Bootstrap Your Life

This episode is very much the beginning of my journey, and a personal insight into why I wanted to start this podcast. When I first launched Myprotein, I had so many questions and although it eventually proved a huge success, I made plenty of mistakes along the way. I want to share those mistakes and my learnings with you. Whether you are an established CEO or a budding entrepreneur, building a business is an ongoing learning curve and I hope this podcast helps you along your journey.
 
If you’re interested in submitting a question for me to answer in a future episode, please fill out the form at OliverCookson.com or tweet me @OliverCookson.

Timestamps:

0:48 - 1:35 - My background

1:35 - 4:11 - What the podcast is about

4:11 - 7:54 - Why am I doing this podcast?

7:54 - 9:17 - How I’m going to be adding value to you, the listener

9:17 - 10:11 - The importance of ancestry and legacy

When I founded Myprotein, I used a £500 overdraft and a garage floor. In this episode, I discuss what I learnt during that time and my three key components to starting out. I also consider whether I believe the business would be as successful if it launched in today’s market, if I would have been able to bootstrap it, and which other sectors I’d look at if I was starting a new business in a post-Covid economy. 

If you’re interested in submitting a question for me to answer in a future episode, please fill out the form at OliverCookson.com or tweet me @OliverCookson.

Timestamps:
 
0:33 - 2:00 - Is it still possible to succeed on a low startup budget or have all the rags to riches opportunities been done? 
2:00 - 4:10 - Do you think Myprotein could be started today? 
4:10 - 4:50 - Why now is a great time to bootstrap your business
4:50 - 10:23 - I’m thinking of starting a business, how do I do it? 
10:23 - If I was to start a business with limited funds today, what would it be?

This episode comes at a time when the global economy is shifting into unknown territory. The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way business operates, and for many, the impact it has had will mean almost certain failure. There is not one sector that hasn’t been affected by the pandemic, including the one in which my former business Myprotein operates - the health and fitness industry. 
 
Here, I discuss what would have happened if a pandemic had hit in the early days of Myprotein, how businesses will need to adapt and improvise to survive, and I look at the opportunities that can be grasped even in the face of adversity. 
 
If you’re interested in submitting a question for me to answer in a future episode, please fill out the form at OliverCookson.com or tweet me @OliverCookson.

Timestamps:

0:36 - 2:32 - What are your thoughts on the Health and Fitness sector after lockdown and how will health clubs and gyms manage with social distancing regulations?

2:32 - 4:43 - How has COVID-19 affected startups?

4:43 - 6:06 - How would Myprotein have coped during a pandemic? 

6:06 - 8:15 - How will COVID-19 change business for the better?

8:15 - 10:15 - What are the opportunities for entrepreneurs as a result of COVID-19?