Meet Our Point Tactics Team

​At Point Assist we practice what we preach. Each of our Point Tactics instructors possess a resilience built through their own personal experiences and challenges. Find out more about the team who will be leading the charge at our upcoming March event.  

​​Mark Direen - Former Australian Special Forces team leader, with over 20 years military service. A high threat environment security consultant & performance coach.

What is the most valuable lesson your military experience taught you?
The ability to accept failure, to learn from it, adapt, improve, and strive forward again towards your goal despite inevitable setbacks. A dogged determination to never give up on yourself.
 
Most challenging hurdle you have faced and how you overcame it?
 An IED attack in Afghanistan in 2007. Both physically and mentally I was injured by my failure. But, over time, I came to appreciate I was also rewarded , developing an understanding of how to survive and thrive in the most difficult fight of all, the one inside your head.
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Why do you do what you do?
I seek to improve myself and assist others who also strive to improve. I have a hunger for freedom, and adventure, living each day to its fullest on my own terms so that when my time comes there are no regrets. 

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​Kev Toonen - Strength & conditioning coach with over 15 years Australian military service and five years managing high performance programs.

What is the most valuable lesson your military experience taught you?
That the mind is primary. Being continually placed in conditions that challenged me physically and mentally for long periods of time over the last two decades, taught me a very good lesson, ‘you are capable of a lot more than you think you are’ Overcome the hurdle and then use it as a stepping stone to attack the next situation that comes your way. 
 
Most challenging hurdle you have faced and how you overcame it?
Understanding fear. Having a process or a mental checklist to move through situations that I’ve built up irrational fears to.  Being logical rather than emotional about things gives a real clarity to most situations. It takes time to develop but is very worth it.
 
Why do you do what you do?
I love the way training breaks down you physically and mentally. The way your inner voice can suggest easy ways out when you’re suffering or how it keeps you in check and develops more resilience. And coaching is the greatest “job” in the world. Having people learn and develop in front of me daily is a very rewarding and humbling experience. 

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​​Dave Farrell - A distinguished 17 year military career as an Infantry soldier, physical trainer and Special Forces operator. Successful businessman, executive leadership coach and consultant.

What is the most valuable lesson your military experience taught you?
My number one lesson is very simple. Never ever, ever give up! Keep going, even if it feels like you are going backwards, just keep going. 
 
Most challenging hurdle you have faced and how you overcame it?
 I don’t really have one in particular but any time l am challenged l stop, take a breath, think logically and unemotionally, come up with a workable course of action and get to it. Always refer to lesson #1 - never give up. 
 
Why do you do what you do?
I run a company named Veterans in Construction employing veterans on major constructions sites. Nothing is more satisfying than to watch a fellow veteran grow and thrive due to an opportunity l provided.

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Drummond Williamson – After 13 years of military service, started a strength & conditioning business and as the owner/head coach has run Crossfit 42South in Hobart for over 8 years. Last year qualified as a professional firefighter and currently serving with the Tasmanian Fire Service. 

What is the most valuable lesson your military experience?
​The humility to accept that failure will happen and the grit to use failure as an opportunity for growth and find a way.
 
Most challenging hurdle you have faced and how you overcame it?
Balancing the demands of being a husband, father, business owner and firefighter - I’ll let you know when I get it right.
 
Why do you do what you do?
Self-mastery. I enjoy experiences which take me away from my comfort zone both physically and mentally. These moments allow for growth. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get it wrong, and that’s okay, just keep learning.

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To learn from this elite team, join us at Point Tactics running 1-2nd March, 2019. Email now to secure the last of our remaining spots.