Building a Better Future: Founder of Box Park Roger Wade Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Provocateurs, Roger Wade, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, shares his remarkable journey from a struggling medical student to the founder of Box Fresh and Box Park. He discusses the challenges he faced in his early career, including being sacked from multiple jobs, and how these experiences motivated him to create his own businesses. Roger delves into the evolution of Box Park, highlighting its innovative approach to retail and hospitality, and the impact of Brexit on the UK economy and entrepreneurship. He also introduces his latest venture, Box Fund, aimed at supporting purpose-driven brands and young entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, Roger emphasizes the importance of adaptability, the need for a new management style to engage Generation Z workers, and his vision for a more equitable venture capital landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Entrepreneurial Journey: The journey from struggling as a student to founding successful brands like Box Fresh and Box Park illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Starting from a low point, the transition to building a multi-million-pound business highlights that anyone can succeed with determination.

2. Innovation in Retail: The creation of Box Park as the world's first pop-up mall built from shipping containers showcases the value of innovation in retail. By pivoting from traditional retail models to incorporate street food and events, the business adapted to changing consumer preferences and market demands.

3. Focus on Purpose-Driven Brands: The establishment of Box Fund aims to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs who prioritize creating a better world. This shift reflects a growing trend in the business landscape where purpose and sustainability are becoming essential components of brand identity.

4. Challenges Post-Brexit: The impact of Brexit on the UK economy and the entrepreneurial landscape is significant, with increased difficulties in international trade and a shrinking workforce in sectors like hospitality. The need for a supportive government approach to foster entrepreneurship is emphasized.

5. Management Styles for Gen Z: Adapting management styles to meet the expectations of Gen Z workers is crucial. This generation values empowerment and a collaborative work environment, necessitating a balance between providing direction and allowing autonomy in the workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "If I can do it, anyone can do it. If you've been sacked, it's alright." - Roger

2. "I want to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs that not only want to be successful, but create a better world." - Roger

3. "Brexit was an act of economic self-harm. We need to address this issue." - Roger

4. "I believe that entrepreneurs and operators are in a better position to spot other entrepreneurs than bankers." - Roger

5. "I want to create a fund in which investors, entrepreneurs, and the VCs are treated all equally." - Roger

SOCIAL LINKS

https://www.tiktok.com/@provocateurspodcast

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmCQvMWLaLTayKshPyGOEg

ABOUT THE HOST

Sarah Moxom is the ultimate powerhouse—an accomplished serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and master of navigating the human connection. At just nineteen, she founded her first company, a thriving temporary staffing agency, which she has successfully led for over two decades.

With a remarkable ability to blend business acumen with emotional intelligence, Sarah is passionate about exploring the intricate interplay