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Interview
Mike doesn’t see himself as a high achiever, just a
regular guy who has focused on what he enjoys
insights about what is needed but not currently In fact, to keep up morale he suggested that way after 37 years of happy marriage - and he
available.’ his team had a party to celebrate their success is certainly a hero to his two adult children.
Mike believes that innovations succeed before it happened. Sue and Mike enjoy an enviable lifestyle
when they fill an unmet need. To come up with
Write Your Own Script
with a beautiful country house in Oxfordshire
a multi-million pound idea, he advocates and a flat in London They regularly travel to
observing the functional and emotional needs Mike employs a colourful metaphor to give their favourite locations around the world. At
of humans. Don’t ask people for a solution to advice to anyone with a big dream: see your 59, Mike now works three days a week - and
their needs - discovering them is a role for business as a soap opera, write your own is still making the most of the starring role in
creators. He quotes Henry Ford’s maxim: ‘If I’d script and cast yourself as the star, not an his own remarkable life story.
asked my customers what they wanted, they’d extra. And write the last chapter first! He warns
have said a faster horse.’ you to expect ‘drama’!
Although Mike grew up as an only child, he He writes: ‘Business adventures are full of Mike’s website:
was surrounded by cousins in a big, loving the magic of human life, humour, courage, www.findyourlightbulb.com
extended family in Birmingham. He has always despair, anger, pride, friendship, great tri-
enjoyed forming partnerships and gathering umphs, epic celebrations, fun and extraordi- Mike Harris will be speaking live to
loyal teams around him, finding the creative nary good fortune.’ entrepreneurs all over the UK in September
atmosphere of a team conducive to business When I asked Mike which actor he would and October. For a discounted ticket to see
success. When setting up First Direct in 1988 like to play his role in the movie of his life, he Mike Harris share insights on
and facing almost impossible challenges, he admitted it used to be Harrison Ford, the entrepreneurship and innovation visit:
quickly discovered he had the power to either understated hero, but these days he’s leaning TriumphantEvents.co.uk/MikeHarris
drag down or build up staff morale, and it was towards that debonair heart throb George
his job as leader to stay optimistic at all times. Clooney. His wife, Sue, certainly sees him that
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24 • issue 164 Business Matters
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