Six business leaders, including Charlotte Tilbury and Lloyds Banking Group CEO Charlie Nunn, have shared their insights on what drives career success. They emphasize qualities like curiosity, resilience, a willingness to embrace challenges, and strong communication skills over perfect CVs. The advice also touches on the importance of attitude, continuous learning, and leveraging AI tools effectively.
The advice from these business leaders offers practical guidance for individuals seeking career advancement, highlighting the importance of mindset, continuous learning, and interpersonal skills in navigating the modern workplace.
Six business founders and leaders have shared their insights on what it takes to succeed in a competitive professional environment, emphasizing qualities beyond a perfect CV. Charlotte Tilbury, founder of her eponymous beauty brand, highlighted the importance of refusing to let others impose limitations and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. She believes that challenges ultimately make one a stronger business leader.
Charlie Bowes-Lyon, co-founder of the deodorant brand Wild, asserted that attitude is paramount, stating it accounts for 90% of success, with skills being teachable. He also noted that even successful individuals often experience self-doubt. Bowes-Lyon recommends asking thoughtful questions during job interviews, such as what success looks like in the role.
Serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, known for brands like Beauty Pie and Soap and Glory, prioritizes curiosity and a proactive approach in potential hires. She also stressed the significance of considered communication, advising a pause before responding to ensure a thoughtful answer.
Anabel Kindersley, CEO and co-owner of Neal's Yard Remedies, advocates for embracing new opportunities by saying 'yes' to everything, even if it feels uncomfortable, as a way to build diverse skills. She also values emotional intelligence (EQ) as much as intellectual ability (IQ) when hiring.
Charlie Nunn, group chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, identified curiosity, resilience, and an openness to future AI tools as key employee traits. He underscored the importance of teamwork and encouraged taking on challenging, riskier opportunities to broaden experience and CV.
James Reed, chairman and chief executive of recruitment company Reed, cautioned against the mindset that the world owes individuals a living. Instead, he advised focusing on what one can offer an employer. Reed also noted that with the increasing use of AI in recruitment, applicants should ensure their skills are clearly communicated to both technology and human reviewers, using AI as a tool to strengthen, not replace, their own judgment.
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