Judgement of Expectations - Steve Lewis - Sales & Marketing Professional - #236

Empowering Creativity Through Diversity: A Deep Dive with Steve Lewis

In the opening episode of Season Five of the Us People podcast, host Savia Rocks introduces the new season’s theme of celebrating creativity through diversity.

She is joined by Steve Lewis, an enthusiastic smiler and managing director of a hopeful new business. In a thought-provoking conversation, Steve shares his unique life journey, from growing up as one of the few black individuals in Chesterfield, to his extensive career in sales and marketing. He also discusses his passion for genealogy and networking, which led to the creation of the Grenada Genealogical and Historical Society Online.

The episode delves into his ambitions of launching a business that places talented executives into SME boards, highlighting his optimistic outlook and unwavering positivity.

00:00 Welcome to Season Five!
01:14 Introducing Steve Lewis
02:14 Steve's Early Life and Influences
06:32 The Power of Optimism
10:32 Networking and Family History
22:29 Sales and Marketing Journey
25:27 Reflecting on Early Sales Experiences
26:58 Transition to University and Career Beginnings
29:25 Building a Career in Pharmaceuticals
29:48 Venturing into Healthcare Communications
31:58 Launching a New Business
40:20 Inspirations and Influences
46:27 Hypothetical Desert Island Companions
51:12 Finding Peace and Future Plans
53:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you so much Steve for showing us, that optimism is still something that can save our live to believe in ourselves.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GGHSonline/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/GTdqvsHdSQ0

Judgement is based on your thoughts of another person, not the insecurities that another person inflects upon you. - Savia Rocks

Transcript

Judgement of Expectations - Steve Lewis #236

[00:00:00] Savia Rocks: Hey guys, we made it to season five of the Us People podcast. I'm your host Savia Rocks. And in this season, we aim to empower and embrace creativity through diversity as we dive into the fascinating stories and experiences of a diverse range of individuals. Highlighting their unique perspectives and creative endeavours from artists and entrepreneurs to innovators and activists.

[00:00:25] We celebrate the power of diversity in driving creativity and fostering positive change. Join us as we engage in thought provoking conversations like, 

[00:00:37] Tony DaDa: I made myself intentionally homeless in pursuit of my purpose. 

[00:00:40] Jay Harris: We're aware that. A lot of people want to present and they, and they were in my position and what's worse, they weren't a white male, which is a joke.

[00:00:47] That's even still a thing.  

[00:00:49] Mel: I think my family never, ever say you can't do something. So full of support, full of support for whatever dream. If I said tomorrow when I fly to the moon, they'll probably say, I wish you all the best Mel. 

[00:00:59] Savia Rocks: So [00:01:00] guys, I just want to say thank you for supporting the Us People podcast for the past five years.

[00:01:06] I really look forward to sharing another new theme song. With you, let's go. 

[00:01:14] Steve Lewis: Hi, I'm Steve Lewis. I'm an enthusiastic smiler and MD of a new and hopefully successful new business. And you're listening to the US people podcast with Savya rocks.

[00:01:32] Savia Rocks: Hey guys, welcome to another episode of the Us People Podcast. I'm your host Savia Rocks. And today I am humbled to have Steve Lewis here with me. Steve is a sales and marketing professional and also a. A beautiful avid networker. So he loves networking, connecting with people, getting to know people. No, it's a beautiful trait to have, you know, because you never know.

[00:01:52] They say your network is your net worth, which I believe is very, very true. So Steve, I want to welcome you to the ask people [00:02:00] show and say, thank you so much for joining us. How are you? 

[00:02:03] Steve Lewis: I'm very well indeed. Thank you. And I'm glad to, glad to be here. Great intro. So thanks for that as well. You're more 

[00:02:09] Savia Rocks: than welcome.

[00:02:10] You're absolutely more than welcome. So Steve, my first question. for you is, could you tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, but also how that influenced you to be the person who you are today? 

[00:02:25] Steve Lewis: Yeah, I can. So I was born in London, um, but at a tender age, at the tender age of, uh, of eight months, um, the family, um, my parents, um, moved to Chesterfield in Derbyshire.

[00:02:38] Savia Rocks: Yeah. 

[00:02:39] Steve Lewis: Uh, so, um, um, so when you see me. Um, you have an expectation as to how perhaps I'm going to sound, um, and I, I, my accent doesn't come from London. So people then automatically think, Oh, you must be from Birmingham. No, I'm not from Birmingham. It's somewhere up north. I can't quite place it. Um, it's [00:03:00] Chesterfield.

[00:03:00] Um, I don't have a, uh, a Chesterfield accent. I think I don't have a Chesterfield accent, but I think people identify that I'm really not a Londoner. I'm from somewhere up north, but I can't quite describe where it is. Um, so that's, that was a, that was a bit different to me. Um, I say it was different because, um, in those days when I was growing up in Chesterfield, um, there wasn't a very big black population at all.

[00:03:25] Uh, and I can think of many conversations I had with people telling me that I was the first black person they'd ever spoken to. Uh, so you grow up feeling very different, um, and it's a unique experience. Um, and I have, I've got to say, um, my parents are my, are my complete heroes. My dad in particular got arrested and died, um, about 17 years ago now.

[00:03:46] Um, but I was always taught, um, to do better than the next person. 

[00:03:50] Savia Rocks: Um, and I 

[00:03:51] Steve Lewis: think he was thinking of his head, um, just the challenges life can deal out when you do look different. Um, and [00:04:00] I, and I, I really thank him for that. Um, I had very good experiences. I think growing up, um, I, I, I did well at school. I enjoyed my school.

[00:04:09] Um, I went to, uh, Chesterfield Grammar School, uh, and I'm smiling because this, this is a very, very old fashioned school. It was founded in 1598, it's a really old school, and really old traditional values. Uh, so when I was growing up there, it was in the days where you could get, um, corporal punishment, so if you got into trouble, you'd go to the head's, um, office and you'd get six of the best, um, or you can get caned, slippered, um, it was, you know, it was kind of, uh, Um, very old school.

