Founding, growing and selling a business

Lara MorganSerial entrepreneur and wellness brand investor, founder of Pacific Direct

• Where does success in business come from?

  Lara Morgan says she does not think of herself as successful and credits an international upbringing and parents determined to teach her that hard work pays off.

  Watch this moment1:47 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• What is it like growing up when a parent goes bankrupt?

  Lara Morgan says her father took a long time to go bankrupt and that her parents, determined to try to keep her in education, sent her to private school.

  Watch this moment3:10 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• What makes a good salesperson?

  Lara Morgan says sales is a relationship in which the seller listens, puts themselves in the other person's shoes to understand their goals and aims, and helps smooth their path.

  Watch this moment12:37 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• What did Lara Morgan sell first?

  Lara Morgan says there were no jobs in 1991, so she made one selling sewing kits and shower caps, and took them to the Dorchester on her grandmother's advice.

  Watch this moment21:59 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• How many sales calls a day did Lara Morgan make?

  Lara Morgan says she set herself a target of 100 calls before her morning drink, which might mean 100 rejections, and the business did £108,000 in its first year.

  Watch this moment23:19 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• Where did Lara Morgan start her business?

  Lara Morgan says her business started in a granny flat in Bedford and the homes that followed, up to a manor, were stepping stones.

  Watch this moment26:16 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11

• Why is business momentum so hard to maintain?

  Lara Morgan says KitBrix has momentum after its best year yet, and that momentum is not a pure sport, because a QC issue, an unwell colleague or an accident will still arrive.

  Watch this moment30:21 (opens in a new tab)

  The BEYOND Podcast · Season 3, episode 11