Next up on our ‘getting to know you’ list is the lovely Courtney – another of our Man Of The Year Hot 15. We caught up with him to discuss his biggest fears, his thoughts on destiny, life, love and sometimes, loss. If you like what you read, please don’t forget to vote for Courtney.

What was your motivation for entering this competition?

My motivation lies in knowing that anything is possible. Growing up, I always struggled with the idea of just doing alright in life. So I surrounded myself with people who were committed to working with an imperfect state of mind. It indeed unearthed some of the most beautiful ideas and concepts that now support the next generation of dreamers.

Okay, so that sounds pretty airy-fairy… On the flipside to this, I was motivated at the thought of being named Man of the Year 2016. I think the title works could sit pretty beside my name.

This year really put things into perspective for me. Burying one of my students, having known him since he was 10 years old really hit me hard. Not only was Elliott an amazing soul… he was family too. His life was full of gutsy and adventurous wonder. It was that moment that I made a promise to push harder than I ever have before.

Ultimately it would be giving to my mum this gift of knowing that her boy learned to stand on his own.

What’s your definition of a modern day hero?

Modern day hero: Someone who is generous at heart, and uses his wit, his wisdom, his flaws, his strengths, his power, his spirituality, his loyalty, his ability to uplift, his capacity to forgive and his readiness to change.

The modern day hero isn’t always the celebrity we see smiling away. It’s your best mate, who you lean on and draw good vibes from.

What’s the most heroic thing you’ve ever done?

The most heroic thing I’ve ever done is forgiving my real dad not wanting to know me. Although we’ve still not met, by not allowing myself to be defined by his decision has to be the most heroic thing I’ve ever done. For my mum, she is never to feel guilty, by moving on she was able to see her heroism. I think becoming a father to my little spark one day will be pretty heroic.

How would your friends describe you in less than ten words?

A sensitive, funny, loveable and complex creative soul

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

My perfect date: It starts with that morning text message complete with ‘I can’t wait to see you tonight’. There’s nothing more attractive than spending time with someone who makes you laugh and excites the socks off you. So much so, that you catch yourself slipping into that ‘Is this the one’ mode.  So the nerves build up and the energy is electric between the two of us. A perfect date would be going for a drink, followed by good food, which leads to dancing, to up close talking anticipating that first kiss and you literally melt into her lips and her lips into yours…then we giggle like kids. At this point hands that touch feel completely different. She indeed makes me feel brand new and I let her know that she’s the only one for me.

When was the last time you cried?

The last time I cried would definitely be burying one of the most talented and incredible bolts of energy I’ve ever known. A mixture of complete utter sadness mixed with the overwhelming feeling of wanting to burst out laughing. Elliott Campion was a truly special and brilliant soul who you wanted to hug and slap at the same time lol!

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone?

The impromptu rehearsal date: We sat, we listened…she smiled. Being serenaded by the amazing JP Cooper… the mixture of spontaneity set against a live band, complete with a lamp dimly illuminating the room made for some interesting after hour’s conversation.

Tell us a secret – something we’d never guess about you.

I secretly pretend Idris Elba and I are related (is that a secret or a lie, lol) #Shaaaarrroooooon

What’s your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is fear itself. That fear of never trying to do the things that frightens me the most.  When I leave this earth I want to know that I really lived and had a blast with my many adventures. 

Do you believe in destiny? Tell us why, or why not.

I believe that we all have a path that is mapped out for us. I also believe that we have the power to alter our destiny through our conscious thoughts. For those that unfold in destiny will find this hard to pinpoint. But if you imagine any time you have opted to change directions and then you bump into someone you had been thinking about… is that not destiny?

How about when opportunity knocks, but it’s not in the field you are accustomed to, yet the way you masterfully ease into your new lane leads you to some new and complete wonder. Is that not destiny?

I believe destiny is all of our hearts desires handpicked as and when we decide that our life needs a shift x

My friends are part of destiny, how is it possible to meet young men all focussed on creating legacy?

If you could change the world one step at a time, where would you start?

I’d start with myself. Firstly would be to restore my family structure and use that as momentum to remember unconditional love still exists freely.

If someone made a movie of your life, who would play you and why?

I think I would ask Derek Luke, he is an awesome and powerful actor. His performance in Antwone Fisher completely resonated with me. As a leading man, I see a young man who is running his own race complete with all his charm, depth, likeability and relatable charismatic appeal.

What a guy. If you like what you read, please don’t forget to vote for Courtney.

By The Mills & Boon team