Nick Bell is one of Australia’s most successful self-made entrepreneurs, and in Part 1 of our conversation, he shares how he went from a uni dropout with no clear direction to building and selling businesses worth hundreds of millions. We talk about his early failures, the business that crumbled after a personal fallout, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, hiring, and staying ahead in a competitive market. Nick is raw, unfiltered, and full of insights you won’t find in a textbook!

In this episode:

• Dropping out of uni and rejecting the “safe” corporate path
• Launching a skincare brand at 28 inspired by his own skin struggles
• Starting a digital marketing agency from scratch with cold calls
• The collapse of a business after a personal fallout with a partner
• Why he refuses to hire from the corporate world
• Leading over 5,000 staff and the importance of strong leadership
• The near-collapse of a business after stepping away too soon
• Why degrees aren’t always relevant and what he’d tell his 18-year-old self
• The value of upskilling and avoiding complacency

Mentioned:

Thanks to our episode sponsor, NaturoBest! Creating a healthier world, one baby at a time. Use code TESSTALKS15 for 15% off your first order.

Shop Naturo Best now: naturobest.com.au

Follow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcast

Follow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau

Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.