By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
There is an enormous appetite on social media for behind-the-scenes access to the lives of business people, creatives, and entrepreneurs through snapshot videos of days in their lives, flitting in time to the beat of an Insta-famous song. Business leaders possess an enduring appeal. We seem to be obsessed with their lives, from where they get their morning coffee to their chosen workout routines, and from the sort of software tools they use to their elaborate wind-down rituals. But underneath all the glamour, business leaders have some serious stories to tell. What really goes on behind closed doors? What struggles, obstacles and setbacks did they face on their climb to the top of their games?
This month, it’s time to get the details. I had the pleasure of talking to six BBB business leaders about their journeys to success, what risks they took along the way and what genuinely inspires them to get back to the grindstone every morning.
The question of what truly motivates great leaders yields answers that are as varied as they are moving. Kate Bright, the CEO of Umbra International, a leading client private office offering a range of bespoke protective and proactive security solutions, tells me that her primary motivation comes from, “the thought that [she] is in a privileged position to be able to help, empower and protect those who can’t protect or support themselves for whatever reason.” For Heather Darnell, the Founder and Finance Director at Ask the Boss, a business accelerator platform, “being part of the local business community and helping people reach their business and finance goals,” is the primary motivating factor. “Although,” she adds, “I confess that Cher’s character in the movie, Moonstruck, partially motivated me too. Seeing her popping in and out of her neighbours’ businesses and being a trusted part of the community was very attractive!” Ian Patterson, CEO at Equinox and Equinox Charter, a duo of travel services companies, says his motivation comes from seeing the world. “My job has allowed me to visit so many unique and wonderful places,” he says. Ronel Lehmann, CEO of Finito, a company that helps first-time job hunters make the transition from education to employment, says his key motivation at work is, “the gratitude from those you have helped.” For him, “that beats anything.”
The early days of any business person’s journey are laden with risks, and many of the great business owners I talked to shared ways that they mitigated risk in every way they could. Patterson told me that although starting a business always requires financial investment, he had been in business with his business partner for over 20 years, so there was trust and expertise on each side. “We knew we had good clients that would follow us if we set up on our own,” he says. For Bright, too, extensive client experience and connections diminished the sense of risk she felt when building Umbra International. “In terms of financial risk, I still work with three of the families I worked with in my first job, so in many ways, starting the business was low risk for me.” For Max Slaght, the Director of Domus Stay, a holiday rental company setting a new standard for short stays in London, “our first major risk was the survival of the dream.” Slaght and his business partner Rachel Agnell started the business in early 2020, so by April, the lockdown had hit and they weren’t able to welcome their first international guests until June 2021. “Like most other businesses we had to cut back on spending, staffing and fundamentally operating, the doors were firmly shut,” he says. “But, we worked very hard to keep the operations side of the business alive, working behind the scenes on overall strategy. In those very dark early days, we truly laid the foundation on which this thriving business is built.”
Asking a business leader what makes a good business leader is an uncomfortable question to ask. Many of the leaders I spoke to took the opportunity to reflect on their own learnings, or on the qualities of leaders they have respected throughout their own careers. For Rupert Longsdon, the Founder and CEO of Oxford Ski, it’s clear: Good leaders should, “empower others, delegate and build strong teams.” Patterson agrees, telling me that sometimes it’s not just about the strength of the leader, but about the “layering of the people you put in place, from the directors to senior management.” For Slaght and Darnell, “good listening skills,” are of the utmost importance. Slaught says, “there’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth. Listening to others, your team, your family and friends and learning from them is so important.”
There’s no denying it’s hard work running a business, so it’s important for high-flyers to reflect on the moments of which they’re most proud and the challenges they’ve overcome. For Longsdon, a proud moment was the company’s handling of the pandemic. He says, “we’ve come out of these strange few years better and stronger.” Darnell tells me that there is pride in knowing that “every person that has ever worked for me has learned new things during their time with us. They can apply those things not only to our clients, but to their own lives, and future jobs when they decide to move on. I’m proud of every single one of them.” For Bright, it’s all about celebrating the moments that fill her with pride as the business grows. She says, “as we reach new revenue points, I always make a point to celebrate.”
