Brad Rosser
Brad Rosser is one of the UK’s most successful business builders. Prior to setting
out on his own, Brad was Group Corporate Development Director for Virgin, where
he was responsible for identifying all new businesses that Virgin should pursue. He
also spent several years at McKinsey & Co. where he provided strategic advice to
some of the world’s largest companies.
Brad has also been extremely successful in his own enterprises. Brad is
the founder of the “Better Stronger Faster Group” (BSF) which partners with
entrepreneurs to turn ideas and young companies into highly profitable and
saleable businesses.
Do you think you had an entrepreneurial What is one of the most common mistakes
Name: Brad Rosser knack from very early on? you see fledgling entrepreneurs make?
I think that I have had always had an attitude that There is a myth about entrepreneurs that they
Career Highlights: is critical to success as an entrepreneur. That don’t do much thinking. In reality, successful
• Started at Bond Corporation, Australia. is being tolerant of uncomfortable situations, entrepreneurs spend a lot of time thinking and
• Later joined McKinsey & Co risky situations, and just thinking “well, I’ll have developing a clear plan. They are taking calculated
management consultancy in London. a crack at it”. If you regard the situation both risks, not massive gambles.
• Became Richard Branson’s right-hand as challenging and fun instead of life and death, Many fledgling entrepreneurs feel that they
man at Virgin. then you are far more likely to enjoy a long and constantly need to be taking action. They might
• Left Virgin to find success as serial successful career as an entrepreneur. I also never sign up a large customer and think they have done
entrepreneur. wanted to feel like I was a cog in a wheel. really well. But do the analysis of that deal, and
• Recently founded BetterStrongerFaster So, yes, I guess I was always destined to be you will find that they are actually losing money on
Group. an entrepreneur! every sale. The best course of action would have
been not to do the deal in the first place!
What has been the highlight of your career
so far? What’s next?
Perhaps a tie between helping Bond Corporation The BetterStrongerFaster Group is approaching
“I am truly passionate
sell its coal assets for a great price in a fire sale its first birthday and it has been a very successful
about helping fledgling
situation and doing the Virgin Direct deal for £900 year both for us and our clients/partners. I
million. am truly passionate about helping fledgling
entrepreneurs achieve their
entrepreneurs achieve their dreams for their
dreams for their start-ups.”
What has been your worst moment? start-ups, so it is incredibly satisfying to see the
When one of the Virgin companies we were successes they have enjoyed. So we will continue
involved with tanked at the share market. to grow the business next year.
What is the best piece of advice you have
Hall 1 – 2.45-3.15 ever been given?
Friday
Always ask “Why not?” That is something that I
Ten Rules To Start-up Success
learnt from Richard Branson. “Why can’t I be the
Brad Rosser, one of the UK’s most
best in the world?” And combine this with the
successful entrepreneurs, will show you the
conviction that you will break down walls to get
“10 Rules of Start-up Success” you must
there, then you become pretty much unstoppable.
follow to make your start-up a success and
avoid becoming another statistic.

BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304

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