In this special episode, Fredrik meets Mark Wright, the winner of BBC's The Apprentice in 2014, and founder of Climb Online, a digital marketing company run by Mark and Lord Alan Sugar.
In this remarkably candid conversation, Mark shares his insights on the business landscape, as well as practical advice for those looking to grow, as well as the story of his own journey, both past and present; one that has led him from humble beginnings to the highest level of the business world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mark had a passion for business and creativity from an early age, and figured out quite quickly that a normal job wasn’t going to be a fit. From rural beginnings in Australia, Mark chose to develop his own personal training company. From here, he went into sales, and quickly found success. Success with Lord Sugar, and in the expansion of Climb Online has enabled Mark to become the owner of five more companies.
As an investor, it’s far more important to understand the person you’re investing in, rather than the business.
Self-improvement is paramount to Mark. By attending events, he realised that he needed to associate with people far more successful than he was, so that their value could transfer to him. This is what led him to set up Climb Con, an event which aims to provide incredible value to those wishing to take their growth to the next level.
Discipline is the key to success and focus. Mark recognises that a background in military or sports training often leads to success in business, due to the military’s insistence on imbuing their recruits with an enhanced sense of focus and purpose.
As Mark has grown, the meaning of investing in himself has changed. From wanting nothing but financial freedom, he now values personal development time, such as gym work and free time, as the most valuable aims in life.
Formal education is all very well, but often by the time a course of education has ended, the landscape has changed. Developments have occurred which can mean that parts of your education are redundant. Mark advises practical experience, and learning from ever-regenerating information sources, such as podcasts and seminars, as well as the advice of business peers.
Too many people are not risking enough. Often people play to not lose, instead of playing to win. You have to risk a little to win big.
Those wishing to make serious money must expand exponentially. You must always be growing, because monetary success can only come by scaling up your business.
Starting is the key. When you have a full-time job, you are given the perfect excuse to never take the leap, because you already have security. Mark advises quitting and giving your venture a proper try. Even if you fail, you can always tell yourself that you tried.
As time has gone on, Mark credits new concepts with being his driving force. After having accumulated wealth, ideas and their development are what attract and excite him. Germinating an idea from concept to reality provides the strongest sense of satisfaction.
BEST MOMENTS
‘I’ve always been this prolific in my own head’
‘From the day I went into The Apprentice boardroom, my life just changed completely’
‘You’ve got to have an instinct for when you get onto a good thing’
‘You never invest in a business. You invest in a person’
‘Don’t get bitter. Get better’
‘I love games where it takes a lot to be the best at it’
‘Success is being happy within yourself’
‘Making money gives you freedom’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Invest In You Podcast
Climb Con
Climb Online
ABOUT THE HOST
Serial entrepreneur Fredrik Sandvall loves sharing ideas and interviewing world-class entrepreneurs and influencers. Invest in You is about investments, entrepreneurs, personal development and doing fun things. He hopes to ensure you take action, helping others and yourself, plus enjoy the journey we call life.
CONTACT METHOD
Contact Fredrik Sandvall – Invest in You
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://sandvallinvest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/investing-skills/id1445899547?mt=2
