EPISODE 560: Stephen Howarth
From Mountain Warfare with the Royal Marines to Brand Building with Jöttnar
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, Alex Chisnall chats with Stephen Howarth, co-founder of Jöttnar. Stephen shares his journey from serving as an officer in the Royal Marines to becoming an entrepreneur in the high-performance outdoor clothing industry. He delves into the challenges he faced, the importance of having a roadmap, and the reality behind entrepreneurial success.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED
Transition from military to entrepreneurship
The inception and growth of Jöttnar
Challenges of starting a business in a competitive market
Importance of planning and creating a roadmap
Reality vs. glamor of entrepreneurial success
Coping with the pressures of being a CEO
HIGHLIGHTS
[01:19] - Recognizing the signs of burnout and dealing with stress
[02:22] - The pressures of leading a business and being your own support
[13:11] - Stephen's inspiration to join the Marines
[17:51] - The tough Arctic training and night of terror
[24:38] - Transitioning from the military to starting Jöttnar
[28:03] - Importance of writing a business plan and planning
[30:51] - Weekly challenges and entering a market of giants
[33:13] - Always being on as a CEO
[38:28] - The reality of hiring and retaining talent
[45:26] - Creating a roadmap and planning for success
QUOTABLE QUOTES
"Mental state is something that happens to you, not something that comes from within you."
"Leading a business is a lonely place even with a co-founder."
"Every week is challenging and every day will ambush you with something new."
"Hire right; firing fast causes demoralization in the team."
"Without a roadmap, you're lost. Build your roadmap. Make your map."
ACTION STEPS
Create a Roadmap: Start with a clear plan or roadmap for your business or personal goals. Even if it changes, it provides a necessary framework.
Focus on Quality Hiring: Prioritize hiring the right people for your team and avoid the pitfalls of hiring fast and firing fast.
Prepare for Challenges: Understand that every week will present new challenges. Develop resilience and proactive problem-solving skills to navigate them.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
CONNECT WITH STEPHEN HOWARTH
LinkedIn: Stephen Howarth
ABOUT THE GUEST
Stephen Howarth is a co-founder of Jöttnar, a high-performance outdoor clothing brand renowned for its top-quality winter outerwear. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Stephen served as an officer in the UK's Royal British Marines, where he developed a profound appreciation for resilience, leadership, and the great outdoors. His transition from military life to the business world was marked by a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for adventure. Through Jöttnar, Stephen aims to provide premium gear for extreme conditions, drawing from his own experiences and understanding of what it takes to thrive in harsh environments.
