Boys at Bedford School were delighted to welcome Lord Karan Bilimoria as the latest speaker in Bedford School Ashdown lecture series. The founder of Cobra Beers and cross-bench life peer gave the boys a fascinating and very personal insight into the world of business and entrepreneurship as he shared his experiences with them on Tuesday 5th November 2013.
The pioneering entrepreneur advised the boys that success requires resilience, a great deal of hard work, the ability to deal with many hard knocks and an ability to change your mind. Indeed, he stressed that the latter is a sign of intelligence and is vital in a constantly evolving world.
He also advocated that for a business to be successful that they need to “tell a compelling story based on an undeniable brand truth, live by and refuse to comprise on their principles, have an instantly recognisable iconic look, deliver a unique, relevant, consistent experience, that inspires people to become loyal brand champions and that delivers enduring, extraordinary profits”.
And when asked who had inspired him the most in his life, Lord Bilimoria cited three individuals: his Father who was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Indian Army, his Great Grandfather who was also an entrepreneur and his strictest teacher from school!
Following the lecture Head Master John Moule drew the boys’ attention back to the attributes of integrity, resilience and self-belief, discussed throughout the lecture, and highlighted that these attributes are as relevant and important to life in general as they are to success in the business world.