Partner Article

Getting to know... Mo Brown

We know you as the founder of Sullivan Brown and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

If I had to use one word to describe what makes me tick it would be purpose — working hard, giving back, enjoying the little moments, and surrounding myself with good people who lift each other up. It’s about striving to add value wherever I can, while still making time to enjoy the journey (that bit’s an endless work in progress).

I grew up in an unusual family set up and didn’t have as much as the friends around me so I was always driven to want a traditional family and nice life, holidays, Christmases etc. I’m lucky to have achieved those things but it still drives me now, and probably always will.

I’m a huge believer that you can always positively impact your own outcomes if you are willing to try, and I never stop trying.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not at all! When I was younger, I had one career in mind, and that was joining the police. I went to university with the aim of joining via the police graduate recruitment programme but I failed the physical because I couldn’t do enough press ups! With no back up plan, I worked in a call centre, then fell into recruitment because I had done some temp work in my summer holidays. So it was an accident really!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

This is tricky to answer because my job is leading a business and delivering within that business, and both elements have elements I love and some I don’t!

As a business owner, I love having a brand and business I am truly proud of, based on service, results and doing the right thing. I also love the opportunity. Even when times are challenging, being an entrepreneur means there is always opportunity and that is exciting. The worst bit for me is riding the rollercoaster and keeping focused when things are tough. Sometimes it feels like a slog, especially in the current economy and I do have my ‘why I am I doing this’ moments but in the end, the truth is, I love it so I can always come back fighting!

When it comes to delivery, the best bits of my job are my team, and delivering a high standard of service to our customers. I love matching the right person with the right role and knowing that the time we spend getting to know our network has led to a positive outcome. I’m driven by adding value. The worst part is and always will be telling people they were unsuccessful in a recruitment process. It’s a massively important part of what we do, but I hate disappointing people so I still find it hard after 27 years!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Other than my family, I get a huge sense of achievement from having come from a working class background, with some significant early challenges, to where I am now with two businesses and brands that I am extremely proud of. I was the first person in my family to go to university, I didn’t know anyone who had their own business, and for a long time, I didn’t feel that was an option open to me, and yet, I took the leap and now I have two business, in industries I am passionate about, and teams who I love working with. I still feel I have lots to achieve though, so ask me again in a few years time!

How do you relax outside of work?

I think people who know me would say I don’t! I was diagnosed with ADHD last year, and it’s fair to say that switching off is not something my brain does easily (if at all!). The place I am most relaxed is outside. I love hiking, paddle boarding, running and just being in nature. The more trees and sky I can see the better I am. Having said that, I love films and tv, theatre, I read a lot of fiction, enjoy a challenging jigsaw and good food and wine are a joy.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

I’m originally from the North West, and moved to the North East 18 years ago, and now I work across both. I genuinely think the North East is unique – in a brilliant way! The cities, beaches and countryside are amazing, it’s a family friendly region, and the people are friendly and proud. You can have a great quality of life here whatever it is that you are interested in. From a business perspective, there are some fantastic organisations and amazing entrepreneurial spirit. I have found the business community to be collaborative and supportive, cheering each other on and celebrating the region and it’s achievements. There are so many positives to the North East.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I was in the school choir with Sporty Spice!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .