Tell us about yourself?
I’m a creative entrepreneur and have been building businesses since I was 14.
Before tech, I travelled the world working on projects for brands like Nike, JW Anderson, and Thom Browne, specialising in design, creative direction, photography, production, and casting.
I’m passionate about the intersection of creativity and technology. That’s why I founded Contact.
As CEO, I focus on building a business that operates from a place of care and inclusion – both for our team and our customers. I’m proud to foster an environment that’s serious about diversity and inclusion.
When I’m not working, I like to ‘relax’ with a hard challenge. Over the years, I’ve run marathons and ultramarathons, cycled 1,000 miles across Europe in 12 days, and competed in martial arts, boxing, and cross country.
I do this while managing my narcolepsy and autism spectrum disorder.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
How the main influences of your success will likely be due to timing or luck.
There are things that you can do to increase your likelihood of making your chances better, but in startups, there’s so much which is outside of your control.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Stay a small team as long as possible, even after raising VC capital. More team members don’t necessarily mean growth and faster velocity.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
Coming from a creative background. I’m able to look at problems from all different angles, and I deeply understand the problem we’re trying to solve as I’ve experienced it firsthand.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Have a good sleep routine and look after your health. If you’re not looking after your body, you’re not going to be able to energise your team or have the resilience to push through difficult times.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
Our mission is to empower creatives around the world to get paid for their talent.
We see a world where creative expression is at the forefront of culture, and we want to be a catalyst for that art and creativity. First, we need to financially enable creative people.
Where do you see your business in five years?
Contact is the core operating system for creatives.
Enabling them to manage their businesses and earn a consistent living. One million creatives are making a full-time living on Contact.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
Navigating the current market and conditions to come within a recession.
Access to capital is going to be hard, so we’re going to have to focus on the core business model in order to raise money, meaning we will have less capacity to explore the “moonshot” ideas we have.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
Personally, the endurance races I’ve partaken in. Also, having shown my fashion collections at PFW and LFW. With Contact, raising money from top-tier businesses and angels.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Mostly organic and through the brand building we have done. In the early days, I led sales and onboarded our first customers. Now I focus more on high-value customers.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Cultivate resilience. Do things that are hard outside of work that allow you to build up mental toughness.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Fulfillment, creativity, and energy. I hope that the future brings more growth to my personal learning development and business success against our mission.