[00:04:40] Um, that said, I was a school prefect, um, by the time I left the grammar school. And I actually think, I could probably, since 1598, I actually think, I could possibly have been the first black prefect in the school's history. And the reason why I say that, because I mean, that's a very bold thing to say, cause I [00:05:00] really don't know, is that, um, the school changed over, over the years.

[00:05:03] So 1598, it was a fee paying school and it was a fee paying school for many, many, many a year. And it wasn't until after the war, um, did it change? Um, so, um, it eventually became this all boys school or it wasn't all boys school, but it eventually became, um, this grammar school. Um, And the prefect system went into place, I think, in the 1950s or so.

[00:05:26] Uh, so, um, uh, and as I say that the, the, the school was not diverse. Uh, when I joined the school, uh, in 880 boys, I was one of three black boys in our, in our year, and that was it for the whole school. Uh, so that was, you know, that was very different. Um, but I, I had, I had a good experience. Um, I enjoyed my sports at school as well.

[00:05:48] Um, and, um, I think with all of that, and I did, I did pretty well at that. I think all of that gives you a sense of, um, in a, uh, in a confidence, um, [00:06:00] that has helped, um, to propel my life and gives you a, uh, a stronger sense of resilience as well. Uh, and I have to say also adaptability. I think a combination of all of those that, um, kind of really driven me through, through the years.

[00:06:14] Um, my biggest influence in all of that, I think I have to say is my, is my dad. 

[00:06:19] Savia Rocks: I like that. I definitely like that. It's nice to have and that will probably be when I do ask you about inspirations. I'm sure your father will. Come up. But before we get to your father, my, I always love to ask this question.

[00:06:32] This is one of the Questions that I feel goes really deep into a person's mind and personality of who they are as an individual So can I ask you can you define who you are as a person? But also who do you see when you look in a mirror, but on the flip side of that question has there ever been A time, Steve, where you have looked in the mirror and not recognized the person staring back at you.

[00:06:54] How did you manage to go from being a person that you may not have liked or seen the [00:07:00] reflection of to becoming the person who you are today? 

[00:07:06] Steve Lewis: Okay. Um, there's quite a lot in that question. Um, so I'm trying to think, so how I see myself, um, and how I perhaps navigate to some of those, those challenges, um, in life.

[00:07:16] Savia Rocks: Exactly. 

[00:07:17] Steve Lewis: Um, Um, so looking at myself in the mirror, uh, I would say that I am, um, by nature, just a very enthusiastic, smiling person. You are actually! 

[00:07:28] Savia Rocks: I can see that! You 

[00:07:30] Steve Lewis: know, I really am, and I can't, I can't tell you why. I can't tell you why I've got this smile on my face. I naturally feel quite happy in life, um, and, um, I think that kind of, really kind of.

[00:07:44] Helps me through all kinds of tricky situations. Um, I have a positive spin on life. I always, um, perhaps, uh, to a fault, I'm the eternal optimist. Um, and everything looks so bad, but if things look so bad, I [00:08:00] always find a way. I always find a way to think, well, yeah, but maybe this could happen, or I'll make this happen, or I'll do this that can make a difference.

[00:08:08] Um, so describe myself, I'd say, yeah, I'm an, I'm an enthusiastic smiler. Um, I'm, I'm highly motivated. I'm highly driven and to do the things I want to do in life. Um, very positive outlook. Um, I'm, I'm very energetic. Um, um, asked how I, um, how I cope with situations where maybe I just want to, want to get up and quit.

[00:08:36] Um, I've got to be honest, I can't think of any situations where I felt in such a hole that I can't do something to get myself out of it. 

[00:08:47] Savia Rocks: That's fair enough, maybe because of your optimism of life. You've manifested, you've always manifested ways out of situations before they've become really impactful in your life.

[00:08:59] And that [00:09:00] optimism, I get told I'm too optimistic also. And then I start laughing and it's one of those things in life where you're like, well, I can't help it. You know? Yes. And I think because we see the silver lining, we always see the light. at the end of the tunnel, even in the middle of the tunnel, even if it's a glimpse of light within the middle of the tunnel, we grab it and we pull through.

[00:09:21] And I think, Steve, I'm not talking for you. I'm just saying how I feel about it, especially from my perspective. I always feel that doing that lets you get to the end of the tunnel and see the abundant light before anything else happens. I don't know if it's like that for you. I know you're a massive optimist as well.

[00:09:46] Steve Lewis: Yeah, I would, uh, I would say that I, I, I can't think of a situation where, um, I've had a situation that's so bad that I think I can't work my way through it or out of it. 

[00:09:59] Savia Rocks: Yeah. [00:10:00] 

[00:10:00] Steve Lewis: Of course, you know, life has its challenges and life has its ups and downs. Um, But to this point, I've, I've not been in a position where I felt I can't, there's no, there's nothing I can do about it.

[00:10:13] Um, and I think, I think in life there are things that are not nice, um, things that do challenge us. Yes, very true. Um, but if you can't influence it, you can't get stressed by it. You can only get stressed by things you can change, things that you can do something about. And if you can, then you do something about it.

[00:10:30] Savia Rocks: Sure, I agree. I totally agree with that. So let's talk about one thing I loved was you love networking. There are a lot of people in the world who shy away from the whole networking scene. Even trying to go up to a person and speak to them is it can just give them anxiety. So for you to talk to me about you being a beautiful, I say beautiful because it is because you're always smiling, you know, and, and these are.

[00:10:58] positive traits to have. And [00:11:00] that's what we always tried to tell people in the world to have to try and change their mindset of how they do things. Talk to me about being a network and what it means to you. 

[00:11:11] Steve Lewis: I'll give you an example. So, um, I'm bringing my dad up again, but he, he died about 17 years ago and, um, he was very private person.

[00:11:22] And when he died, he left behind, um, um, a trunk full of information. And I saw Some papers I've never seen before. And there's a whole series of wills, solicitors letters, lawyers letters, um, land transactions, dating back to 1838. Wow. And I thought, that's what I thought. You never spoke about this before. I don't even know who these people were.

