‘I’ll get a batch of these sent off to several clinics in Ireland and the UK, Nico,’ Pierce immediately steps in. ‘Ceana and I handed out a pile of business cards on our trip. There was a lot of interest and I think we should see the enquiries begin to roll in quite quickly.’

I think the rest of us are a little taken aback at Pierce’s proactive approach. He’s very business-orientated and it feels a little out of step with how things have been run in the past.

‘Great, thank you both,’ Nico replies, sporting a big smile. ‘Fern has been organising everything in Ceana’s absence and she’s done an amazing job of directing us all. There isn’t much left to do. We didn’t unpack the things for the treatment rooms, Pierce, so maybe Fern will help you get that all sorted. You can draft in additional help as needed.’

There’s a lot of nodding heads around the table, more than willing to help if required.

‘Great. Have you decided yet on the maximum number of places that are going to be available? It’s something that needs to be finalised with some urgency as it will impact on everyone and, in particular, I’m thinking about the catering side of things. I know the first couple of weeks will be lighter as we test everything out, but places are going to fill quickly. Once we’re confident we have a chance of hitting our targets, we can look for some additional help.’

Pierce has only been back here a couple of hours and already he’s putting pressure on Nico, but Nico seems unfazed.

‘I am conscious we’re placing a lot on both your and Ceana’s shoulders, Pierce. I’m hoping Ceana and I can work through the accommodation issues together and look at the logistics.’

‘I have a few ideas, Nico, and I’m sure you do, too. It will probably mean a little reorganisation, but if we look at that later this afternoon, then we can run through the changes with the group after dinner tonight, maybe?’ Ceana is our acknowledged organiser, but suddenly even she sounds more business-orientated. The course and her time away with Pierce have been extremely productive, it seems. I am surprised that his attitude has rubbed off on her, though, as it’s a very different approach, albeit one that’s probably what was needed.

Glancing around the table, I don’t think I’m the only one who didn’t realise the arrival of one new person could change the dynamic of the whole group. I can only hope that’s a positive development and Nico doesn’t end up stressing as his original dream morphs into something quite different.