BGF founder and Executive Chairman, Stephen Welton is our fourth guest on Change Makers. The man behind the world’s most active growth investor gives an optimistic view of the landscape for businesses in a difficult time, and says we need to re-write the art of the possible to power economic recovery. Plus hear about his and BGF’s connections to GCHQ, Ian Fleming and M!
Stephen Welton
Stephen is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the the world’s largest active growth investor, BGF. The company believes in the power of brilliant businesses to drive innovation, generate progress and deliver prosperity. In less than a decade it has grown from 1 to 14 offices across the UK and Ireland, with nearly £2bn invested and a team of 170.
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Scrapbook
Stephen encourages access to strategic advice, 2016
Stephen Welton relaxing at home with his pet springer spaniel Minnie
Stephen Welton and BAA chairman Sir Nigel Rudd
Lockdown scrapbook
WHAT IS A BOOK THAT HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
Royal Road to Card Magic. Jean Hugard. Sparked a lifelong passion in magic which has served me well in many different parts of my life, both personal and professional.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING IN LOCKDOWN?
Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough, Netflix. This is our future, and increasingly ours to lose…
WHAT IS YOUR LOCKDOWN SOUNDTRACK?
Mahler 5th symphony; Sibelius 5th symphony; Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni); It’s a beautiful day (U2); So far away (Carole King) – seems appropriate in a socially distanced world!
Have a listen to the Change Makers Lockdown Playlist.
IN ONE SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR NEW NORMAL.
Embracing technology and all that it offers for remote working but not at the expense of old fashioned face to face engagement – new normal needs to be the best of the old world whilst embracing all of the new world.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION AND WHY?
My family. Keep me grounded and makes sense of what we do and why we do it.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST TIP FOR LIFE ?
Always look on the bright side of life (thank you Monty Python!). I am inveterate optimist. I have to be as I spend all my time with entrepreneurs.
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