World Entrepreneurs Day: An Interview with Josh Dixon

In celebration of World Entrepreneurs Day, we had the opportunity to sit down with Josh Dixon. From his early beginnings selling phone cases to launching his own business, Josh has a wealth of experience and insights to share. Here’s a glimpse into his entrepreneurial journey.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

“Persistent, hardworking and driven.”

What do you enjoy most about entrepreneurship? What do you find hardest about it?

“I enjoy challenging the status quo and seeing what is possible. Innovating, driving new ideas, and working with great people are what keep me motivated. However, the hardest part is the constant pressure to deliver and the uncertainty that comes with being responsible for a business’s success.”

What top 3 websites/apps do you use every day?

• LinkedIn: “It’s essential for networking and staying updated on industry trends.”
• WhatsApp: “Great for collaborating with people from across the world, being universally recognised as a messaging app.”
• GSuite: “I rely on GSuite and all of its features on a daily basis. I love the whole Google ecosystem!”

What are your values?

“My core values are integrity, innovation, and perseverance. I believe in conducting business ethically, constantly seeking new ways to improve, and never giving up, even when faced with challenges.”

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

“I’ve always been interested in business. From a young age, maybe 11 or 12 years old, I was importing silicone phone cases from DHGate in China to sell to family and friends from a small fabric storage buffet that I bought from B&M. Any family gathering, be it a takeaway night at my aunty’s or a weekend to see my Dad, that box travelled everywhere with me and there was always something for everyone inside. Later, I started working with suppliers to source my own dog leads and harnesses, which I then sold on my Mum’s eBay account. I think my Mum was on first name terms with the local post office she was in there that often. 

As I got older, I would buy and sell motorbikes, caravans, BMX bikes and anything I could find profit in really. I prided myself on 100% positive feedback, quick deliveries and reasonable pricing. These experiences sparked my passion for entrepreneurship and set the foundation for my future ventures.”

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

“Having ADHD is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the hyper-focus allows me to work efficiently, like a well-oiled machine. On the other hand, it can lead to burnout, as I often find myself working on tasks until 2 AM.

Another weakness is that I never switch off. I’m always working or online, and while I’m a big believer in work-life balance for my team, I struggle to practise what I preach. I’m also not a morning person, which can be a challenge in a world that values early risers.”

What problems are you trying to solve?

“I’m focused on solving inefficiencies within the recruiting industry – this is something I’m passionate about. Whether it’s streamlining processes, enhancing customer experience, or introducing new innovations, my goal is always to create value and make a positive impact.”

Would you have done anything differently?

“In hindsight, I would have prioritised building a stronger support network earlier on. Having mentors and peers to bounce ideas off and gain advice from is invaluable. I also would have implemented better work-life balance practices from the start to avoid burnout as I have struggled to shake off bad habits, as well as the health implications that come with them.”

What are some key lessons you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

“You can’t trust everyone as much as you wish you could. It’s essential to be cautious and protect your interests. Consistency is also key—ensuring you put enough effort into each day and constantly strive to improve. Lastly, data-driven insights are crucial for growth and projecting outcomes.”

What motivates you to keep going?

“The feeling of never being fully satisfied or content. There’s always more to achieve, and that drive pushes me to keep moving forward.”

How do you manage stress?

“Probably not as well as I should. I used to be quite athletic and interested in sports, but I haven’t been as active as I should be recently. Travel helps me unwind; experiencing new cultures provides a fresh perspective and often inspires new ideas.”

What are your tips for building a great team?

“Hire for culture, not just for skills. It’s crucial to ensure that your team shares your values and is aligned with your vision. Skills can be taught, but culture fit is key to long-term success.”

How would you describe your leadership style?

“I’m a coach. I like to work closely with my team, helping them to achieve their best. I’m always available to share my opinions and experiences, aiming to create a stronger situation for everyone.”

How do you encourage company culture?

“I lead by example and ensure open communication within the team. We regularly hold team-building activities and celebrate small wins to keep morale high. I also encourage feedback and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. We are fortunate that we are of a size that everyone can influence the future of the business, so we take feedback seriously and try to implement changes that will benefit everyone.”

How do you acquire new customers and retain existing ones?

“We focus on delivering exceptional customer service and delivering a service that meets our customers’ needs. We also invest in marketing strategies that target our ideal audience and build strong relationships through personalised communication and flexible services.”

What are some hard choices you had to make to get where you are?

“I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of time with friends and family, even isolating myself from social events to focus on work. Making lifestyle changes to facilitate my business goals was necessary, but it wasn’t always easy.”

Is there any popular entrepreneurial advice that you agree/disagree with? Why?

“I agree with the advice to ‘fail fast and learn quickly.’ It’s important not to fear failure, but rather to see it as a learning opportunity. However, I disagree with the notion that entrepreneurs should always hustle and grind without rest. I’ve learned that balance is crucial to long-term success.”

What advice would you give to starting entrepreneurs?

“Write a journal of your thoughts from day one. It’s something I regret not doing and wish I had done to really capture what is happening and the emotions involved. Time goes by very quickly, and when you’re so invested in a project, it’s easy to forget the journey. Having a journal helps you reflect and learn from your experiences.”

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