[00:11:49] I thought, well, why would he keep all this information that's so old? I can only think it must be because they're part of the family, um, going back all these ages. And I thought, well, this is interesting, because there are names [00:12:00] here that I just don't recognize, just don't know. And I got interested about who they actually were.

[00:12:04] So I thought, I'm going to write myself a family tree. Uh, so, so that's how I started. Um, my mum, um, is, um, has an amazing mind. She's got an amazing amount of detail and memory. I mean, she's almost 90 years old now, but she can recall people's birthdays. And she's very, very talkative and she's very, you know, growing up, she'd say lots and lots of things.

[00:12:28] And I'd be going, yeah, yeah, yeah. Now I'm really interested. Um, so, um, she's helped me to get a head start with this, this family tree. Um, both my parents are from, are from Grenada, but both from the same parish, and, um, typically with a lot of other Caribbean, uh, places, you find that, um, families used to be very big back in the day, um, families didn't tend to travel very far, uh, and so you find that family on one side will always be married to someone else within the village, [00:13:00] and over time, you can see, you know, It's almost like a jigsaw puzzle.

[00:13:05] So when I was doing my family tree, um, I started mapping my cousin's family trees because I found cousins on one side could be connected to cousin on the other side. So it literally became a jigsaw. I hear a name and I think, Oh, well they must be, you know, um, and I kind of figured things out. Um, there was a challenge with all of this because Grenada doesn't have a national archives.

[00:13:27] And it was destroyed in, um, 2004 because of the Hurricane Ivan. And it was never restored. It's still closed. I think there's funding now to do something about digitizing records or trying to do something. It's a shocking state. Um, thankfully, some of the records have been digitized by the Latter Day Saints.

[00:13:45] And you can go into some family history centers and find information. But it's a small amount compared to what we really should have. We don't have the resource. So what I've found myself, I'm going to answer your question about network. So I found [00:14:00] myself then, um, just talking to, um, just getting off Facebook.

[00:14:03] Um, my mum has a maiden name that is quite unusual, um, but a very popular name within Grenada. So I know anybody that has that family name must be related to me. That's just how it is. So I started networking, I started talking and getting, getting my Facebook and just connecting with so many people, um, and over time, I tried to go on these message boards around the place, but you know, you ask questions or you say things and nothing ever happens, no one ever replies years later, it just doesn't work.

[00:14:36] I started talking to a guy in America, actually based in Georgia, of Grenadian background, actually he's, he's. This family is from the same village as my, my dad's. And we said, okay, we're having similar issues here. Let's just do something. Let's just try and make something happen. So he set up a Facebook page, um, that I quickly became part of as one of [00:15:00] the admin.

[00:15:01] And we went about networking. We went about just connecting with our family, connecting with anybody that we knew from Grenada who might have a history, might have, um, um, An interest in genealogy 

[00:15:14] Savia Rocks: might have 

[00:15:14] Steve Lewis: an interest in just knowing about the history of the island. So we thought we would share this because only until very recently as actually Grenadian history is on a school curriculum and it's only last year that um, um, um, I can't remember her name now, but she, she released a, um, um, a textbook for, for school education.

[00:15:32] It's only just in recent times. So we really are behind the curve in all it. And so, um, as old as I am now, I'm really thirsty and hungry for knowledge about Grenada and, you know, and, and everything about it. So this Facebook group that we, we, um, we launched, um, uh, is called the Grenada Genealogical and Historical Society Online.

[00:15:55] I mean, that's a mouthful, but it kind of describes what we do. 

[00:15:58] Savia Rocks: I was just [00:16:00] looking 

[00:16:00] Steve Lewis: at it, yeah. I can tell you now that, um, we've been going for four years. We've got almost 8, 000, um, subscribers. 

[00:16:07] Savia Rocks: Yes, that's awesome. Um, 

[00:16:08] Steve Lewis: you know, given that Grenada has a population of just over 100, 000, um, you know, we're, we're delighted with that.

[00:16:15] And the, um, the membership comes from all around the world. It's predominantly Grenada in the Caribbean, America, Canada, Britain. 

[00:16:23] Savia Rocks: Yes. Predominantly 

[00:16:24] Steve Lewis: those places. But what we're able to do now is to really help people to construct family trees, um, Um, and educate people about his history, um, and actually receive that ourselves.

[00:16:35] Um, you know, I've, um, I've, it's, it's put a lot of, um, um, information my way in terms of my own family and where ultimately they came from. And it inspired me to think about, um, not just dotting, you know, a family tree. Of which now my, my, my, the size of the tree has 16, 000 names. It's just massive. 

[00:16:58] Savia Rocks: Um, 

[00:16:59] Steve Lewis: it's just [00:17:00] huge.

[00:17:00] It's huge. Um, so apart from just doing that, I got thinking, what was life like for my great grandparents? 

[00:17:09] Savia Rocks: Yes, I want to 

[00:17:10] Steve Lewis: know too. How did they grow up? How did they, so we all have eight great grandparents. And I thought, well, okay, where, where, where's this name coming from? And they've all, you know, eight different families, eight different names.

[00:17:23] Um, Lewis is one of the eight, of course. Um, so I thought, okay, let me write a history of the Lewises in Grenada and go as far back as I possibly can and do that with each of my eight great grandparents. So I've got literally little, I say little stories, um, that are kind of like a hundred pages each, um, of, of, of our, of our beginning in Grenada.

[00:17:47] And, um, I can go further back in, uh, in, in, uh, in some instances, and I think the concept now of having, uh, DNA, um, is fantastic. It opens up a new world. It, um, uh, substantiates various [00:18:00] relationships, uh, and also helps to establish the link to Africa, uh, which I'm most excited about. Uh, so, um, it's, it's, it's kind of like, I say it's, it's a real hobby of mine.

[00:18:12] Um, my wife will say it's an obsession. There's probably a difference there because a lot of the work that I do tends to be actually quite late at night. Um, so when they say we get creative, I'm talking to America, it's not late at night, but they're very busy and very active and I kind of like to respond to things and get involved in things.

[00:18:32] Uh, so, um, yeah, it's, it's, it's kind of like a, kind of like a mini job. Um, but interestingly, it also brings me into, um, very unique, um, circumstances. So I go on holiday to Grenada. I get recognized and that's such a flattering thing. People who I think I don't know. They say I was chatting to them online.

[00:18:52] I've helped them to do X, Y, and Z, helped them to find family members. Um, and it's, it's nice to hear that. Um, another friend of mine [00:19:00] who, um, didn't grow up with a natural father 

[00:19:02] Savia Rocks: and 

[00:19:03] Steve Lewis: was interested in his history and therefore her history, asked me if I can help because he was from Grenada. Um, and I found, uh, quite amazingly that she's the first cousin of Naomi Harris.

[00:19:15] The actress, uh, and, um, you know, that she also didn't grow up with her natural father. And so it's kind of like. No, I'm with Harris's story as well. Telco is on TV on the old program. Who do you think you are? So for my friend, I was able to say, Hey, here's your family. And so that was, that was kind of wonderful.

[00:19:33] Um, I get involved in things like, um, I got a call out in the blue from some consultancy group. I think you're based on a Barbados or Trinidad. They're working on a, on a government project to, um, restore a major road in Grenada. Um, they phoned me asking if I could join a, um, a group to talk about, um, in restoring this road.

[00:19:53] They wanted to preserve all the historical, um, assets, um, along the way that only destroy things or the signpost things. [00:20:00] And could I, can I help them? I thought, do you know where I live? You know, I'm in the UK. I'm not, I'm not over there. But they, they contacted me because of the group that I'm, I'm, I manage.

[00:20:11] Savia Rocks: Yes. 

[00:20:11] Steve Lewis: Um, and so I, I was involved in that, uh, um, discussion they had and I was able to bring in, um, um, other members of, uh, our admin team. Got one particular guy who is a historian, um, um, who does live on the island and who is well qualified, more than well qualified to, to give them what they, what they needed.

[00:20:30] Um, but it was just, just nice to be involved. And to be involved, I could just give some, I thought, just common sense. Suggestions as to things they might want to do along the way, which seems to be quite well received. Uh, so, um, Things happen along the way and they're wonderful. And so all this was really through networking Uh, so yes, i'm an avid networker and uh, and particularly for all matters grenadian.

[00:20:51] I'm definitely a man for that 

[00:20:54] Savia Rocks: I, do you know what I think? I think Steve that you will most probably cross over. So I think [00:21:00] I'm sure, you know, you'll do Grenada and then there might be because obviously when people get married to other people, not just within Grenada, in other cultures, I think it will.

[00:21:09] Tally into what you do and I think you'll start to become even more international of What you do and how you do and even if your wife says and it's an obsession. I don't think it's an obsession I think it's a very you're passionate about something you're passionate I call it passionate with purpose and that's what I think that's what I think it is And there's nothing wrong with that because you're helping so many people across the world to find pieces of them that they might feel that are missing.

[00:21:41] You know in their cultural background and sometimes it can be quite daunting not to know those things but historically Coming to a person like you who has a passion for it and wants to help It's a beautiful thing to be able to do so keep doing it because you never know you might you might pass through [00:22:00] Dominica St.

[00:22:00] Lucia St. Kitts, you'll go through all of them eventually and you'll be able to give wonderful advice to people who need it So I love that story. I'm so glad you told it. 

[00:22:11] Steve Lewis: Well, thank you. And it's, uh, as I say, it's a real pleasure of mine. And, and it has already kind of branched into Barbados because I have one of my eight great, my eight great grandparents started life in Barbados.

[00:22:23] So, you know, I get involved in other areas as well. But yes, you're right about that. 

[00:22:28] Savia Rocks: See, that's, that's totally good. So let's talk about sales and marketing is something that I find a hard because everyone needs it in their business. Everyone needs sales and marketing in their business. But the most fundamental thing is how to implement that into your business, which I'm sure you're going to give me loads of advice here and loads of facts.

[00:22:47] And but I would love to know more about why you decided to get into sales and marketing. The reason being Steve is it's a very hard industry. To get into [00:23:00] you have to use your creative mind also to be able to understand, you know, the sectors of what you're going to, if it's law, cause I know you've been part of the law sector as well.

[00:23:12] So if it's law, creativity, it could be corporate world itself. Can you talk to me about sales and marketing first of all, and why you got into it? 

[00:23:23] Steve Lewis: Yes, I certainly can. Um, so I grew up, um, being told I was going to be a doctor. Uh, so, um, yeah, so my dad was an accountant. He, you know, he wanted me to do, you know, he was very candid.

[00:23:37] He said, well, look, you know, son, you can do anything you want to do. You can be anything you want to be. You know, you can be a doctor, you can be a lawyer, you can be an accountant, you can be an architect. There's never anything else, but those four things actually. Um, but he kind of set the bar quite high.

[00:23:51] Um, my mum, um, was, um, a senior nursing officer of, um, of a special care baby unit and she was doing that for many, many, many years. [00:24:00] And so, so she really, um, was the driver, I think, behind, um, the ambition I was meant to have to be a doctor. 

[00:24:07] Savia Rocks: Yes. 

[00:24:08] Steve Lewis: Um, it was not my aspiration. It really wasn't. Um, and whilst I did well at school, my A levels, um, It wasn't a passion.

[00:24:21] Um, so I did apply to medical school. I didn't get the grades. Um, I didn't want to particularly. Uh, and so, um, I ended up going to do a chemistry degree, 

[00:24:35] Savia Rocks: uh, 

[00:24:35] Steve Lewis: which, um, you know, uh, which was fine. It actually was a great qualification for me. Um, and I had a career within, um, that sort of, um, actually, actually a pharmaceutical career, which I'll talk about, but why sales?

[00:24:52] So whilst I was doing my A levels, I got myself a part time job. Um, so, [00:25:00] um, I just wanted to earn some pocket money. I wanted to, I wanted to do something, um, uh, at that time I was buying a lot of, um, records and, um, I was going out in the evenings and I, you know, parents weren't going to give me any money.

[00:25:13] Um, so I had to go out and earn it. Which was fine. And I ended up being, I don't know if you know of a company called BetterWear. I don't know if this is even around. Um, but these are these people who leave, um, catalogs in your doorstep and come back a couple of days later. 

[00:25:27] Savia Rocks: Yes. 

[00:25:28] Steve Lewis: Uh, so yeah, so I, I did that.

[00:25:31] Um, but what I did, uh, and just reflecting on that, I did without sales training. Uh, so I'd go around to, uh, my neighborhood, wearing my, my school uniform and my prefects, um, badge and everything. That's it. And I'd always knock on the door and make sure I speak to somebody and to say, well, look, you know, this is what I'm doing.

[00:25:54] I'll leave a brochure with you. When's the best time I could come back next week? And I'd note it all down. [00:26:00] Um, and I would make sure my, my contact with them would be personal. I see what a lot of people did and get it here. Even they leave, they leave the brochure and leave a note and you, you know, they come back two days later and given the same catalog back.

[00:26:14] I see them all the time. Um, but me going around there physically, knocking the door, asking the question, uh, kind of made a difference. Um, and I found that I was getting quite a lot of pocket money. Um, it was really, really good. Um, so when I went to go and deliver the, whatever brush they had, they had bought, Um, I was able to show them other, you know, other brushes that I was about to deliver around the neighborhood and getting a little bit interested in that because the quality, it was actually pretty good.

[00:26:43] They were pretty good. Um, and I think people just warmed to me in a way because, um, you know, I'm a young lad trying his best, trying to earn a little bit money, you know, and they didn't begrudge me that. And, and that was, that was a great experience. Um, so I did that [00:27:00] for, I don't know, close on two years maybe.

[00:27:03] Um, and I also, um, did a part time job before going to university, um, selling, they were called Kirby's. It's kind of like a prehistoric, um, um, Dyson. Um, so it's basically a vacuum cleaner and it has a basic motor and you could add on all these different fitments so it could do all sorts of things like inflate, deflate, as well as vacuum a house, so it was a very, very powerful one.

[00:27:32] Cost an absolute fortune, I mean it really did. I think, you know, it was, it was, I know it was, I think it was almost 500 for the whole thing, um, in a day when a hoover would cost you 50 or 60, I mean it was just Ridiculous amount of money, um, but it was brilliant. Um, it, it did a fantastic job, uh, and I was able to, to do something with, with, you know, these vacuum cleaners.

[00:27:59] So [00:28:00] having gone to university, having got my chemistry degree, um, and, um, having, um, the opportunity to have had a, a sandwich course, which meant I spent a year working in industry as a chemist, Um, that saw me, um, working in the, in the labs of the water authority, and it was the most mundane, routine job you'd ever hope to do.

[00:28:24] Um, it just told me I wasn't to be a chemist. I can't do anything that's too routine. Yes. Um, so when I did my degree, when I did the, when I did the, did the degree, I started thinking about what jobs I can do. I didn't want to do any research. I didn't want to work in a lab. I didn't want to teach. I didn't really have a love for chemistry that would propel me any, any way forward.

[00:28:48] So I thought, well, what am I going to do? And it just occurred to me, I enjoyed the sales. I enjoyed selling brushes. I enjoy selling, um, vacuum cleaners. Can I do anything in a chemical [00:29:00] environment in, in sales? Um, so I went to work for a company called Johnson Mappy, um, chemical company, precious metals company, actually.

[00:29:09] Um, and I had a couple of roles with them. Um, Um, there's a commercial trainee and they kind of give you an opportunity to work across different business sectors. Um, and, um, um, again, that was a good experience, had some sales, sales experience with them, some marketing experience with them. Um, and I left, um, to, um, to join a pharmaceutical company and I basically built a career on that.

[00:29:31] So I was a medical rep, I was a trainer, I was a sales manager with them. Um, I was a national sales manager, was a national sales and marketing manager, was a brand manager. Um, I did a number of roles in sales and marketing for pharmaceutical companies. Um, when I left that, I joined, um, I started working for health care communications agencies, this sort of old school advertising agencies as an account director, then a commercial [00:30:00] director, um, before then doing something off my own back.

[00:30:04] Uh, so, um, um, working for myself, I, I, um, I was a coach. And so helping existing pharmaceutical representatives, um, to improve their selling skills. Um, um, I, I did a range of things working for myself, but one in particular was. Um, there was a pharmaceutical regulatory agency. So a company that helps other pharmaceuticals to register and, um, monitor health and safety of their drugs.

[00:30:35] They were basically an Eastern bloc country, uh, company, and they had an opportunity to go global. Um, so they, um, asked me to help them to build commercial teams across the world, basically. And it started from Eastern Europe, going into Western Europe and ultimately the States, uh, as their chief commercial officer, which was a fantastic role to have as a.

[00:30:55] Um, uh, self-employed person. 

[00:30:59] Savia Rocks: Yeah, definitely. [00:31:00] 

[00:31:00] Steve Lewis: Um, so, um, so it, it, it, it kind of, you know, working with myself, it morphed into all a lot of different things, a lot of different opportunities, uh, and laterally. Um, you mentioned, um, uh, I worked in law. I, I did, I was, um, working for this law firm for, um, almost two years actually.

[00:31:17] Um, and the, the thought of working for a law firm where all my experiences being healthcare was, was, was very different. But the interesting thing about the work I was doing is, um, it's all about mechanics of job. Um, so I had a different product, but the things that I did were very similar to the things that I did as in pharmaceuticals and in healthcare.

[00:31:40] Uh, so, um, um, it was great to have a role in which you could, um, um, broaden your experiences and apply learnings into different areas. And it was an environment I absolutely loved. So, uh, that's, that's, that's kind of like my sales and marketing story. Um, hopefully it's going to [00:32:00] continue because I'm now at a point where I'm, I'm, I'm looking to launch my own business.

[00:32:04] Um, so, um, and we can talk about that as well if you'd like. 

