I found myself wondering though; are both of them happy? Are they both content with their lot in life?  Are they both living the dream?  I was left feeling that their financial success has not brought them happiness.  Michelle did not strike me as a woman in her flow, a woman truly celebrating and enjoying her achievements.  Richard, on the other hand, I am sure was all these things long before the financial freedom.  His approach to attire, decor, offices and teamwork have nothing to do with his wealth.  Here is a man blazing a trail – straight through the astro-turf he has in the Innocent offices instead of carpet!

A trailblazer does not take the path well-travelled, they create a new one regardless of the risks along the way – and often because of them.  They have total belief in what they are doing and how they are going to do it.  They have the ability to create a team around them who are prepared and inspired to join them on this new journey, to make mistakes along the way and learn something together.

I was impressed by Michelle too; a woman of conviction and determination who has achieved huge success.  She is proud of her roots and where she is  today and she has every right to be.  I was touched by her struggles and her honesty in sharing them.  I was also concerned by her lack of self-appreciation, her lack of contentment. Her lack of self-belief.  When will she be enough?

The work places these two entrepreneurs have created were like reflections of their personalities; Michelle’s organised, shiny, modern, minimalist, structured, compulsive.  Richard’s random, exciting, unexpected, thought-provoking, relaxing, fun.

I watched with delight as Peter Jones squirmed at the sight of an Innocent team member in shorts at work – with bare feet.  He was horrified.  He told one team member he would see huge changes ”if I bought this company” – and somehow failed to see the irony in that.  It was powerful.  I have such huge respect for Peter, yet it was wonderful to see this vast contrast in styles from these amazing businessmen.

The hanging chair next to Richard’s desk was clearly too much for Peter, but it has inspired me to be approachable in ways that work for everyone not just me.  It reminded me to have fun while I blaze my trail.  Astro-turf all the way!