DISRUPT AN INDUSTRY

The overused word “disruptor” describes finding innovative ways to do business in established industries. With official grooming partner SEB MAN, we invited a panel who truly deserve the title: Adam Breeden, of London’s All Star Lanes, Bounce and Flight Club; Phoebe Hugh, who launched the insurance app Brolly; Reza Merchant, CEO of tech-driven property platform The Collective, and former GB swimmer Lee Forster, a co-founder of Neat Nutrition. You’ll know your sector inside out True disruptors first understand how things work — and don’t. Phoebe Hugh worked in insurance for years before launching her AI-powered “concierge” app. Adam Breeden ran a bar and worked as a dishwasher before starting Social Entertainment Ventures.

You’ll have a goal beyond money Reza Merchant’s The Collective was born from a desire to tackle the impossibility of buying homes in London. Neat’s goal is to connect with the biggest audience possible.

You don’t accept the status quo Disruption is about wanting to improve the way things are done, down to the smallest details. All our panellists cited this as a natural trait.

You dislike working for others Natural entrepreneurs are not great at sitting in an office being told what to do. You have to know your personality to assess if you are willing to embrace the uncertainty.

You like collaborating

To succeed, you need a good team who understand and care. For Lee Forster, a happy team that believes in the business is a success in itself.