Duratus
[Latin] To endure or to harden
Develop your optimum self
Unrivalled learning
Experienced
Our coaches and mentors take your needs seriously. They are not better than you, but they have had unique career opportunities which give them rare insights into optimum human performance and mindset. They have succeeded in navigating uncertainty many times. We understand that performing under pressure is tough, but we seek to understand your limitations and give you the tools to succeed and excel with those around you. We have worked with hundreds of people just like you.
Knowledgeable
Our coaches and mentors have previously worked and led through the busiest period in Special Forces history. They have a deep understanding of human psychology, along with the rare performance insights their careers gave them. They have tested themselves to their limit without compromising their own well-being. They have done this whilst balancing their private lives and repeatedly proving their resilience. They're coaches and experienced leaders who are great at communicating the formula of success you need for yourself or your team.
Your Success is Our Goal
We are focussed and goal driven people. As a client of ours, if you aren't succeeding then we aren't succeeding - but as coaches, we don't quit! We understand that adapting new habits and thoughts is difficult - and often fail. Our goal is to change your view on yourself, so that your mental toughness, resilience and authentic leadership qualities become your defining features. You'll be more Duratus.
your questions answered
What will I learn?
You will learn why you feel what you feel! That may be unfulfilled, stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, constantly seeking perfection or overthinking. It may also be how to increase your resilience and mental strength. You will learn what's happening inside your physiology, and what you can do about it to allow you to perform optimally. We specialise in helping you overcome the barriers between you and your goals. You will feel like you can navigate any uncertainty.
What "tools" will I get?
You will get 24/7 access to your research based, performance enhancing tools which will open the door to the best version of you. You will experience clarity of thought and significantly improved mental toughness. You will also gain access to a bank of mentors who understand your difficulties and can empathise with your thinking.
What can I expect?
You will feel more confident, lead others better and see the challenges you face in a completely different light. You will be able to better demonstrate resilience to yourself and others having a new levels of confidence and drive in today's challenging fast paced world.
Who are we?
Ruairi Dwyer MBE
Ruairi has served over 22 years in the British military, with the vast majority of his career being spent within UK Special Forces. He started his career as a Royal Marine, then at a young age joined UKSF where he continued to serve until recently, leaving the organisation as a senior leader in charge of globally dispersed teams. He has spent his entire career within operational roles giving him an incredible bank of experiences as a leader to lean on and mentor others. He received formal recognition for this truly exemplary service with an MBE.
Since leaving the military Ruairi has worked as an adviser to large corporations running expeditions and operations in the most complex of environments. His passion now remains in using his vast experience within elite military units to mentor individuals and organisations in their own leadership development. He also draws on unique insight and experience to help grow other high performance teams.
Martin Jones
Dr Martin Jones is a sport and exercise psychologist with more than 15 years of supporting athletes, parents, coaches, performance directors, military personnel, and adventurers. Martin currently holds an honorary Senior Lecturer role at the University of Exeter and is a visiting Professor at Hartpury University. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and recently moved into the defence and security sector to research sleep, fatigue, resilience, and human performance. He currently participates in two NATO research task groups on human performance, and he supports several human performance initiatives in the defence and security sector.
Martin uses his knowledge of sport and exercise psychology to help clients learn evidence-based techniques that build high-performance mindsets and teams. His ability to translate complex ideas into clear and understandable concepts will help you and your team use cutting-edge research in your organisation.
Martin is a member of the British Sleep Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an Associate Fellow, and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, a Science Council Chartered Scientist, and a Health and Care professions Council Registered Practitioner Psychologist.
Garry 'Gaz' Banford
Gaz is the founder of Duratus UK and served over 22 years in UK MOD, 16 of which were in Special Forces. He is one of the UK’s most experienced combat leaders serving all of his years with UKSF in the challenging years and aftermath of the Twin Towers attacks. He rose to rank of Sergeant Major before he ended his contract in 2019 having honed his craft working within, but also leading high performing teams throughout this most distinguished of careers.
He now coaches high performing teams and individuals helping them to optimise their own leadership, behaviours, and resilience. Working with teams from finance to football, he's learned how to help them communicate their problems better, demonstrate authentic leadership for performing under pressure, whilst always managing their own wellbeing. His combination of authenticity, great communication, and ability to get to the crux of your issues quickly really helps your people navigate their own challenges better.