“Most coaches ask what is wrong with a person. Hanson asks what keeps happening around them. I have built a career on the difference.”
Words
Words from along the way
Different work. Different people. Some recurring observations.
Hanson Barry — founder, investor and operator. Many of the people below knew him first as Barry.
Short extracts are kept here; the complete recommendations remain on LinkedIn.
Antony Lewis
Crypto investing at Temasek · Author & occasional blogger
Hanson’s client · 2026
“We especially value Hanson for his ability to see what a young person can become, believe in them, and create the environment to help them get there.”
“Hanson has been the driving force behind the Dragons brand, its marketing and its commercial growth. The strategy and direction have always come from him.”
CEO, ZOINKS Global / WHY Design / Scadoodle
Worked with Hanson across companies · 2011
“His ability to boil down issues and focus on the main facts to get a project from start to completion makes doing business together a pleasure. He is creative and forward thinking.”
Corporate Communications & Marketing Leader · APAC
Worked with Hanson through AXN projects since 2002 · 2011
“I have known Barry since 2002 when AXN first partnered in a series of in-line hockey competitions for youth he was organising locally and regionally… Enthusiastic, passionate and boundless energy, Barry is one of the most fun partners to work with.”
Founder & Chief Learning Officer, Northpoint · ICF MCC
Worked with Hanson professionally · 2011
“It’s not very often you meet someone with as much passion and mental agility as Barry Hanson. His ‘never say die’ positive attitude is infectious, and he is a pleasure to work with.”
Business Consultant / Chief Dream Engineer
Worked with Hanson twice across events, sales and management · 2013
“Barry is a passionate leader with great skill and experience in marketing, business development and operations management… a positive think-outside-the-box manager and motivator…”
Director of Sales, KS Suspensions
Worked with Hanson but at different companies — Barry distributed KS Suspensions products 2002–2008 · 2012
“When he distributed our products (2002–2008), I could always count on him to push the boundaries to create and develop new business.”
Senior Manager (Academics - Marketing)
Hanson's client; her son was coached through the Dragons programme · 2026
“Our son, Aryan, has always been gentle and thoughtful, and Dragons has helped him grow in confidence and resilience without changing who he is. The Dragons Team creates an environment where children can thrive, while Hanson’s mentorship brings a personal touch.”
“He has extensive knowledge and experience with marketing companies, start-ups and is fantastically results focused. Hanson is also great at creating a fun culture for his teams…”
Education Leader
Worked with Hanson over a number of years, supporting each other's inline hockey events · 2011
“Barry is a dynamic leader with a good eye for detail and excellent people skills. Barry always ran professional events and always went the extra mile to ensure all participants were looked after.”
Trainer · Instructional Designer · Keynote Speaker
Hanson's client; her children were coached through his programmes · 2011
“He is consistent in his delivery with the kids. Making it enjoyable while they learn new skills, develop teamwork and learn responsibilities associated with their sports.”
“…he has been like a father to me and a life mentor to me for many years… always providing methods and coaching our minds to have a proactive mindset to use solution and life skill based thinking…”
Skateboarding & Street Culture Strategist
Worked with Hanson but at different companies · 2019
“If you know, you know! And if you know Barry, you know he has multitudes of energy, heaps of ideas and applies these to everything he does in his personal and professional life.”
Former Pro Skateboarder
“I’ve also seen his commitment to young people through sport, using skateboarding not just to build skills, but confidence, character and self-belief.”