Investing with Purpose: Lara Morgan's Mission to Change the World Through Entrepreneurship

Susan engages in an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur Lara Morgan, who shares her remarkable journey from founding Pacific Direct, a company that grew to a £20 million global enterprise, to her current role as an investor in various brands. Lara reflects on her unique upbringing, the influence of her entrepreneurial parents, and the lessons learned from her early experiences in business. She discusses the importance of resilience, personal connections in sales, and the value of having a focused business strategy. The episode also touches on Lara's commitment to making a positive impact in the world through her investments, particularly in wellness and mental health initiatives, showcasing her passion for innovation and community engagement. KEY TAKEAWAYS Resilience and Persistence: Building a business requires determination and the willingness to face rejection. The journey involves making numerous outreach attempts, with the understanding that success often comes after many failures. Importance of Personal Connection: Engaging with customers through personal interactions is crucial. Relying solely on digital communication can hinder relationship-building and customer loyalty. Focus on Niche and Expertise: Specialising in a specific area and becoming an expert can lead to greater success. Trying to cater to everyone can dilute a brand's identity and effectiveness. Value of Team and Trust: A strong, trustworthy team is essential for business growth. Empowering employees and fostering a culture of collaboration can lead to better outcomes and loyalty. BEST MOMENTS "I started my own company when I was 23 because needs must. It was a 1991 recession, and I didn't even know what that was." - Lara "You can't build a business without speaking to people, and you were always learning on the way." - Lara "People hide behind emails and social media, but it's still not the same as speaking to someone and physically having a conversation." - Susan "If you deliver on your promise and you're still willing to get your hands dirty, others will follow." - Lara HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her Advanced Skincare clinic of 35 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1, 2 and 3. She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS ⁠https://susanroutledge.com⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters⁠ ⁠https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