From Serial Entrepreneur To Philanthropist & Author, Real Business Meets Mike Greene, Founder Of Success Is A System

You’ve been a serial entrepreneur for many years now, what stands out as your biggest success?

While I’ve been fortunate to have several successes throughout my career, one that stands out is the growth and successful exit of the global research-based consultancy that was respected and retained by over 100 of the biggest corporations in the world. As CEO, and with my business partner Tom Fender, I led the company’s expansion into a multi-million-pound organisation and then exited for life-changing sums of money.

What has been your biggest lesson in business?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of failure in breeding success – a concept so crucial that I wrote a book about it titled “Failure Breeds Success”. I’ve come to understand that setbacks and challenges (including being bankrupt and homeless in my 20s and having to deliver pizzas on a moped with my wife for 2 years) are not just inevitable in business, but they’re also invaluable teachers. They provide opportunities for growth, innovation, and resilience. This perspective has shaped my approach to mentoring and investing in over 30 start-up and growth businesses, where I encourage entrepreneurs to view failures as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

Who do you admire, and why?

I admire individuals who use their success and influence to make a positive impact on society. While there are many such figures, I’m particularly inspired by entrepreneurs who balance business acumen with a strong sense of social responsibility. For instance, I greatly respect the work of Bill and Melinda Gates, who have leveraged their success in the tech industry to address global health and education challenges. Their approach aligns with my belief in the importance of giving back and using business as a force for good.

You wrote a book on failure, ‘Failure Breeds Success’. What did failure teach you?

Failure has taught me several crucial lessons. Firstly, it’s shown me the importance of resilience and perseverance. Not every venture will succeed in business, but each failure provides valuable insights and experiences that can be applied to future endeavours. Secondly, failure has taught me to embrace a growth mindset. Instead of seeing setbacks as definitive endpoints, I’ve learned to view them as opportunities for learning and improvement. Lastly, failure has reinforced the importance of adaptability. The ability to pivot, reassess strategies, and evolve based on lessons learned from failures is often what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up too soon.

What advice would you give to SMEs looking to level up?

For SMEs looking to level up, I’d offer the following advice:

1. Set clear SMART goals and a strategy for their achievement, in my experience 90+% of SMEs NEVER have clear business goals or a plan.
2. Become obsessive about Attracting, Training, Motivating and Retaining top talent… too many teams have more nags than thoroughbreds and spend most of their time trying to fix the nags and ignoring the thoroughbreds.
3. Seek mentorship and build strategic partnerships. Don’t be afraid to learn from others’ experiences and leverage mutually beneficial relationships…. I love the saying “I saw further by standing on the shoulders of giants”.
4. Invest in your own learning and development. Stay informed about industry trends and continuously improve your leadership skills.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of giving back. Engaging with your local community can build brand loyalty and open up new opportunities.

 

What advice would you give to parents in nurturing young entrepreneurs?

To parents nurturing young entrepreneurs, I would advise:

1. Encourage curiosity and problem-solving, and don’t be a snow-plough parent who clears every obstacle and creates weak children.
2. Teach financial literacy early. Understanding basic financial concepts is crucial for future business success. Read ‘Rich dad poor Dad’ and get your kids to also read it.
3. Foster resilience. Help children see failures as learning opportunities rather than defeats.
4. Expose them to diverse experiences. This can broaden their perspectives and spark innovative ideas.
5. Lead by example. Demonstrate the values of hard work, integrity, and social responsibility in your own life and business dealings….

What you DO speaks so loudly that they don’t hear what you say.

You’re passionate about giving back to local charities and organisations, what lessons has this taught you in business, and why is giving back important to you?

I have been a recipient of charity, handouts and support – as Churchill said, “We make a living by what we GET but we make a life by what we GIVE”. I have an almost superstitious belief that I will stop receiving if I don’t keep giving and my wife and I always give back a minimum of 10% of our income/receipts.

Giving back is important to me because I believe that success comes with a responsibility to contribute positively to society. My roles as a Trustee of Peterborough Cathedral, an advocate for Peterborough University, an Ambassador for the Cambridgeshire Children’s Hospital and in business as a Chairman of ACS representing 33500 small shops or being Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in my area have all shown me the profound impact that businesses and individuals can have on their communities. It’s not just about financial contributions; it’s about leveraging our skills, networks, and influence to create meaningful change. Plus ‘your network = your net worth’.

About Mike Greene, Entrepreneur, Leadership Mentor, and Philanthropist

Mike Greene is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his extensive background in executive leadership, strategic business growth, and philanthropic endeavours. With a keen eye for innovation and a knack for fostering strategic partnerships, Mike is committed to cultivating strong corporate cultures while leveraging his business acumen to drive positive social impact and support local communities.

Mike’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent is evident in his investment portfolio, which includes over 30 start-up and growth businesses such as Shazam and Chargemaster. Currently, he serves as a mentor and strategic advisor to over 40 UK businesses, providing invaluable guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mike’s influence extends into the media realm, where he has been featured on Channel 4’s “Secret Millionaire” and is a regular commentator and pundit on business-related topics. Following the programme, which had a great impact on him, he sold his main business and took a three-month sabbatical with the personal challenge to raise £100,000 for 100 charities in 100 days. He was successful in this bid and was inspired to go on to commit one-third of his time to help charities and mentoring people to change their lives for the better.

Renowned as a sought-after public speaker, he has delivered keynote addresses on business, investing, property, and education across the UK, Europe, US, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, he is the esteemed author of the book “Failure Breeds Success”.

As the Founder and CEO of Global Research Business, Mike successfully led the growth of a multi-million pound global research enterprise, ultimately orchestrating a highly profitable exit and the rebranding of the company as Lumina Intelligence.

Mike’s influence extends beyond his own ventures, as he has served as a main board advisor and speaker at events for numerous global corporations spanning various sectors including energy, retail, consumer goods, food and beverage, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Notable engagements include advising industry giants such as BP, Tesco, Coca Cola, and GSK.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has held various executive positions across multiple industries, driving strategic change and growth. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest Chairman and longest-serving board member of the Association of Convenience Stores, advocating for over 33,500 small retail establishments in the UK.

Beyond the boardroom, Mike is actively involved in large-scale property development projects in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire region, contributing to urban revitalisation and community enhancement efforts.

Driven by a passion for giving back, Mike has dedicated his time and resources to various philanthropic causes. From serving as a Trustee of Peterborough Cathedral to advocating for the establishment of Peterborough University, he remains deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in his community. Additionally, his role as an Ambassador for the Cambridgeshire Children’s Hospital underscores his dedication to healthcare advocacy and fundraising.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Mike embraces physical challenges and adventure pursuits. From sailing in the Clipper 2013/14 Round the World Yacht Race to summiting mountains like Kilimanjaro and Annapurna, he continually pushes the boundaries of achievement and inspires others through his endeavours.

Mike’s dedication to excellence has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Anglia Ruskin University. Furthermore, he has been honoured as one of the 100 most influential Leaders, Thinkers, and Agitators shaping the Grocery Industry, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in his field.

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