[00:32:09] Savia Rocks: No, definitely. We should talk about it. So, so from doing all this stuff, obviously you, you've got a bundle of knowledge and wisdom. I call it wisdom more than anything else. So let's talk about how you will implement that into your own business and what you hope to achieve by having your own business.

[00:32:30] Steve Lewis: Yeah. So the role that I had for the law firm, I was, um, I was head of sales. 

[00:32:36] Savia Rocks: Yes. 

[00:32:37] Steve Lewis: Um, so this is, this is a law firm with a bit of a difference. So, um, they had a team of, uh, about 50 self employed, highly experienced in house lawyers. And so the proposition was, yeah, it really was. The proposition was, um, [00:33:00] to, um, uh, my role as head of sales was to place these lawyers into, um, small and middle, uh, medium sized enterprises, SMEs on a fractional basis.

[00:33:12] So on a part time basis for anything like two to six, days a month. So as a client, an SME, you would have access to a highly experienced lawyer. These guys had at least 10 years of being a head of legal or a general counsel. Um, so you have, you have access to these people, uh, without actually having them on your payroll, um, on your payroll, that'd be the kind of the price you're out.

[00:33:38] It's price prohibitive, but working on this fractional basis, you can afford it. Um, so if for example, a client had Um, two days a month with one of the lawyers, they would take the time and they'll draw it down. So they have access to a highly experienced person as and when needed, rather than paying someone on a payroll.[00:34:00] 

[00:34:00] And so it kind of really suits those smaller organizations who have legal needs, but don't necessarily have the budget to employ the best people. 

[00:34:09] Savia Rocks: They 

[00:34:09] Steve Lewis: would otherwise go to law firms. And what would happen is, is that you talk to a partner who's brilliant. Um, but the day to day work is done by a junior.

[00:34:17] Um, it takes a bit of time before you get the information and it always comes from a perspective of this is the law. It's up to you to decide what you do with this information. Whereas the in house lawyers are very used to working within an organization and giving commercially savvy business legal advice.

[00:34:36] Um, so the real difference, real offering. Um, so, um, what I saw there was a great way to support smaller businesses. And what I, what I, what I realized, um, as the role I had was talking to business leaders every day, uh, was that it's not just law. You know, there are other areas where they, there are gaps or, you know, if [00:35:00] they have the injection of, of, of a little something else, um, it will propel them massively.

[00:35:05] And you can always go to agencies for this. You end up paying a lot of money for it. And, um, you don't get total commitment, not total commitment from, uh, from. Um, then that you could get from someone who is going to be dedicated to your business. Um, so, um, so there's certainly a place for lawyers, there's certainly a place for HR directors, senior HR directors, um, CFOs, um, in fact, C suite people in general.

[00:35:32] I think in today's world where we're becoming increasingly technical about things that we're doing, technology is very, very important. Um, so to get someone who's, who's, who's strategically. Um, savvy in, in, um, in technology could be a real bonus for a small organization that's developing. Um, also having someone that can work at a C suit level in marketing, um, or IT.

[00:35:53] Um, these are, these are roles where, you know, you can really benefit from them. Um, but [00:36:00] not in the knowledge of how to get it other than recruitment or going to an agency, which can be very expensive. This is a different route and it's, it gives you access to someone who you can claim as your own. Um, so I, I, I see that as an opportunity.

[00:36:14] I see that an opportunity for me to do personally. 

[00:36:17] Savia Rocks: Um, 

[00:36:18] Steve Lewis: and, and that's what I'm about. And also the interesting, uh, another interesting aspect in this is that I came across, um, um, a few businesses that would say to me, um, quite, quite fairly that they sit on a board. Um, the board doesn't reflect the company.

[00:36:40] Um, actually doesn't, in fact, doesn't reflect, um, um, society in general. And so we hear all the time about diversity and inclusion. And, um, but you know, they're not just buzzwords. I think today there really are essential components of, uh, innovative and [00:37:00] resilient, uh, organizations. Um, and there are a lot of people that are underrepresented at board level.

[00:37:08] So there's an opportunity I feel, um, where, uh, through networking, um, building up a team of people who. Um, and working at a very, very senior level who may be able to, um, to give the perspective the boards can really benefit from. Um, and it might just be as a non executive director, um, in which case they'll be called upon for one or maybe two days in a month.

[00:37:33] But in that time, there's a lot they can do. Uh, so, um, so that's what my business would be all about. This is offering, um, a highly experienced and talented. Executives who are used to working at a C suite level and to work on a fractional part time basis of, uh, um, small organizations, one of the smaller, anything from companies that have a turnover of anything from five to 75 million pounds, [00:38:00] uh, typically of a type of organizations that, um, uh, haven't yet committed to, um, big spends on, on the most senior of all staff by the, by the MD or CEO, I guess.

[00:38:15] Savia Rocks: That's phenomenal. That's a, that's a phenomenal business to have. I know that will flourish for you once you get it up and running and understanding the whole spectrum of it. I know how business is. It can be very hard to be able to do, but once you have a good team behind you, Steve, you will flourish.

[00:38:31] Believe me, it's really interesting because I always, I never understood it. Sales and marketing as much. And even though I used to do a bit of marketing myself, I always wanted to go more into the depth of understanding and understanding it and how it can elevate your business to such a high level. 

[00:38:53] Steve Lewis: It is.

[00:38:54] I find it a fascinating area. Um, so I have the idea of this business [00:39:00] and it's very clear in my mind. Um, but one of the disciplines I've gotten used to doing, uh, certainly you do that when you employ. Yes. He's writing a business plan. Um, and it's such a good discipline because my, I have so many ideas, I have so many thoughts about things I want to do or things I can do, but write it all down, put it in a plan, um, give yourself a Gantt project chart and so you can see what you have to do when you have to do it.

[00:39:29] Savia Rocks: Um, 

[00:39:30] Steve Lewis: just make a, make a plan out of it. And each little component of that plan is a little business area in itself. Um, things that, um, I've been very used to because I've been employed, um, having to do for myself is an education in itself. Um, but it's a real opportunity for you to, um, um, lay down a marker, uh, and then, you know, prepare and launch a business that you not only just believe in, but you, [00:40:00] you know, you have confidence that you can, you can make an impression and can make a difference.