And what of the next generation? Our BBB leaders were kind enough to share their wisest words with budding business people of tomorrow. Bright believes in creating your own fun by “[bringing] the things you enjoy to your business and being your authentic self. You’ll find you’ll attract a team, clients and a wider community that align with it.” For Darnell, pragmatism is key. She says, “always pay attention to your finances, and not just the money in your bank account. You don’t need to become an accountant to run a business, but you should learn what a tax liability is and what your profitability is and be able to see what it will take financially to hit your business goals.”
For Longsdon and Patterson, it’s all about listening to others. “If I started a business again I would also have a mentor, consultant, and non-exec,” says the former, adding that “I would have worked with someone with more life and business experience to look from the outside in and support me in making key decisions rather than doing it all on my own.” For Patterson, it’s simple: “Believe in your idea, discuss it with others, and work hard.”
Europe’s Hottest New Hotel Openings
By Amira Hashish
As Europe opens its doors for the season, there are some very glamorous new hotel openings to get excited about. From the new dawn of Capri’s original hotel to a glamorous getaway on the Athenian Riviera and Christian Louboutin’s first foray into hotelier life, here are the hotspots to have on your radar…
Son Net, Mallorca
In a nutshell: Palma’s secret palace.
What’s the story? Just 20 minutes outside of Palma in Mallorca, this 17th-century estate is palatial in every sense. In the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains, there is exquisite scenery and art at every turn. Chill in one of the private cabanas, take a dip in one of the pools, book in a spa treatment or explore the acres of gardens. Then retreat to a meticulously restored suite by interior designer Lorenzo Castillo with rustic beams, stone floors and antique fireplaces. Keep an eye out for the private chapel, vineyard and a century-old olive oil press as well. If a day at sea appeals, ask about the sailboat tours of the island’s turquoise waters and white sand coves.
Book: sonnet.es
Hotel La Palma, Capri
In a nutshell: The most coveted opening in Capri.
What’s the story? The ultimate La Dolce Vita experience awaits in the hotly anticipated rebirth of Hotel La Palma. Capri’s first ever hotel, which has been hosting the great and good on the island for more than 200 years, dramatically shut its doors last season to embark on a major overhaul. It is now under the helm of the Oetker Collection (Le Bristol in Paris, Eden Rock in St Barths, Jumby Bay in the Caribbean) and the Reuben Brothers. In the very heart of the Amalfi’s party piazza, its new guise will be revealed this summer and we are expecting big, bold, beautiful things. Another hot ticket will be a daybed at La Palma Beach Club on the coast.
Book: oetkercollection.com
One&Only Aesthesis, Athens
In a nutshell: The place to draw out summer.
What’s the story? Set on a private oceanfront estate, One&Only’s latest European opening is an idyllic base for an Athenian adventure. Rooms are dotted around the Riviera views and coastline. The restaurant is set to highlight traditional dishes from the region and a spa will offer treatments by Chenot. We have a little longer to wait for this one as it is expected to debut in autumn but the good news is that this is the perfect time to visit Athens so you can make that Greek summer getaway last a little longer.
Book: oneandonlyresorts.com
Hotel Vermelho, Melides
In a nutshell: Christian Louboutin becomes a hotelier.
What’s the story? Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin brings his glamorous eye to the Alentejo coast in Portugal with his very own hotel opening. He named the boutique escape after his love of the colour red (Vermelho means red in Portugese) and you will find splashes of it around the property. Each of the thirteen luxury rooms is individually designed with rare artworks, handpicked by Louboutin, alongside local Alentejo tiles. Local craftsmanship is championed and frescoes adorn the ceilings. The restaurant, named Xtian, embraces traditional cuisine with artisanal tableware and an ever-changing atmosphere that gets more sumptuous as the sun sets.
Book: vermelhohotel.com
Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris
In a nutshell: A chic stay for the creative set.
What’s the story? Originally built in the 1950s, the Hôtel Dame des Arts has been given a new lease of life by lauded Parisian designer Raphaël Navot. There is an industrial edge to the new look, befitting of the creative scene in its surroundings of the Latin Quarter. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city whilst the courtyard restaurant headed by Chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda fuses French cuisine with Mexican flavour. Book a terrace room overlooking the Eiffel Tower to live out that Parisian fantasy. Other notable Parisian openings include Le Grand Mazarin in Le Marais and La Fantaisie in the always cool 9th arrondissement. Both are designed by Martin Brudnizki who never shies away from the lavish… he counts Annabel’s in Mayfair amongst his projects.
