Summary

John Barber, a successful business consultant and entrepreneur, shares his journey from the finance sector to property investment. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right agents in the property industry and highlights the challenges involved in property management. John also discusses his role as a visiting coach at the Royal College of Arts, where he mentors startups on business strategies. He attributes his success to ambition, a fear of failure, and a desire to build confidence in himself. John reflects on the changing landscape of the financial market, with companies like Bloomberg and Thompson Financial dominating the industry. In this conversation, John Barber shares his experiences in various industries, including finance, biotech, and the pizza business. He emphasizes the importance of determination and hard work in achieving success. John also discusses the challenges of balancing personal life and business commitments. The conversation highlights the significance of due diligence and the ability to make brave decisions. The best advice John received was to trust his intuition and not be afraid to take risks.

Takeaways

Finding the right agents is crucial in the property industry.

Property management involves various challenges, such as selecting the right properties, dealing with maintenance and insurance, and upgrading properties.

Mentoring startups on business strategies can be rewarding and impactful.

Ambition, a fear of failure, and a desire to build confidence are driving forces for success.

Companies like Bloomberg and Thompson Financial have become dominant players in the financial market. Determination and hard work are essential for achieving success in any industry.

Balancing personal life and business commitments can be challenging for entrepreneurs.

Due diligence is crucial when making business decisions, including investments and acquisitions.

Being brave and trusting your intuition can lead to successful outcomes.

Taking calculated risks is necessary for entrepreneurial success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Barber

01:44 John's Focus on Property Investment

03:23 Challenges and Successes in Property Investment

04:42 John's Role as a Visiting Coach at the Royal College of Arts

06:37 John's Transition from Finance to Sales

08:35 The Importance of Taking Risks and Building Confidence

11:54 John's Rise to Managing Director

15:11 The Evolution of the Finance Sector

18:34 Success in Sales: Understanding Customer Needs and Asking for the Order

23:07 Drive and Ambition: Key Factors in Career Progression

25:16 The Current State of the Finance Sector

28:02 The Drive and Determination of Successful Entrepreneurs

31:07 Identifying Opportunities and Taking Risks

36:55 The Importance of Closing Deals and Getting Results

41:41 The Journey into the Pizza Business

48:01 Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs