking and a vision for the events worldwide profile. Three young guys. No obvious pathway. No perfectly crafted CVs. Raw talent, passion, and potential. Five TTs later, as the changemaker I am, I left. 21 years on, "the boys" and their team are still shaping one of the most iconic motorsport events in the world. Last week tens of thousands of fans from across the world joined Brad Pitt, Oliver Piastri, Keanu Reeves and Channing Tatum in celebrating the riders, teams and volunteers who make the TT. The event continues to go from strength to strength. But that's not really the post. This is. The job of a leader isn't to be indispensable. It's to build something that thrives without you. Too many leaders measure success by how much depends on them. The best leaders measure success by what continues beyond them. Paul, Milky and Simon are a great reminder that potential is often hiding in unexpected places. For me, leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about spotting and empowering people who might. Giving them the chance to lead. Who gave you your chance when nobody else could see what you might become?