Ideas Club Building a Brand with Authenticity and Staying in Your Lane w/ Proudlock
In this episode, David and Jamie sit down with Oliver Proudlock, sharing his journey from an unexpected start in reality television to becoming a successful multi-business owner. Proudlock opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his worldview, including his parents' bankruptcy and his mother's unconventional creative spirit, and how these experiences fuel his commitment to authenticity and a strong work ethic today.
The conversation offers a deep dive into the delicate balance between professional ambition and personal life, particularly the desire to be a present father. He explains the driving force behind his businesses, Serge DeNimes and QV. He emphasises the importance of community, long-term relationships and staying true to yourself in the face of a rapidly changing digital landscape.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Joining Reality TV
Proudlock recounts his struggle with the "hardest decision" to join Made in Chelsea for the platform it could provide his fledgling brand.
The philosophy that changed his mind: "You regret the things you don't do in life a lot more than the things you do do".
Maintaining authenticity on the show by avoiding the centre stage to avoid drama and ensure his family and friends could be proud of him.
2. The Dual-Sided Motivation
Inspired by his creative mother, Proudlock developed a tendency to "juggle" multiple things.
His drive for having multiple ventures stems from seeing his parents go bankrupt and a need to be financially secure for the future.
He is learning to juggle less in his workspace to focus on what brings the most joy and reward, allowing more time to be present with his kids and wife.
3. The Power of Authenticity in Business
His personal mantra for business: "Love it, live it"
Authenticity is the most important thing for the content he shares, ensuring it is intertwined in his real life, not a set-up scenario.
His fashion sense, influenced by his mother, is a "super power", being brave enough to stand out and not care about what other people think.
4. Navigating the Digital Realm
The importance of building relationships and fostering community through brands like Serge DeNimes.
His advice for a 22-year-old creative, lean in, go all in and follow your gut instinct.
The key to mitigating burnout is authenticity and staying in your own "lane," avoiding comparison with what everyone else is doing.
🧭 Proudlock's Invitation
Go all in on your idea, believing that the pieces will come together, even if you make mistakes.
Check out Serge DeNimes here: https://www.sergedenimes.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo19fwDOWK2gQsiszXQM7ZvYW2DyJ-ZhBfdJRBKfIM3ni-wvvPz
Look at his wine here Quatre Vin (wine):
Follow Ollie on Instagram - @proudlock
📖 Featured Quote
"You regret the things you don't do in life a lot more than the things you do do." - Oliver Proudlock
📚 Mentioned in this Episode
Serge DeNimes
Quatre Vin (Ollie's wine brand)
Made in Chelsea
Help I'm a Parent