E148 - Ben Towers, leading young entrepreneur: Age is just a number

Podcast: The High Performance

Published Date:

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:54 GMT

Duration:

1:01:13

Explicit:

False

Guests:

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Notes

Ben Towers is co-founder of Happl, a platform with a mission to connect employees and tackle ill-mental health. Ben started his first company at the age of 11, after finishing school for the day he would spend the evening working to improve his business. In this episode Ben shares an insight to his mindset at such a young age and how parents can encourage and affirm their children’s goals. His parents set open challenges and gave him the freedom to explore, whilst setting clear boundaries. 


Ben shares why it is important to have a diverse education and children should be open to multiple ways of learning. They discuss the power of networking and making connections, improving your mindset and mental health…



This bonus episode is in partnership with Dell Technologies & Microsoft.


Search Dell Podference or visit dell.co.uk/Podference to find out more



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

### Podcast Episode Summary: Ben Towers' Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights on High Performance

**Guest: Ben Towers, Co-founder of Happel**

**Topics Discussed:**

* **Definition of High Performance:** For Ben, high performance is waking up every day feeling at his optimum and having a routine that allows him to be mentally free and focused throughout the day.

* **Morning Routine:** Ben's mornings are dedicated to tasks that don't require much creative thinking, such as emails, meetings, and administrative duties. As the day progresses, he finds himself becoming more creative and prefers to engage in activities that require less desk work.

* **Starting a Business at a Young Age:** Ben started his first business at the age of 11, fueled by a desire to make money and a love for learning online. His parents supported his entrepreneurial spirit by setting open challenges and giving him the freedom to explore, while also setting clear boundaries.

* **Importance of a Diverse Education:** Ben emphasizes the value of having a diverse education and being open to multiple ways of learning. He believes that children should be encouraged to explore different learning methods to find what works best for them.

* **Networking and Making Connections:** Ben highlights the power of networking and making connections, especially for young entrepreneurs. He encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and attend networking events to meet potential mentors, collaborators, and clients.

* **Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome:** Ben acknowledges experiencing self-doubt and imposter syndrome as his company grew and gained media attention. He emphasizes the importance of having a support network of mentors and trusted individuals who can offer guidance and reassurance during challenging times.

* **Recruiting Mentors and Colleagues:** Ben discusses the importance of recruiting mentors who can provide valuable advice and guidance, as well as the challenges of hiring employees as a young entrepreneur. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and transparency when building a team.

* **Dealing with Double Standards and Cynicism:** Ben shares his experience of facing double standards and cynicism due to his young age. He highlights the importance of using such experiences as fuel to drive success and move forward.

* **Growth of His Business and Working with Notable Clients:** Ben's business experienced significant growth after he moved into an office and began employing himself as an apprentice. He won government contracts and worked with notable clients, such as Pot Noodle and the royal family.

* **Importance of Diversity in Marketing:** Ben emphasizes the importance of diversity in marketing and the effectiveness of having young people involved in campaigns that target their peers.

**Overall Message:**

Ben Towers' entrepreneurial journey and insights on high performance offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to achieve high levels of success. His emphasis on authenticity, resilience, and the power of networking and diverse education provides a roadmap for those looking to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

**Summary of the Podcast Episode**

The podcast episode features Ben Towers, co-founder of Happl, a platform aiming to connect employees and tackle mental health issues. Ben started his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 11, working on his business after school hours. He emphasizes the importance of a diverse education and encouraging multiple learning methods.

**Key Points Discussed:**

- **Diverse Education:** Ben stresses the significance of diverse educational methods to accommodate different learning styles. He believes that students should be exposed to various teaching approaches to discover their optimal learning method.

- **Networking and Connections:** Ben highlights the power of networking and making connections. He shares how attending events and speaking engagements helped him gain credibility and secure valuable clients.

- **Mental Health and Well-being:** Ben emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially for entrepreneurs who often face immense pressure and stress. He shares strategies such as float tank therapy and regular therapy sessions to manage his mental well-being.

