1 hr 5 min
Simon Leslie - Losing a $150 million business to COVID; and rebuilding it! Back2Business Podcast
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- Marketing
Imagine this, one day you’re the CEO of a business turning over approximately $150 million, and then practically overnight everything just falls of a cliff. Our next guest co-founded and built the biggest Travel Media Company “Ink Global” and this is exactly what happened to him.
He’s someone you’ve probably never heard of, but for sure you’ve held one of his inflight magazines whilst sat on an aeroplane [with a drink in hand]. Fast track forward to the present day his persistence and passion has allowed him to transform his business and fight another day.
Simon talks to Kurt and Di all about his unique journey to success, how to get back up again after a major setback, the strength behind powerful recruitment and why as an entrepreneur you always have to love what you do!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When covid first hit, Simon didn’t realise the long-lasting impact it would have. But by May of 2020 airplanes started to take his magazine off flights.
In over 30 years’ experience, nothing has ever stopped Simon doing business, until covid.
One of the biggest challenges Simon struggled with throughout the pandemic, was the amount of people who were wasting time. This was a unique opportunity; it was a reset and not enough people took advantage.
When you do things for the right reasons people want to help you more. Something Simon recognised when he asked many speakers to motivate and inspire his employees throughout the pandemic.
The education system didn’t work for Simon. He didn’t enjoy school and he didn’t feel like it gave him what he needed at the time. There must be a better education system than the one we are currently using. It doesn’t equip children for the real world, the whole system needs changing.
Simon believes in miracles, several times someone has been looking down on him to make unique and remarkable things happen, including a banking error which allowed his company to ride out financial difficulties.
Deep down, Simon believes he lacks confidence. But, he believes you get good at sales, and most things in life, by practice and willingness to learn.
Sales is about storytelling, asking great questions and practice. This is something Simon has mastered, alongside building incredible sales teams!
Two of Simon’s most well known books “There’s No F in Sales” and “Equanimity” have been about sharing his own knowledge, wisdom and experiences learnt by running a sales business.
Simon has been inspired by different people across the years, he believes you can find inspiration in many different places and most recently his inspiration has come from his eldest son.
Opportunities are always out there. It’s essential you are open and looking for them each day. You need to be awake and aware to recognise opportunities when they come along.
BEST MOMENTS
“It’s the first time in my career that an event happened that stopped us doing business”
“I don’t really believe in this work-life balance, I believe it’s all one thing”
“Sales people are the backbone of this business”
“Eventually rebel kids become entrepreneurs”
“I understand the whole education system I just don’t agree with it”
“It matters that you are prepared to learn, you are prepared to become a sponge to your profession”
“It’s ok to not have all the answers, to doubt yourself”
ABOUT THE GUEST
Simon Leslie
https://www.luckyleslie.com
Over the last few decades, Simon has learned one or two things about surviving – and thriving – in global business. His company, Ink, has helped some of the world’s largest brands advertise across hundreds of airlines and airports around the world, in media that’s been translated into over 17 languages. As a leader, and a salesperson, Simon has weathered a few storms, and overcome some massive hurdles. The thing that kept Simon going throughout all the years has been belief. Belief in himself, his product, his team.
Books:
https://www.
Imagine this, one day you’re the CEO of a business turning over approximately $150 million, and then practically overnight everything just falls of a cliff. Our next guest co-founded and built the biggest Travel Media Company “Ink Global” and this is exactly what happened to him.
He’s someone you’ve probably never heard of, but for sure you’ve held one of his inflight magazines whilst sat on an aeroplane [with a drink in hand]. Fast track forward to the present day his persistence and passion has allowed him to transform his business and fight another day.
Simon talks to Kurt and Di all about his unique journey to success, how to get back up again after a major setback, the strength behind powerful recruitment and why as an entrepreneur you always have to love what you do!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When covid first hit, Simon didn’t realise the long-lasting impact it would have. But by May of 2020 airplanes started to take his magazine off flights.
In over 30 years’ experience, nothing has ever stopped Simon doing business, until covid.
One of the biggest challenges Simon struggled with throughout the pandemic, was the amount of people who were wasting time. This was a unique opportunity; it was a reset and not enough people took advantage.
When you do things for the right reasons people want to help you more. Something Simon recognised when he asked many speakers to motivate and inspire his employees throughout the pandemic.
The education system didn’t work for Simon. He didn’t enjoy school and he didn’t feel like it gave him what he needed at the time. There must be a better education system than the one we are currently using. It doesn’t equip children for the real world, the whole system needs changing.
Simon believes in miracles, several times someone has been looking down on him to make unique and remarkable things happen, including a banking error which allowed his company to ride out financial difficulties.
Deep down, Simon believes he lacks confidence. But, he believes you get good at sales, and most things in life, by practice and willingness to learn.
Sales is about storytelling, asking great questions and practice. This is something Simon has mastered, alongside building incredible sales teams!
Two of Simon’s most well known books “There’s No F in Sales” and “Equanimity” have been about sharing his own knowledge, wisdom and experiences learnt by running a sales business.
Simon has been inspired by different people across the years, he believes you can find inspiration in many different places and most recently his inspiration has come from his eldest son.
Opportunities are always out there. It’s essential you are open and looking for them each day. You need to be awake and aware to recognise opportunities when they come along.
BEST MOMENTS
“It’s the first time in my career that an event happened that stopped us doing business”
“I don’t really believe in this work-life balance, I believe it’s all one thing”
“Sales people are the backbone of this business”
“Eventually rebel kids become entrepreneurs”
“I understand the whole education system I just don’t agree with it”
“It matters that you are prepared to learn, you are prepared to become a sponge to your profession”
“It’s ok to not have all the answers, to doubt yourself”
ABOUT THE GUEST
Simon Leslie
https://www.luckyleslie.com
Over the last few decades, Simon has learned one or two things about surviving – and thriving – in global business. His company, Ink, has helped some of the world’s largest brands advertise across hundreds of airlines and airports around the world, in media that’s been translated into over 17 languages. As a leader, and a salesperson, Simon has weathered a few storms, and overcome some massive hurdles. The thing that kept Simon going throughout all the years has been belief. Belief in himself, his product, his team.
Books:
https://www.
1 hr 5 min