Steven Bartlett, the incredibly successful young entrepreneur and host of ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast, was one of the featured speakers at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024.
Steven Bartlett: Failure as a stepping stone to success
On Saturday, 16 November 2024, the penultimate day of the International Book Fair, held from 6 to 17 November, Bartlett shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Botswana-born and raised in humble circumstances, he stressed the critical role of failure in achieving success, framing it as a necessary part of growth.
He reiterated one of his guiding principles:
“Failure equals feedback; feedback equals knowledge; knowledge equals power.”
Bartlett urged the audience not to fear failure but to view it as a source of valuable lessons, both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Bartlett recounted starting his first business at the age of 14. Growing up in financially challenging circumstances motivated him to create something enduring. He shared how resilience and determination enabled him to overcome adversity, though he acknowledged that ego can complicate decision-making. “Ego is necessary and very useful, but it can also be a severe obstacle to progress,” he observed.
Bartlett’s engaging storytelling—often humorous but deeply insightful—captivated the audience of the Sharjah International Book Fair. His honest and relatable narratives shed light on the challenges and joys of his entrepreneurial path.
“When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, and I’m happy,”
Bartlett told the audience, highlighting the importance of passion in sustaining creativity and momentum as an entrepreneur and content creator.
A focus on lifestyle and family
Bartlett also delved into his personal journey of prioritising health and wellness. He revealed that a few years ago, he made significant changes to his lifestyle, paying closer attention to his diet, sleep, and overall health. For example, he avoids scheduling commitments before 11 a.m. to ensure he performs optimally after a restful start to the day.
Steven Bartlett at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024. United Arab Emirates. Photo credit: Dialy News Hungary
Addressing personal challenges, Bartlett spoke candidly about his struggles with relationships. He admitted to being a “disaster” in dating, attributing his difficulties to growing up without a healthy model of family life. However,
Bartlett shared that through self-improvement, he now feels ready for a serious relationship and expressed his desire to have children in the future.
This vulnerability struck a chord with the audience, adding a deeply personal and relatable dimension to his presentation.
The Diary of a CEO
Professionally, Bartlett discussed the evolution of his podcast, The Diary of a CEO, now in its fourth year. He described the early struggles, including difficulties in attracting high-profile guests and building an audience. Despite these challenges, he persevered, and after three years, the podcast gained significant traction.
From a team of just three people at the start, the podcast now employs 17. Bartlett shared how he initially had to serve as his own guest but now enjoys featuring prominent figures, which he finds immensely rewarding.
Steven Bartlett also reflected on decision-making and opportunities, drawing on his extensive experience as an entrepreneur. He noted how deceptively simple it can seem to start—or choose not to start—something, highlighting that the true consequences of such decisions often become clear only in hindsight.
“It’s the small decisions that shape our lives, even if we don’t realise it at the time,”
he explained, encouraging the audience to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks. His insights served as a reminder of the importance of intentionality and adaptability in both personal and professional pursuits.
With his sincerity, wit, and passion, Steven Bartlett inspired and motivated the audience throughout his session. His responses to audience questions demonstrated his commitment to encouraging others on their journeys, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
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