- **Self-awareness and Reflection:** Ben discusses the importance of self-awareness and reflection in personal and professional growth. He suggests setting time limits for self-reflection to prevent dwelling on negative thoughts.

- **Therapy and Its Benefits:** Ben advocates for therapy as a tool for personal growth and well-being. He highlights how therapy can help individuals process their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, leading to a sense of peace and freedom.

- **Empathy in Leadership:** Ben emphasizes the significance of empathy in leadership. He shares how asking the question, "How does that make other people feel?" has helped him become a more compassionate and effective leader.

- **Education System and Learning Styles:** Ben critiques the current education system for its lack of diversity in teaching methods. He believes that schools should focus on identifying and nurturing each student's unique learning style to optimize their potential.

- **Teachers' Role in Diverse Learning:** Ben acknowledges the limitations teachers face within the current education system. However, he encourages teachers to consciously incorporate different teaching methods and engage students in reflecting on their learning experiences.

- **Discovering Passions:** Ben reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and acknowledges that not all aspects of business are equally enjoyable. He suggests identifying and prioritizing tasks that spark passion and performing less enjoyable tasks during times of peak productivity.

In conclusion, the podcast episode delves into Ben Towers' entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of diverse education, networking, mental health, self-awareness, therapy, empathy in leadership, and the need for a more flexible education system that caters to different learning styles.

**Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: Insights from Ben Towers, Co-Founder of Happl**

In this captivating podcast episode, Ben Towers, co-founder of Happl, shares his unique entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights on mental health, diverse education, networking, and achieving high performance.

**Embracing a Growth Mindset:**

From a young age, Ben demonstrated an unwavering growth mindset, constantly questioning norms and seeking opportunities for improvement. His parents played a crucial role in encouraging his curiosity and providing him with the freedom to explore his passions.

**The Importance of Diverse Education:**

Ben emphasizes the significance of a diverse education, encouraging individuals to be open to multiple ways of learning. He believes that exposure to various perspectives and experiences fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

**The Power of Networking:**

Ben highlights the importance of networking and building connections, viewing it as a means to gain knowledge, expand opportunities, and find support. He encourages individuals to actively seek out mentors and peers who can provide guidance and inspiration.

**Improving Mental Health and Well-being:**

Ben stresses the importance of mental health and well-being in achieving high performance. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness, reflection, and seeking support when needed. He shares his personal experience with mental health challenges and the strategies he employs to maintain a healthy mindset.

**The Art of Questioning and Rethinking:**

Ben's entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a relentless pursuit of questioning and rethinking. He challenges conventional wisdom and seeks to find innovative solutions to problems. He encourages individuals to embrace curiosity and to continually seek better ways of doing things.

**Accepting Failure as a Learning Opportunity:**

Ben acknowledges that failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement. He shares his own experiences with failure and the strategies he employs to overcome setbacks.

**The Significance of Legacy:**

Ben reflects on the concept of legacy, expressing his desire to leave a positive impact on the world. He believes that by sharing his experiences and helping others overcome challenges, he can create a lasting legacy that extends beyond his own achievements.

**The Golden Rule for High Performance:**

Ben's golden rule for living a high-performance life is the practice of pausing and reflecting. He emphasizes the need for dedicated time to reflect on one's actions, thoughts, and emotions. This reflective practice allows individuals to gain clarity, learn from experiences, and make informed decisions.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Embrace a growth mindset and constantly seek opportunities for improvement.
- Value diverse education and be open to multiple ways of learning.
- Actively build connections and seek out mentors and peers.
- Prioritize mental health and well-being as essential components of high performance.
- Question conventional wisdom and strive for innovative solutions.
- View failures as learning opportunities and use them for growth.
- Create a positive legacy by sharing your experiences and helping others.
- Dedicate time for reflection to gain clarity and make informed decisions.

Ben Towers' entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of curiosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His insights on mental health, diverse education, networking, and high performance provide valuable lessons for individuals seeking to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Raw Transcript with Timestamps
Back to Episode List