EPISODE 546: Tommy Kelly
How I Survived Night of Horror
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I chatted with Tommy Kelly, a former Royal Marine Commando turned entrepreneur. Co-founder of Jöttnar, a highly technical outdoor clothing brand, Tommy shares his journey from navigating the harsh environments of the Arctic Circle to pioneering innovations in the outdoor apparel industry.
Discover how his military experiences, especially his challenging 'night of hell', have shaped his business and approach to overcoming adversity.
We gain insights into Tommy's early aspirations to join the Marines, the elite Mountain Leader Troop, and the pivotal moments that led him and fellow Marine Steve Howarth to identify a gap in the high-performance outdoor gear market.
This episode not only explores the critical lessons learnt in the extremities of both nature and business but also delves into the importance of resilience, adaptation, and the crucial need for downtime in achieving long-term success.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED
Embrace the Uncomfortable: Tommy discusses how facing physical and mental hardships in the Marines prepared him for the unpredictability of business. Embracing discomfort is crucial in developing resilience.
The Power of Specialisation: Tommy sheds light on becoming a Mountain Leader in the Marines—an elite role that required intense focus and dedication. Similarly, in business, finding and dominating a niche can set you apart from the competition.
Taking Time to Recharge: Despite a career built on enduring hardship, Tommy underscores the importance of stepping back. Recognising signs of burnout and taking time to recover is vital for long-term success.
CONNECT WITH TOMMY KELLY
LinkedIn: Tommy Kelly
ABOUT THE GUEST
Tommy Kelly, co-founder of Jöttnar, embodies resilience and innovation. A former Royal Marine Commando, Kelly's extreme environments experience laid the foundation for Jöttnar, a company specializing in technical outdoor clothing for skiing, climbing, and mountaineering. Launching Jöttnar in 2013 alongside fellow Marine, they filled a gap in high-performance outdoor gear, driven by personal demand and professional insights. His journey from the battlefield to the boardroom exemplifies adaptability, underscoring a commitment to quality, durability, and functionality in extreme conditions. Today, Kelly's leadership steers Jöttnar's ethos of conquering challenges, whether on mountains or in business, resonating with adventurers and entrepreneurs alike.
