Finding my strengths: Read Oliver’s story which highlights how the TE Programme helped him identify his strengths and utilise them to make the right career choices
Business in Bristol
Oliver was drawn to Team Entrepreneurship due to the Bristol location, and practical assessment elements of the course. With a keen interest in building a business, he was also attracted to the entrepreneurial nature of the course.
The early days
Oliver enjoyed his time on the course, living in Bristol, learning from the coaches, and having access to real-world connections. He built strong relationships with others on the course, relationships that have lasted far beyond his time at UWE.
“As a student during some of the early years of Team Entrepreneurship at UWE Bristol, it felt exciting to be able to influence the development of the course content.”
During his time on the programme, Oliver learned a lot about himself including his own strengths and weaknesses and was able to grow a skillset which has continued to shape his career as an entrepreneur.
Finding the right fit
After graduation, Oliver initially started a marketing agency which had some small successes, but ultimately wasn’t ready to be his own boss and work on his own terms. He then spent some time in new build real estate sales, during which time he was also exploring getting into mergers and acquisitions.
“From my time on TE, I had an understanding that this would be a better fit due to my strengths in high-level strategic decision making as opposed to operational management.”
Oliver knew these strengths would work to his advantage as a Managing Director of an established company with middle level management in place. From there, he successfully acquired a manufacturing business in May 2022. Since taking over, he has doubled the revenue of the company and is now in the process of acquiring 2 new companies.
Find out more: Instagram – @olivermgilbert