Steve Pugh, Founder at Roadmap MBA
Steve Pugh is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (CEng) with two Masters degrees with values based on empowering people and creating positive and creative cultures. He is the Founder and Creator of The Roadmap MBA. Steve is someone who listens, understands and then tackles your biggest problems as quickly as possible.
What is your favourite social media platform?
LinkedIn provides the main route to my audience, although I've been putting a lot of effort into YouTube as the world's second-biggest search engine as I look to build more video content over time - even though I know it's a 10-year game.
Tell us about you and your current role.
My main role is as a Management Consultant, where people hire me to make real change in their business, but in relation to this in 2021, I launched the Roadmap alternative MBA which is a real-world business education course to help people make that next step in their business or career.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
The thing I like most is working with people. It is being able to add value and bring my particular set of skills to be able to unlock something in someone or help a business achieve its potential. Although you need a large amount of technical knowledge to do that, it's often the softer skills and the people side which makes or breaks a project.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I ever received was whilst doing A-Level Physics. My teacher at the time gave me the advice that "If I could afford to go away to university (i.e. to live in another city and not at home with my parents / regular social circles) it would be the best decision I'd ever make” and it was. Taking that leap took me out of my comfort zone but also allowed me to meet hundreds of people from different cultures and parts of the world that have enriched my life and made me who I am today.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Things that motivate me are seeing other people try hard and follow their passions. As a practitioner myself, I recognise certain traits in others which I respect and seeing people do this inspires me to keep pushing myself.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
In 2011 I helped create a world-first financial fund which solved a major problem in helping UK companies bid on big contracts. From having the initial idea, I took this idea all the way through to completion and it has since unlocked over £237m of work to companies (and created or safeguarded thousands of jobs) that otherwise would not have happened. Knowing I'd made a difference is something I was really proud of.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
My preferred way is by an introduction in person. I feel that meeting in person gives you a much greater sense of someone, which during a pandemic isn't always possible, so hence why I use so much video to help connect with my audience and network as I can.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I feel I'm a good problem solver, so this is useful in many situations, but also from being raised by a single mother I also seem to be blessed with empathy and the ability to see the other side or what people are thinking or feeling, which when you combine the two can be quite useful.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
Degrees and pieces of paper don't mean anything. Don't worry about anyone else or what anyone else thinks, just be true to yourself.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I admire people who have been through adversity and come out of the other side. People who have known struggle and kept going - which you find in all walks of life.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love to learn, which is why I've been able to develop a lot of skills, but also I love downtime too and going for a walk with my wife, enjoying each others company over a coffee.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
Positive. The lockdown caused the jolt for me to "go big" online and to know that was the right direction for my business. It was the right call and allowed me to get a jump on my competitors and really scale what I was planning to do.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
Yes and yes. Although my inspiration comes from all around me and watching how people act in certain situations and learning from it. I also have lots of people who reach out to me and pick my brains too, which is something I always enjoy. Plus on the Roadmap MBA, I'm now meeting a lot more people from all over the world, which is just as fun.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Work hard and keep working on your personal development. If you don't have the fire and hunger inside you, you're going to struggle. Find your passions.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
They expect it to be easy. They expect other people to do things for them. They expect it to happen quickly.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
All I can do is do my best.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Apple - as always. Tesla for having a clear direction and following it - even though for many years people thought they were crazy or niche. McDonald’s/Greggs - they have managed to keep their brand identity and keep delivering products people want (and continue to want) regardless of your tax bracket... and do so with great marketing.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is knowing that you did your best, regardless of the outcome. If you do your best and fail, that's ok.
Is there is anything else you would like to highlight as part of your global interview?
With the Roadmap MBA, we have a Buy One Gift One initiative. Sign up on our guest list to receive a free course at: guestlist@RoadmapMBA.com