Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett is the founder and former CEO of Social Chain Group, the youngest ever investor on Dragon’s Den and host of the hit podcast The Diary of a CEO. Starting his company, an innovative social media marketing agency, at just twenty-one years old after dropping out of university, he has become an inspiration for a new generation of entrepreneurs.
From a young age, Steven was aware that the traditional education system wasn’t built for him. Struggling in school and scraping through his exams, he dropped out of his Business Management course at university after just one lecture. Determined to make something of himself, he began two flagship companies, Social Chain and Media Chain, from his bedroom. Within two years he was a self-made millionaire
running a globally influential social media company creating innovative campaigns for clients like Apple, Amazon and Coca-Cola.
In speeches, Steven shares his tips for creating and maintaining a successful business. He emphasises the importance of listening to your gut, knowing your own purposes but being flexible with your goals. He also reminds audiences that quitting is not a weakness - it is not giving up, but allowing yourself a new start.
Understanding the pitfalls of the traditional educational system personally, he is a big advocate for people creating their own paths and is particularly focused on helping innovators from minority communities join the new generation of entrepreneurs.
As well as creating another new marketing platform and leading a company that helps build Web3 applications, he also hosts the popular podcast The Diary of a CEO. With guests from celebrity comedians to innovative business leaders and entrepreneurs, he shares a behind the scenes look at their stories and the lessons
they’ve learnt. He is also a Dragon on the long-running BBC pitch show and has written a part-memoir, part-reflection on success Happy Sexy Millionaire. He has received numerous accolades including Great British Entrepreneur of the Year,
Most Influential Agency Figure and was in the top ten names on the UK’s black power list.
