Bulletproof Entrepreneur Ep.10 - Be Careful What You Wish For - Neil Simpson of The Corner sold his business. And then bought it back!
I think one of the reasons that this podcast is proving to be popular is that most of the stories follow that classic ‘Hero's Journey’’ narrative arc.
Our hero, the Founder is dissatisfied with the status quo of their current situation, sets off on a bold journey of discovery - starts a company, and faces insurmountable problems, huge challenges and fierce obstacles.
Eventually against all the odds, finds success and lives happily ever after!
If you watch almost any Hollywood film or Pixar movie, you'll see a version of this story unfold broadly along these lines.
And today’s real-life story begins by following the classic Hero's Journey - but there's a definite twist in the tail.
My guest, Neil Simpson is well known in the creative advertising sector and founded a leading agency called The Corner.
With his business partners, he built the company into one of the top independent agencies in the country and so, inevitably buyers came knocking on his door.
After one or two interesting but ultimately unsuccessful engagements Neil and his partners agreed to proceed with the sale of their business to a larger corporate.
What's interesting and I think is a huge lesson for independently-minded entrepreneurs is recognising that life after a sale, especially if you’re locked into an earn-out over several years can be a challenge.
The fact that you're no longer that creative, entrepreneurial fast-moving business and are now a cog in a much larger wheel may not be to your liking.
This conversation is packed with words of wisdom from someone who's pretty much done it all from working in, and ultimately leading, large multinational companies, to setting up and growing his own business, not once but twice, before selling and… well, you’ll have to listen to hear the full story - it’s quite a tale.
If you're a business owner or advise and consult with business owners, giving 60 minutes of your time to listen to the conversation will be the best investment you make this week.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Neil Simpson
Show notes
https://www.thecornerlondon.com/
This podcast is produced by GR Media
Sponsored by Capital Asset Management