Growing up, I always knew I’d end up working in business and sales because of my natural ability to influence. I couldn’t wait to get out and work, but still went to university (to study sociology) before taking some time off to go travelling.
While I was exploring the usual spots around South East Asia, I ended up working in finance for an offshore banking company – something that stood me in good stead when I returned to the UK. After arriving home, I jumped straight into a UK software company and my career took off.
If I could go back and tell early noughties Nick anything, it would be: “Don’t focus too much on the money.” I wanted to chase that big commission, climb the next rung on the ladder, and in doing so walked away from some good leaders who I had more to learn from.
What I’ve come to realise, is that if you’re getting good at a job, stay put. Because, if you get really, really good, you’re on course to earn great money and do what you enjoy. I, at times, was in too much of a hurry.
That changed in 2013, when the opportunity arose to become a business owner. At the time, I was managing a sales team and introduced to Adam (Oldfield, CEO of Force24), who shared with me his idea for the business, and gave me a peek at the marketing automation platform.
After that, I couldn’t get it out of my head, something compelled me to be a part of it – this was what I had to do. But nothing prepared me for what it means to become a company founder.
Going back to the point of salary, this is where I learnt that some things are more important than the trappings – passion is what motivates you to be successful. The dynamic Adam and I shared, and the vision for the company is something you rarely find in other businesses – so I took a complete leap of faith.
I walked away from a comfortable salary, sold much of what I owned in order to invest in Force24. Of course, there were days when I thought, ‘sh*t this is really hard, I had such a good life!’. And, while hindsight is a wonderful thing, I always found myself driven by the passion and belief that we could achieve something. And we have.
It’s not all been plain sailing, nothing ever is. But what I didn’t perhaps appreciate at the time – and I wish 33-year old Nick knew back then – is that you need to understand many different things to set up an organisation. It’s a very steep learning curve, and you have to understand everything from finance and marketing to HR and customer success. And fast.
In the early days of any business, the founders tend to tackle most of the day-to-day tasks, but could be released to grow the company faster. With that in mind, I’d also remind younger Nick of the importance of hiring the right people, at the right time – introducing colleagues who can generate revenue, build brand awareness, or drive customer success.
As we evolve as a brand – with around 75 employees currently – our reason for recruitment is changing slightly. These new colleagues are brought in to build the foundations for scale up and accelerated growth.
What I have come to realise, and this has only been a recent development, is that the best ideas come you when you’re not thinking about them. Likewise, if you have a challenge, step away from it. Often the solution will present itself when your mind is ‘free’.
As I’ve got older, I’m able to appreciate that we each have an innate wisdom that gives us the answers to everything, and such knowledge is accessible to us beyond our personal thinking.
It’s not just business matters I’d educate younger Nick on though. I’d be keen to remind him that he doesn’t need to be perfect at everything, and that ‘living in the moment’, as well as taking time for personal reflection, are just as important.
I recently watched a Bobby Fischer documentary about chess players – bear with me here – which talked about how they almost drive themselves into a state of insanity because there is virtually an infinite number of moves available. In business, there are an infinite number of moves you can make at any one time. Imagine how that feels?
Overthinking, generally, is not a good thing. Younger Nick was an overthinker, and had hundreds of scenarios buzzing around his head at any one time. What I wish I knew then is how important it is not to overanalyse and remain present.
Recently, I had to take some time out of the business with stress following the pandemic and a hefty round of investment. Everything came to a head at once, and it drove home how important it is to look after my energy levels – so I can be my best self.
I’ve recognised the hard way that I needn’t throw myself into loads of things – some which I might not be that great at – and focus on how to be more cognisant in the workplace.
To that end, Force24 is working hard, collectively, to foster a culture of wellbeing in the workplace, not because it’s ‘fashionable’ now, but because investing in the mental health of our colleagues – who invest so much of their energy into the success of our business – is the right thing to do.