Stewart suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on 4th July 2009 whilst commanding B Company, 2 MERCIAN in Afghanistan. His intrinsic motivation and desire to succeed, within his ability, remain the same, but Stewart struggles to meet these aspirations due to his brain impairments and daily fatigue. These difficulties fundamentally restrict what Stewart can do in ‘work’ terms’. He feels that he has become the antithesis of his old self; from a British Army Officer commanding hundreds, potentially thousands of soldiers to someone who now struggles to manage himself. His capacity to engage his brain in productive thinking is severely reduced. His trauma is not a life sentence though he shall carry his brain damage for life.
Stewart draws on his life's experiences in an emotional, thought provoking and enlightening talk.