*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:9cb784f1-3ddb-4a6a-8eaa-3d800bb74913-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:9cb784f1-3ddb-4a6a-8eaa-3d800bb74913-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> Develop Mental Resilience – The AGRROW Process with Mark Dorrity

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the KLR Marketing Podcast, Grahame Rees sits down with longtime friend Mark Dorrity to unpack one of the most important skills in life and business: mental resilience.

Mark's story is extraordinary.

At just 28 years old, Mark was a highly successful wool buyer and accomplished athlete when his life changed forever. After collapsing from severe heat stroke during a fun run in 1988, Mark endured catastrophic health complications including kidney failure, severe brain injury, and the amputation of his left leg.

Doctors believed he would spend the rest of his life bedridden.

But Mark had other ideas.

Through an incredible rebuild process, Mark developed what he now calls the AGRROW Process — a practical framework for building resilience, navigating adversity, and regaining control when life throws the unexpected at you.

This conversation is filled with lessons for agriculture, business, and life.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Mark's remarkable story of survival and recovery after catastrophic injury
• Why resilience is not a feeling — it's a way of thinking
• How to stop letting emotion drive decision-making
• The importance of accepting reality before moving forward
• Why goals create clarity during difficult times
• How responsibility shifts your mindset from victim to action
• Why resources and mentors matter more than trying to do everything alone
• How opportunities appear when you build capability
• Why "What's Next?" is one of the most powerful questions you can ask

The AGRROW Process

Mark's mental resilience framework is built around six key steps:

A — Accept

Acceptance doesn't mean liking your situation.

It means facing reality honestly.

Mark explains that until you fully accept where you are, it's impossible to move forward effectively.

For farmers, this could mean accepting:

• Current seasonal conditions
• Market realities
• Financial pressures
• Family or succession challenges

Acceptance gives you your starting point.

G — Goals

Once reality is clear, define where you want to go.

Goals create direction and clarity.

Mark's early goals were simple but powerful:

• Walk
• Talk
• Live independently

These goals gave him something to move toward, even when progress felt impossible.

R — Responsibility

This is where ownership begins.

Mark stresses that no one else can do the work for you.

Support matters—but responsibility must stay with you.

This means asking:

• What can I control?
• What action can I take today?
• Where do I need to improve?

R — Resources

No one rebuilds alone.

Mark leaned heavily on:

• Doctors
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Mentors
• Speech coaches
• Supportive friends

Resources can also include:

• Education
• Tools
• Coaches
• Networks
• Systems

The key is being willing to seek help.

O — Opportunities

As you grow capability, new opportunities begin to appear.

Opportunities often come disguised as:

• Challenges
• Difficult decisions
• Safe risks
• Uncomfortable growth moments

Mark's opportunities included:

• Returning to work
• Driving again
• Learning public speaking
• Writing his memoir
• Helping others build resilience

W — What's Next?

Growth never ends.

Resilience is not a one-time achievement.

It's a continual process of resetting, adapting, and moving forward.

The question becomes:

What's next?

Key Takeaways 1. Resilience is a learned skill

You can develop it.

It isn't something you either have or don't have.

2. Don't let emotions drive decisions

Emotions matter—but decisions need clarity.

This strongly aligns with KLR's principles around managing:

• Grass
• Money
• Livestock

Facts first. Decisions second.

3. Do a "Cold Audit"

Mark repeatedly refers to the importance of a cold audit.

Assess the facts without emotion.

Ask:

• What is my current reality?
• What do I actually have?
• What is within my control?

This is exactly how great decision-makers operate.

4. Progress is never linear

Growth includes setbacks.

Recovery includes failure.

The key is continuing to adjust and move forward.

5. Safe risks create growth

Mark shares the importance of taking "safe risks."

Growth often requires stepping into discomfort while managing downside risk.

Memorable Quotes

"Resilience is not a feeling. It's a way of thinking."

"You can't control everything, but you can control what you do."

"Acceptance gives you your starting line."

"Don't let emotion drive your decision making."

"You could be right, you could be wrong—but I'll back myself."

"You can always start again."

Final Thoughts

Mark's story is a remarkable reminder that adversity doesn't define us—our response does.

Whether you're facing drought, market volatility, family pressure, or personal setbacks, the AGRROW process offers a practical framework to rebuild with clarity and purpose.

At KLR, we often talk about making better decisions by focusing on what we can control.

This conversation with Mark takes that principle to a deeper level.

When life gets difficult, start with a cold audit, clarify your goals, and ask yourself:

What's next?

Listen in for a powerful conversation on resilience, recovery, and rebuilding.