Tommy’s shoe brand, Mallet London can not only be found on the shelves of some the biggest retailers across the globe, but also in the wardrobes of A-list celebrities thanks to its minimal yet bold aesthetic.

However, he still faced struggles even while getting the brand off the ground.

“In my early career I got told I had to go and see an agent and when I went to see him, he said that the brand wasn’t going to go anywhere. He had better brands. I didn’t know how to design and it was basically just a lost cause. Driving home from that meeting, I remember calling my dad and I was in such a bad way because I felt like it was the end of everything.

“If only I knew back then what I know now! That would have made things so much easier for me. But my mission then was to show him how good I was. I was very confident, but I had no idea what I was doing”. 

On visioning

“For someone that can read and write perfectly, a business plan is good. I don't have the capacities to be able to do that, so I need a vision. 

“Anything to remind you daily what you're doing is good. There's no rules here. So, if you have to have picture on the ceiling, so when you wake up in the morning and you see it. Do it.”

On hard work v standard business skills

“Hard work and business skills? You need both. I know I can really work hard; we all work hard. To make it [in business], you have to be able to adapt, but work hard as well. Work hard, make a plan, sort out your vision, whatever it takes, and then go and get it!”

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Please note that the views and information have not been endorsed, issued or approved by NatWest. Any views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of NatWest.