[00:40:03] Uh, so, um, so, um, I'm, I'm, my full time job at the moment is preparing for this launch, uh, which, um, Um, it's going to be some late September, early, early October. 

[00:40:14] Savia Rocks: Oh, it's good timing, actually. Yeah. Yes. That's good timing. That's perfect timing. So, Steve, I would love to talk more about some of your inspirations in your life because for me, just hearing you talk and having a smile on your face constantly, I can see that there have been many inspirations in your life that have helped you go through what you've gone through but also elevate you to push you forward.

[00:40:42] Could you kindly tell me, even if it's in a work environment or family environment, who have been some of the people in your life that have helped you to inspire you to be who you are? 

[00:40:57] Steve Lewis: Um, well, [00:41:00] number one, um, is, is, is my dad. Yes. Um, you know, I, I hear him, I hear his voice years later. Um, yeah, I mean, he, he is, he is the number one for me.

[00:41:15] Um, I've got two boys myself and um, I'm not hoping to be anything near the, the influence and the power behind them that he has been for me and they're big shoes, you know, they're big shoes to fill. You do, you do what you, you feel you can for the best, um, but certainly for me, he's the, he's the, he's the, he's the biggest one.

[00:41:38] I think outside of that, um, um, I'm fortunate to have. Um, some older sort of family members, I've got a cousin in particular, uh, now lives in California. Um, who, um, it's an amazing welfare, but in his personal life and in his career, um, who always felt like a big brother to me. [00:42:00] Uh, so, um, you know, I, you know, I've talked to him about the business I'm launching, for example, and he's able to give, um, some really good advice, um, which I really value.

[00:42:10] Um, I have to say also, I've, I've, I've got a set of friends who I grew up with. Um, who, um, two of them were in my same school and one I knew was in my same class when I was four years old. Um, the other one joined our school when he was eight years old. Um, we went to school together and we went to, we did the same degree, um, and whilst on that course, um, we met a bunch of other, um, lads I would say who, um, we've kept into contact with.

[00:42:46] And years and years later, uh, we are still having. weekend get togethers twice a year. 

[00:42:55] Savia Rocks: Uh, 

[00:42:56] Steve Lewis: and, and they've done well, they've [00:43:00] done well in their careers. They've done well in their lives, I would say. Um, and I think we're a very positive, positive influence on each other. Uh, so, um, so, uh, various times in our lives, you know, you get groups of men together and nothing serious happens.

[00:43:16] I mean, It's just idle, idle talk about football or whatever. It's just nothing concrete, but every now and again, um, your conversation tends to shift, 

[00:43:27] Savia Rocks: you know, 

[00:43:27] Steve Lewis: um, when you're in your twenties, you're talking about your jobs maybe. And then maybe in your late twenties, it's, you know, girlfriend, you're going to get married or not.

[00:43:36] And then it becomes children and, you know, unfortunately for some it's divorce after that, you know, and it's always careers and then you think about pensions and so your, your, your conversations, um, still around football, which is good. Um, but your conversations to drift as you get older, um, and you do have a council, um, and these weekends that we continue to have, [00:44:00] um, we have regularly eight of us and it's every six months.

[00:44:06] Uh, and it has been for, I'm trying to tell you how many years now, um, a long time, a long time, 40, I'd say 40 years of that. 

[00:44:17] Savia Rocks: Wow. Uh, 

[00:44:18] Steve Lewis: so, uh, it's, it's, it's a long time. 

[00:44:20] Savia Rocks: No, but it's a beneficial long time. Yeah. Absolutely 

[00:44:23] Steve Lewis: it is. Absolutely it is. And we give each other counsel. Uh, so, um, and there's always, you know, we have a WhatsApp group between us.

[00:44:31] So there's a bit of banter, which is always nice. Um, but you know, um, we're there to support each other. Uh, we know that it could be there for life as well. 

[00:44:40] Savia Rocks: See. These are things that I think I wish everyone had. I know it's very hard for everyone to have that, but I wish everyone had something like that, because it's such a support mechanism throughout your whole life.

[00:44:52] So, Steve, my next question for you is, if you could choose one quote, That represented you as a person. [00:45:00] What quote would you choose and why would you choose that particular 

[00:45:03] Steve Lewis: quote?

[00:45:11] So this is a quote I can make up or a quote I know of or because I can't think of any 

[00:45:15] Savia Rocks: it can be it can be River as they say Anything that resonates with you that represents who you are?

[00:45:30] Steve Lewis: I've not really thought too much about it, but um, in my head, and I don't know why, but I'm saying always look on the bright side of life. 

[00:45:38] Savia Rocks: That suits you down to a T to be quite fair. It suits you down to So I know that you spoke about buying music when you were younger. So if I was to say to you, Steve, if there was one song that was the soundtrack of your life, what song would you choose?

[00:45:57] And why would you choose that particular [00:46:00] song?

[00:46:07] Steve Lewis: That's a tough question. 

[00:46:10] Savia Rocks: It's a thinker. 

[00:46:12] Steve Lewis: Yeah, it is.

[00:46:18] Always look at maybe that one. Yeah, it 

[00:46:25] Savia Rocks: might be that one. So if I said to you, if you Steve, if I said to you, I'm going to take you to a desert island and you're only allowed to bring three people with you, which are One musician, one activist, and one president to have a conversation with for 24 hours.

[00:46:46] Who would you bring and why would you bring those people over to have that conversation with?

[00:46:54] Steve Lewis: One president, you say? 

[00:46:56] Savia Rocks: One president, one activist, and one musician [00:47:00] of your choice. 

[00:47:02] Steve Lewis: Um, well, President Obama, I would say. I mean, what a leader, what an inspirational leader he was and still is. Um,

[00:47:14] I, I kind of Pretty well. Everything he said and did once he was a president. Um, his journey was unpredicted. I think, uh, the challenges of, of, uh, of a black person become the president of the United States of America. You would never have thought it. You'd never have thought it. I do remember early in his campaign trial trail seeing, um, many documentary about him.

