How Patrick taught Me to stop being afraid

Have you ever thought about who changed your life? Professionally, I mean. I have a few people like that. Patrick Knight is definitely one of them.

The Man Who Dreamed Every Morning

I met him in 2006. He was an enthusiastic young entrepreneur who dreamed every day — every morning brought a new idea, a new vision. For most people around him, it was exhausting. They simply couldn’t keep up with where his mind was going. For me, it was one of the greatest inspirations I had ever experienced. That you can live in a state of permanent experimentation and still keep moving forward.

But Patrick didn’t just inspire me with his energy. He fixed something that was quietly holding me back.

The Fear That Was Silently Holding Me Back

At the time, I was used to doing business only in the Czech Republic. I spoke English, but like a typical Czech, I kept telling myself it wasn’t good enough. From that came a very specific fear — calling strangers in English. I was afraid of rejection. Afraid of hearing: “I don’t understand you.” It’s the same fear a young salesperson feels when they have to call a senior manager. An exaggerated sense of respect that paralyzes you before you even dial the number.

The Technique That Changed How I Handle Rejection

Patrick had a simple piece of advice: “Imagine the worst that can happen. They say no. That’s it. You have many more on your list. The next call will be better, because you’re learning.” He was right. Once I had already lived through the rejection in my head, it lost its power over me. Then he added: “Now imagine what a great product we have. How it will help them. And tell them exactly that — with that enthusiasm. Just that positive energy will open their minds.”

I still use this technique today. People want to talk to people who are genuinely passionate about what they do.

Tony Robbins in Our MP3 Players and Wagamama on Good Days

Back then, we both had Tony Robbins lectures loaded on our MP3 players and listened to them on repeat. Mentors and coaches weren’t everywhere yet — those recordings kept us sharp and motivated. Everything around InSkin Media was new to me. The Western world, Britain with its open culture, Patrick and his motivational debates, our partner Vineet Kothari with his IT firm in Calcutta, and clients all across England.

Every Monday morning I flew ThomsonFly to Bournemouth, where we were based. Friday morning, back home. I lived with the others in a rented flat and was obsessed with a spicy Italian sub from Subway. When we pulled something off, we celebrated at Wagamama. I loved that time.

What Britain Taught Me About Straight Talking

I went to meetings with Patrick and learned. He opened my eyes and gave me the confidence to do business in Britain even as a non-native speaker. He showed me something I hadn’t expected — that selling to the British is actually great. They respect their time. They tell you straight away whether they’re interested or not. No vagueness, no unanswered emails, no ignored calls. Just straight talking. That was a revelation compared to what I was used to back home.

Thank You, Patrick

Thanks to him, I started booking meetings in London from Prague and then flying over the following week to close them. With InSkin, I did business development in Germany, Poland, and other countries. I simply went for it.

Patrick and I haven’t spoken in a long time. But I want to thank him — publicly. Because at a critical moment, he didn’t just help me overcome fear. He taught me how to overcome it again and again. And that is the most valuable thing anyone can give me.

Thank you, Patrick.