Creating a Culture of Success: Simon Leslie's Transformational Leadership

In this episode of the On The Mission podcast, I sit down with Simon Leslie to discuss his incredible journey from being a shy door-to-door insurance salesperson to co-founding the largest travel media company in the world. We delve into the challenges and successes he experienced along the way, including overcoming three bankruptcies and the mindset and resilience required to build back a multimillion pound empire.

Simon shares his belief in the power of luck and the importance of courage, resilience, and surrounding oneself with the right people. We also explores how Simon navigated the catastrophic challenges of the pandemic and the lengths he went to keep his team motivated, and the shift in his mindset towards giving and helping others which has completely transformed the way he does both business and life.

Now looking to transfer his business success onto the football pitch, Simon shares the motivation behind his more recent venture, buying Eastbourne football club and how he plans to disrupt the way that league football is played from a grassroots level. Could Eastbourne become the next Wrexham success story?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace luck: Simon believes in the power of luck and considers it an important factor in success. He even wears lucky pants every day and attributes his fortunate experiences to his belief in luck.

Overcoming shyness: Simon admits to being a shy person in his younger years, but he found his courage and confidence through personal experiences and support from others. He now aims to give courage to others and believes in the importance of supporting and encouraging people.

Resilience in the face of challenges: Simon has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including bankruptcies and the impact of the pandemic on his travel media company. However, he has learned to adapt, think differently, and find alternative solutions to overcome these challenges.

Seizing opportunities: Simon emphasises the importance of being aware and available when opportunities present themselves. He believes that every downside has an upside and that being open to possibilities can lead to unexpected success.

Cultivating a positive company culture: Simon shifted his focus from solely pursuing financial gain to creating a positive and supportive work environment. He believes in looking after his team and developing strong relationships, which he believes ultimately leads to better business outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS

"I just think I'm lucky. And I think luck is such an important part of everything we do."

"There is something about these threads that we have in us. That deep down, I think we're born with and their qualities."

"You've got to make conscious decisions. And if you make a decision knowing that I can live with the upside, I can handle the downside, and make enough of those, you'll start making enough good decisions."

"Every great opportunity is gift wrapped in problems."

"Be available, be awake and aware. Because when things present themselves, if you're not paying attention, they're going to go next door, they're going to go down the road and find somebody who is."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

On A Mission - https://omny.fm/shows/on-a-mission

Simon Leslie - https://www.luckyleslie.com/#AboutMe

Athletic Greens - http://athleticgreens.com/onamission

Mexi Kit - https://mexi-kit.com/ - code: MISSION

ABOUT THE HOST

Not so long ago, life was barely recognisable for Ellie McKay, raising three children under five, battling post-natal depression, facing redundancy and walking into the job centre to claim benefits with a double pram, no confidence, and wracked with insecurities.

Fast forward to today, and life looks very different. Ellie committed to turning her life around for herself and her family. Following this commitment, she got to work and has now built multiple successful companies, as well as having created a multimillion-pound property portfolio from a standing start.

Ellie is now on a mission t