Introducing Sam from Sussex County Business Club
Sharing the stories of companies across Sussex has been Sam’s goal for many years because ”everyone has a story to tell”.
The Sussex County Business Club is a community helping businesses to share their stories, through publications, podcasts, radio and events. Their belief in connection is what drew the Sussex Business Show’s attention, and how Sussex County Business Club became the proud media partner for the show.
We catch up with Sam for his story and more…
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in your career?
Say yes to opportunities. I think for me, life is an opportunity, and the more we say yes to these opportunities, then the more things happen for you. I’ve created so many opportunities by just saying yes to things. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and go for it.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?
Don’t be afraid to fail. I think that’s the biggest fear and I’ve failed many times, but actually, what we learn from failure is so valuable and that’s the main lesson that we need.
I actually started my business journey here in Brighton in 2010 with a hair salon. But in 2013, unfortunately, I closed it as it didn’t work out. I lost lots of money, had to sell my house in Essex. But actually, that introduced me into the world of business and I built some amazing contacts here and I’ve gone on to run businesses in and around Brighton. I learned from that that actually we can learn so much from failure.
So, I think whatever you do in life, just don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t fear failure.
If you had to write a book tomorrow, what would you write about?
I host a podcast and over the last three years, I’ve done nearly 120 episodes. Just by listening, I’ve learned so much, so I’m actually in the process of collating a lot of those lessons that I’ve learned and am writing a book called ‘Lessons from Listening’, about people’s life stories and journeys and what we can learn from listening.
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
I think it would be just being kind. I think kindness is such an important value and one of my core values that I’ll try and live by. I think if we can try and create a world where people are more kind, I think it’s a place I certainly want to be.
What are three books you’d recommend to our audience and why?
I’m a massive audible fan, so I listen to books more than I actually read. But some of them that I’ve listened to recently have been amazing.
- Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty – amazing book which really helps you to look at why we should be more present in our lives. I learned a lot of lessons from that.
- Diary of a CEO by Stephen Bartlett – I’m a massive fan of his 33 laws of business and life. There’s so much to take away from those.
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – I thought it was amazing to listen to the founder of Nike’s entrepreneurial journey, what he’s done and what he’s created with Nike, the ups and downs, it was incredible.
What does your morning routine look like?
I am actually an early riser, up at 05:00 most mornings and I try to get out for a little bit of exercise first thing like sea swimming.
I then come back and crack on and try to get a little bit of work done first thing before the kids are up. And then it’s the kids routine and getting them to school and then getting back and cracking on with my day and working and events or hosting a podcast and stuff like that.
Family time is really important to me, so we try to eat dinner together, the four of us. And then I sometimes try to switch off a little bit at night, but often with deadlines or events I’m at, I tend to maybe do a little bit of work in the evenings as well, but I have got the freedom and flexibility to be able to do that.
What are three other podcasts you recommend to our audience and why?
Podcasts have been a game changer for me. And I was inspired to start my own from listening to the following:
- High Performance – was the first ever podcast I listened to, and I really, really recommend that.
- Diary of a CEO and Stephen Bartlett – I think the conversations he has, how he interviews is incredible and the lessons that you can learn from them are amazing.
- On Purpose by Jay Shetty – I think this podcast is brilliant, that delves a little bit more into the spirituality side of things and trying to be more present in life.
To meet this community-extraordinaire and to share your story with Sam, make sure to book your tickets for the Sussex Business Show this September.
