I quit school at 15.

I moved out and went self-employed at 16.

I setup my first limited company from my bedroom at 20.

I had zero investment.

I expanded to 25 office-based staff within 2 years.

I was 23.

Now 37, I have been commissioned by everyone from Apple, BBC & Yamaha to Lady Gaga.

I run all my businesses with an umbrella company.

My immediate senior team consists of a chartered accountant, ops manager, PA, business advisor & legal.

That’s it.

All other staff & contractors below are managed by them for the various businesses.

Simple.

From job centres & meat factories; I am proudly self-made.

Through 16 hour days. Sacrifice. Obsession. Hard work.

I turned my life around in a big way.

I've never looked back.

I am a strong believer that you become who you let into your life.

Self-development & success psychology fascinate me endlessly.

Born and raised…

My mother is English from Croydon. My father was an immigrant from Sri Lanka.

I was born in Cambridge. Grew up in Yorkshire. Been in London almost 20 years.

My accent is 85% south England. But the odd word sounds very, very northern.

In my teens, I DJ’d at popular events, produced music in a little home studio, and collected vinyl’s.

In my 20’s, I ran my office of 25 staff by day.

By night, I was a party animal…

Fast drinks, fast cars & faster women.

Now 37, I sip green tea, play racket sports with my neighbours & bring up talent.

I invest in new technologies & commodities.

I’ve negotiated & turned down multiple acquisition offers in the millions over the years.

I’m a perfectionist. But I know how to just let go and have fun.

My USP is ownership. AKA Accountability. Responsibility. DIY…

Then, train someone to do it for you.

Repeat.

My humour is not always politically correct, but I believe in equality.

I believe commercial success is about taking risks & bending the rules…

But also knowing which rules to follow, and when.

I used to think I was invincible. Until I hit 35.

I have overcome some major personal challenges in my life over the years…

This has meant cutting out anything, anyone, or any community that takes me away from myself.

Best decisions I’ve ever made.

Some of my ex girlfriends would say I’m extremely romantic.

Some wouldn’t.

I have worked hard to build & maintain a very honest and supportive network of true friends.

They champion the best parts of me, and challenge the rest.

I swear allot. But I’m empathic.

I don’t post my private life on social media. But I follow allot of crap.

I spend allot of time with people. I spend allot of time alone.

I’m OCD about allot of things. I couldn’t care less about many other things.

I geek out on supplements and healthy food macros. But still love a late night dirty burger.

I still have ‘off’ days or low mood sometimes.

My parents split up when I was 11. They’ve barely spoken since.

I had many years of private coaching in my late 20’s/early thirties.

I try to see the best in people. Including myself.

Being outspoken, having empathy, humility, honesty & humour are very important values to me in daily life.

I have setup some businesses that have failed in the past. The best lessons ever.

I come from a very humble upbringing, but sometimes people mistake me for the opposite. 

My father was Buddhist. My mother Catholic. I am not religious. But I have strong principles, faith, values & routine.

I am a work in progress. I see failures as lessons. I’m always learning. (But honestly, I really hate failing).

Going to the gym has become my biggest high. Especially on days when I hate going.

— Thank you for taking the time to read.

Ben Jay