Meet a Member: Jim Hughes on Untamed and the Return of the Day Away Series

In a world of noise, information, and constant comparisons on social media, it takes a lot of courage to challenge and change the structure of your life in the hope of rediscovering what gives you true fulfilment. 

In 2017, Lifework member Jim Hughes took that leap and founded Untamed, where he coaches individuals and teams, helping them understand themselves and each other on a deeper level - preferably outdoors. His recent workshop series, A Day Away, were a smash hit, with bookings already open for 2025/26. We're huge fans of Jim's work here at Lifework, and he is a constant shining light in our community.

We chatted with Jim about Untamed and why he loves coming to Lifework Communities.

1. Why did you join Lifework?

I joined Lifework because of its rural location. For me, it's not just about what I can see from my desk but the environment I go through to get here. The countryside around Lifework is one factor that makes my visits a worthwhile part of my day. I cycle to the space from Bradford on Avon, and I value the surrounding nature to get here and then enjoy the airiness and friendliness of the space. 

2. Since working at Lifework, Untamed has grown and gone through many seasons. What have been some of your most significant successes and challenges, and how have you overcome them?

A recent success has been The Day Away series. These workshops are designed to help people get outside, put their phones away, and think differently. I've just finished series one; all four events sold out, and I got excellent feedback, which I will use for the next series. 

My biggest challenge has been knowing where to put my time and effort. There are many questions in business from which you don't get a definitive answer; it's not like an equation where you know immediately if it's right or wrong. Your time and energy are your most critical resources, and they're finite. Knowing where to put them and when to change courses is challenging. One of the most significant skills I've learnt is knowing when a decision comes from a place of fear or a place of love - in short, doing it for the right reason, not the wrong reason. I've overcome this by surrounding myself with family, clients, partners, and friends who keep me on course and believe in Untamed's work. 

3. What advice would you give to people who want to start implementing some of the skills you teach at Untamed?

Surround yourself with the right people - always number one. If you're surrounded by people who want to keep you where you are, your chances of success are massively reduced. And by right people, I mean those who actively support the person you want to become. 

4. If you could invite any person (alive or dead!) to speak at a lifework community day, who would it be? 

Tony Robbins - Author, coach, personal development, enthusiast 

5. What's your lifework balance? 

I realised a while ago that there are four levels of balance for me: annual, monthly, weekly, and daily. I used to be great at practising daily and weekly balance, but not so good at the monthly and rubbish at the annual. Now, all four are checked and thought about. 

For the daily, I don't often work long hours if I can avoid it. I take Fridays off most weeks, and I never work on weekends. I try to get in a long weekend a few times a year. And then, I take August off annually, and we spend January in Tenerife. My balance is that burnout is reduced if you have all of those sorted on some level and get some balance in each rather than nail two and neglect two. 

Bookings for The Day Away series 2 is open now! Click the link below for more information, testimonies, and signup.

The Day Away - Book Now!