Episode One. Welcome to a new ongoing series The Balance looking at real stories of personal difficulty within the advice profession and financial services. In this episode James Thorneley, former global head of media relations at Standard Life, recounts how he smashed his skull during an epileptic fit. He required serious surgery and over a month off work. Laura Purkess asks what support he received from his employer and colleagues, and how important it was to take the time needed to recover. The pair talk about what employers can do to support staff going through difficulties in their personal lives.