He studied Environmental Science at the University of Ulster has completed two master's degrees with dissertations in leadership and a Doctor in Business Administration.

[3] A retired Royal Navy Captain Young continues to provide leadership assessment and development expertise to the Senior Service in a part-time capacity.

[citation needed] Previously, as Dean of the Navy's engineering college, Young introduced an output-focussed strategy management system, and a coaching culture, which underpinned the first ever military OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ award achieved in the UK.

[5] Young runs a boutique consultancy 'helping change leaders' and is a research active academic and author of numerous journal articles.

[6][7] Young was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2005, in recognition for his contribution to leadership development in the Royal Navy.