Why Business Is Stronger When You Build a Tribe, Not a Wall
Life and business don’t go in straight lines. Everyone hits rough patches. I’ve had them, and so have people close to me. Money gets tight, projects fall apart, sometimes the weight of it all just builds up. And it’s not just business, personal life can throw things at you too. Family, health, relationships, it all plays into the ups and downs. It’s part of the journey.
That’s when your tribe matters most.
For me, a tribe isn’t about contacts on a spreadsheet or handshakes at events. It’s the people who will pick up the phone when you’re struggling and who know you’ll do the same for them. It’s trust, loyalty and looking out for each other even when there’s nothing in it for you. It’s also the people who will sit with you in a bar, share a drink or a meal, and talk honestly. Some of my best business deals have happened that way, over a pint or good food, never in a boardroom.
Too often, when someone’s struggling, the easy response is “hope it works out” and then you move on. I’ve always tried to ask, what can I do to help? Even if it’s a small thing, an introduction, a bit of advice, or just sitting down and listening, that’s what turns acquaintances into a tribe.
And it’s this philosophy that’s built me the strongest network across every area of business. Not because I’ve pushed people aside as competition, but because I’ve said: let’s fucking work on this together and do the absolute best we can. That’s how I’ve ended up surrounded by people I trust, who trust me back, and who achieve things far bigger as a group than we ever would alone.
At The British Regeneration Project, that’s exactly how we’ve been able to connect with over 3,700 landowners and more than 300 developers. We’ve made projects happen by collaborating instead of shutting people out. The same thing happened at Castle. Growth came because people shared ideas rather than keeping them to themselves. With Plas Coch Luxury Escapes, the difference has been working with local people and suppliers, not just building properties in isolation. Even at Chorley FC, it’s clear the future depends on fans, players and management pulling in the same direction.
And the best part of all of this? Winning together is a lot more fun. I don’t understand why anyone would want success alone. What’s the point in reaching a milestone if there’s nobody to share it with, nobody to celebrate the late nights and the graft? The best moments in my career have been standing in a room with my team or partners and saying we did this. Not I did this.
The rough patches make those wins even better. When you’ve had to pick each other up, the success means more. It’s proof that sticking together actually works.
So that’s the way I see it. Don’t build walls, extend your table. Don’t treat people as rivals when they could be allies. Back each other, share the wins, and make the journey something worth remembering.
Because honestly, there’s no better way to do it.