Book: damedesarts.com
COMO Le Montrachet, Burgundy
In a nutshell: Wine country with the wow factor.
What’s the story? The first COMO hotel in France has recently started welcoming guests in Burgundy. One for wine lovers, it is nestled just a few steps from the legendary Le Montrachet vineyard. A traditional palace takes centre stage with surrounding heritage buildings comprising 31 bedrooms. The on site restaurant offers wine-paired menus (but of course) and there is a spa too. Paola Navone Otto Studio has created an elegant, elevated design with a nod to the palettes of the countryside.
Book: comohotels.com
Hoxton, Brussels
In a nutshell: That Seventies vibe.
What’s the story? It is hard to keep up with the latest buzzy opening from the Hoxton collection but if you are seeking a cool city break or looking for a stylish place to stay on business, the Brussels edition is one to watch. Housed in a brutalist tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM, there is a Seventies vibe to the design scheme. The rooftop terrace has fabulous views and the site is also home to the first Working From_ co-working space in Europe. Doors open in May. Meanwhile, Hoxton Berlin has just opened in the city’s Charlottenburg neighbourhood.
Book: thehoxton.com
Six Senses, Rome
In a nutshell: Roman baths in a picturesque Palazzo
What’s the story? When in Rome, if you are on the hunt for all the grandeur of a Palazzo coupled with the ultimate spa experience look no further than Italy’s first Six Senses opening. Super close to Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon, the location could not be easier and you can soak up the vistas from the rooftop terrace. With a UNESCO-listed façade setting the tone, many of the building’s original features have been brought back to their original glory including the rather magnificent central staircase. The spa revolves around the traditional Roman baths whilst the restaurant merges the ambience of a classic trattoria with organic ingredients. Other openings from the collection include the recently launched Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland with the Loire Valley, Austria and Iceland also in the pipeline.
Book: sixsenses.com
Weightlifting and How It Changed My Life
By Mirella, Personal Trainer – Mirella Fitness
Many women opt for hours of cardio in their fitness routines and neglect the power of weightlifting. I was always a cardio bunny, spending hours pounding the streets around my hometown. I loved it…it gave me an escape. But I never achieved the type of body I wanted. I also enjoyed workouts with weights, classes at the gym, home workouts via VHS, but it wasn’t anything serious. By serious, I mean, lifting real weight!
Like many women, I was all about the ‘burn’, and that was only felt through smashing myself with lots of endurance! Hours pounding the streets or the treadmill. It wasn’t until I got serious about the weights that I realised how addictive building strength could be. And how easy it can be to change my body and maintain the results.
There are many misconceptions about women and weightlifting, particularly when it comes to women’s physical appearance. Not only can lifting weights help women achieve their fitness goals, but the health benefits (both mental and physical) are huge. Here are just a few…
- Increased muscle mass – not only does it make you look leaner, but it raises your BMR (calories your body burns at rest). This means you’ll need to eat more to maintain your muscles, win win!
- Increases strength – from the age of 30, women begin to atrophy (lose muscle) so it really is important to strength train so you can continue to carry shopping, sit on the toilet, climb stairs or even mountains as you go into old age!
- It’s fun – weight lifting itself is a fun and effective form of exercise. Using your newfound strength to do things you couldn’t previously do, like a chin up!
- Confidence – knowing your own strength (and knowing how easy it is to get stronger) is a huge confidence booster, not to mention going into the gym and feeling like you are a warrior woman! Forget the cardio for achieving a toned body… weights are where it’s at!
- You can shape and sculpt your body – weight training gives you the ability to focus on certain muscle groups and attain the physique you desire. Some of my favourite exercises for women focus on achieving perky glutes!
- Bone health – women’s bones are at risk of osteoporosis as we age. Lifting weights increases bone density, particularly around menopause, and helps keep bones healthy.
As well as the many benefits above, weightlifting also helped me to build a better relationship with food. I now love food, without having a guilty relationship with it. I no longer restrict myself or use it as punishment. Instead, it nurtures my body and fuels my workouts.
As a Personal Trainer, I have really enjoyed helping so many women learn to lift safely and effectively, and ultimately find a love for lifting weights too!
So, if you’re tired of working out endlessly, living a miserable life by restricting foods and calories, and still not seeing the results you want, then perhaps it’s time to look at how weights could make you feel amazing!