[00:47:40] I thought, yeah, okay. Cause every, Every four years, every time there's, there tends to be a black person who's trying to be president. And you think, well, you know, that's good. That's, that's nice, you know, hope they do well. Um, and, and yet he captured the nation and he captured the nation again. Um, um, so, um, wow, uh, [00:48:00] tremendous, tremendous, um, achievements that he had in life and, um, to have any sign with him would be, uh, would be massive, um,

[00:48:15] activist.

[00:48:21] Yeah, I guess

[00:48:27] Martin Luther King. No surprises there. Um, could be Malcolm X actually as well, but I think Martin Luther, Martin Luther King. Um, he came, he came at it, if you like, in a different way to Malcolm X. Yes, 

[00:48:46] Savia Rocks: they had two different approaches to things. 

[00:48:48] Steve Lewis: They had two different approaches and I think because they were both there at the same time, um, it was a strength for each other, to be honest.

[00:48:55] Yeah. Kind of played well with each other. I, I don't [00:49:00] know. It's a fine line between the two of them because I think they were both instrumental in making change for the good. Um, and helping us to be strong as a, strong as a people. 

[00:49:11] Savia Rocks: Yes. 

[00:49:11] Steve Lewis: Um, I think Martin Luther King, when I see him, I see my dad actually. I just see, you know, I see a similar kind of stature between the two.

[00:49:21] I personally see that. Well 

[00:49:23] Savia Rocks: that's fine. Um, so 

[00:49:24] Steve Lewis: that would probably be the edge for me. Um, in terms of a musician.

[00:49:39] So many choices, um, but I, I think, I think I, I would love to have, um, any time, um, to have spent with Bob Marley. Did 

[00:49:53] Savia Rocks: someone say that to me the other day, I think? I think someone said that to me the other day as well. Yeah. 

[00:49:58] Steve Lewis: Again, he's one of these [00:50:00] people that, from his beginnings, you would never have expected him to reach the world stage, uh, and yet he did.

[00:50:09] Um, and. We love him for his music, but I think in terms of what he also achieved, um, politically in Jamaica at a very turbulent time was, was quite something to bring two opposing leaders together in a way which they've never, never had before was, was, was a massive achievement. Um, yeah, I think he, you know, his, his words are very instinctive.

[00:50:39] They, they still resonate today. Um, yeah, I'd, I'd love to, I'd love to, uh, spend any time with him. 

[00:50:50] Savia Rocks: That's actually three good choices right there. So you've got Obama, you've got, um, Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, so between the two. And then you've [00:51:00] also got Bob Marley. That would be a really interesting conversation to have for those 24 hours.

[00:51:05] I'll be looking at my boat with my binoculars just seeing. Just seeing what's going on. Literally, Steve, I've only got two more for you, so, my last two is, when was the last time you felt totally at peace with yourself?

[00:51:25] Steve Lewis: I'm going to say this morning. 

[00:51:27] Savia Rocks: I like that, that's nice and easy. Literally, some people have to wait a lifetime to find what peace is, and for the sheer fact that you can find it when you wake up in the morning, or even when you open your eyes to say thank you for another day, that's a good thing. 

[00:51:41] Steve Lewis: Yeah, yeah, I'll tell you, I'll tell you this 

[00:51:44] Savia Rocks: I love that.

[00:51:45] Steve, before I even have the chance to say thank you so much for coming on the show, I would love for people to be able to find you and what you do, especially if they're looking for their, their ancestry or, or whatever it might be, [00:52:00] please let us know where people can actually find you. 

[00:52:05] Steve Lewis: Uh, okay. So, um, I would lead anyone to go to the Grenada Genealogical and Historical Society online.

[00:52:15] Which is a Facebook group. Um, so, um, certainly if you've got, um, uh, ancestry, uh, or you have any interest in the history of Grenada, um, we'd be delighted to, to help you. Um, for my business, um, you'll, you can take a look at, um, the website, uh, that is called the fractional director. co. uk, the fractional director.

[00:52:41] co. uk. Um, and, um, again, I I'd love to help any. Um, anybody who aspires to, um, or has experience certainly in working at a C suite level, um, who has time, uh, to work in a flexible, flexible way, uh, for a small portfolio [00:53:00] of, uh, SMEs, I can certainly help you to, uh, to, to get there. And I think actually, you know, um, in so doing, um, I think it's, it, it's, it's one of those things that would be a beacon for others to follow.

[00:53:13] Um, I think the more, um, leaders we have working at a senior level, just, just. paves the way I think for others to be seen in that way as well. Um, so, um, let's break some of those stigmas and, uh, let's get to work, eh? I 

[00:53:27] Savia Rocks: see. I like, I like the way you said that. That's cool. Steve, I want to thank you so much for taking your time.

[00:53:35] To come on the ask people podcast for showing us, you know, your ancestry of who you are, the way you work for, for having a new adventure for starting a new business, but also people giving people hope and positivity to let them know no matter what you're doing in your life, you can start something new, progress, evolve, and continuously have a smile on your face because of the love of what you do.

[00:53:59] Thank you so [00:54:00] much. 

[00:54:01] Steve Lewis: Thank you very much as well. It's been an absolute pleasure and it's lovely to 

[00:54:06] Savia Rocks: And you too, guys, I want to thank you for listening to the US people podcast. And please remember, you can subscribe and leave us a review on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, and any other platform that you prefer listening to.

[00:54:19] Please also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. And you can also donate to the US people podcast so we can continue to hear people's stories, especially like Steve's on the US people podcast website, or the Savya rocks website guys. Again, thank you so much for listening. Stay happy.

[00:54:39] Stay positive and as always, please continue to be kind to one another. Take care.[00:55:00] 

[00:55:09] I think 

[00:55:18] Steve Lewis: it's amazing what you do, and you must meet so many interesting people. Um, I'm flattered that you, I dunno how you came, came across me at all. . I'm flattered. That was, I've been picked out. Um, I was really very chuffed,