In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur and author Steve Brown to explore the realities of starting and growing a business. Drawing on his own experience building a recruitment firm, Steve shares lessons on resilience, decision-making, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. We also discuss his new book 'Start & Build a Successful Business', which serves as the kind of practical guide he wishes he had when starting out.

Our conversation covers both the rewarding and the challenging aspects of business ownership. From the fears that come with relying too heavily on key customers or staff, to the breakthroughs that come from structured learning and peer support, Steve’s journey highlights what it really takes to build something sustainable.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

00:02:00 – Steve Brown’s Background & Book Idea

00:06:00 – The Tipping Point: Growing Beyond £2–3m Turnover

00:09:00 – Learning Through Cranfield & Mastermind Groups

00:15:00 – Mindset, Resilience & Lessons From Failure

00:22:00 – Writing Start & Build a Successful Business

00:27:45 – Self-publishing & Reflections on the Process

00:32:20 – The Future: AI in Recruitment

00:33:45 – Closing Thoughts

Key Topics Discussed:

• The motivation and process behind writing Start and Build a Successful Business
• Lessons learned from running and scaling a recruitment company
• Why resilience, tenacity, and mindset are critical for business leaders
• The value of peer networks, masterminds, and formal development (e.g. Cranfield’s Business Growth Programme)
• Overcoming setbacks, avoiding isolation, and learning from others’ mistakes
• Reflections on self-publishing and how AI is transforming traditional industries

Who This Episode Is For:

This discussion will resonate with business owners, entrepreneurs, and SME leaders who are navigating the challenges of growth. It’s also valuable for anyone considering starting a business and wanting a realistic but encouraging perspective on what lies ahead.

Quotes to Remember:

“What got you here, won’t get you there.”

“The darkest hour is always the hour before dawn.”

“If you are driven by giving value to your customers, then you’re always going to, that’s resilience in itself.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Find your peer network: Join mastermind groups or forums to share ideas, get perspective, and avoid isolation.
2. Prioritise mindset: Build resilience by treating setbacks as learning opportunities rather than permanent failures.
3. Keep learning: Look for structured programmes (like Cranfield’s) or mentoring to challenge your thinking and broaden your leadership approach.
4. Crystallise your vision: Use tools like vision boards to stay motivated and clear on your long-term goals.
5. Consider new channels: Whether writing, speaking, or running forums, find ways to share knowledge—it often leads to unexpected opportunities.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

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