Why Success is Better When it’s Shared
There is a phrase people often use in business: “self-made.” It is meant to celebrate independence and achievement, but I have never really believed in it. No one achieves anything entirely on their own. Every success I have had has been built with others — through partnerships, teams, and communities that have shaped the journey.
For me, success has always meant more when it is shared. The wins feel bigger, the challenges are easier to face, and the outcomes last longer.
The myth of doing it alone
When I left the Army and began building businesses, I quickly realised that independence is only part of the picture. Yes, you need to take responsibility for your decisions. Yes, you need the drive to keep going when things get tough. But without the right people around you, even the strongest drive will only take you so far.
In the military, you never operate alone. Every role connects to another. You rely on your section, your platoon, and the wider regiment. Business works the same way. Behind every successful project are people who contributed in ways you could not have managed alone.
Building with others
The British Regeneration Project is the clearest example of how shared success works. A network of more than 500 developers and 3,000 landowners has come together to deliver billions of pounds worth of projects. Those numbers sound impressive, but what matters more is how many people are involved. No single person could deliver that scale. It takes trust, respect, and a willingness to win together.
The same principle applies at Castle International. Marketing is sometimes seen as an individual genius coming up with the perfect idea. The reality is that it is a team process. Designers, data analysts, strategists, and account managers all play their part. Clients also play their part by trusting us and sharing their own vision. When everyone contributes, the results multiply.
Success in sport and community
When I invested in Chorley Football Club alongside others, it was not about owning a piece of a team. It was about being part of a community project with history and heart. The same applies to ventures like Total Kombat or Red On Socks. Each involves people who bring unique skills, whether in sport, product design, or operations. The end result is stronger because of that mix.
Even in smaller ventures like Plas Coch Luxury Escapes, the success is shared. Local suppliers, developers, designers, and staff all play a role. More than 1,000 guests have stayed there over the past two years, each having an experience shaped by many people working together.
The tribe philosophy
One of the ideas I often return to is the importance of a tribe. A tribe is not just a group of business partners. It is people who want to see each other succeed, who share values, and who give as much as they take.
I am proud of the tribe I have built over the years. It includes fellow veterans, business partners, developers, investors, and friends. Each one brings something different, and together we achieve more than any of us could on our own.
Shared success does not mean avoiding independence. You still need to carry your weight and make your own decisions. What it means is recognising that a win is bigger when it is built with others.
Why sharing success matters
Some people view business as a competition where only one person can win. I think the opposite. When you share success, it grows. The more people are lifted up, the more opportunities are created for everyone.
It also makes success more enjoyable. Achievements are hollow if you have no one to celebrate with. When you win together, the moment means more. When challenges come, they are easier to face with others by your side.
Looking back, I know that any success I have had has been because of the people around me. From fellow soldiers to business partners, from clients to community groups, every step has been shared.
That is why I believe the best kind of success is not measured by how much you can claim for yourself, but by how many people you can bring with you along the way.