In this episode of The Wisdom Rewind, I sit down with Simon Gardiner—co-founder of Carrington West and the driving force behind one of the UK’s top-ranked employers. What began in a cold, converted garage with no outside investment has grown into a national success story rooted in integrity, culture, and everyday excellence.
We explore Simon’s rise from humble beginnings to industry leadership, uncovering the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and quiet values that shaped his journey. From navigating the heartbreak of letting go of their first hire days before Christmas, to writing down a dream to become “the UK’s best employer” long before it was a reality—Simon’s story is a masterclass in grounded leadership and long-term vision.
True to the spirit of the podcast, we rewind to reveal what it really takes to build something extraordinary without sacrificing who you are. With real-world wisdom, business insight, and stories that don’t shy away from the hard parts, this episode is a blueprint for anyone striving to lead with both purpose and heart.
Key Takeaways:
- How Carrington West was built from scratch—without external investment.
- Why culture and values are more important than hype.
- Navigating painful early decisions and how they shaped the company’s future.
- The mindset behind sustainable, human-centered growth.
- What it means to lead with humility—and still aim big.
Tune in to hear how Simon Gardiner quietly built one of the UK’s most admired companies—and what it means to stay true to your roots while chasing ambitious goals.
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