The Story New Business Leaders NEED To Hear w/ Tom Adeyoola | Lost and Searching EP6

Written By Seven Jacobs

Most new business leaders do NOT understand what they're getting into. THIS is the story they NEED to hear before they start.

Tom is the co-founder of Extend Ventures, Non-Executive Director of Channel 4 and technology entrepreneur. Previously, he was CEO and Founder of apparel technology scale-up Metail, sold for 8-figures. In addition, he is a governor of leading independent school St. Paul’s, chair of the music mindfulness app Spoke and served on the board of women’s personal wellness scale-up Elvie (2013-2017). Active in the startup ecosystem, Tom is the inspiration behind the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and co-authored the Startup Funding Review for the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves.

Here are some of my reflections on the episode:

Learning from Setbacks

One of the key insights Tom offers is how setbacks, rather than being seen as failures, are opportunities for growth and learning. He highlights the importance of perseverance in business, which he’s demonstrated through his personal experiences in navigating the challenges of scaling a startup. As a founder, you often face unexpected hurdles, but how you respond to them shapes the trajectory of your leadership.

Balancing Vision and Commercialization

Tom’s advice to new leaders is to strike the right balance between having a grand vision and ensuring commercial success. Many founders get lost in their passion for their product or service, but without a clear path to profitability, even the most innovative ideas can falter. He talks about the importance of commercialization, how to approach it without losing your core values, and how it drives sustainable success. For more on aligning vision with execution, check out additional resources on leadership here.

The Domino Effect of Business Decisions

In the episode, Tom discusses how one decision can have ripple effects across the business. He refers to this as the Domino Effect—each decision, no matter how small, can influence the outcome of others. For leaders, understanding the impact of your choices, especially early on, is crucial to maintaining control of your business’s direction.

Engineering Serendipity

Tom touches on the concept of “engineering serendipity” – the idea that success often stems from creating opportunities through proactive networking and being open to unforeseen possibilities. His story illustrates that luck doesn’t just happen; it’s often a product of putting yourself in the right place at the right time.

Final Thoughts: Tom Adeyoola’s candid reflections on his journey as a startup leader provide invaluable lessons for new business founders. From learning through setbacks to striking a balance between vision and commercialization, his experience offers practical wisdom that any aspiring entrepreneur should take to heart. If you’re looking for more insights on navigating the world of startups, tune into the full episode and learn how to avoid common pitfalls.

TOM’S WEBSITE: www.landofhopeandstory.co.uk

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