Steven Foster, Founder, One Golden Nugget
I am Steven Foster, Founder of One Golden Nugget. My company and I are on a journey to raise the consciousness of humanity by sharing Nuggets of wisdom. I started asking people for their one piece of life advice, which became the 'Nugget' five years ago, in an effort to improve myself.
At that point in my life, I'd spent 25 years building companies only to watch them fall apart. Nugget has changed me forever. I've listened to thousands of Nuggets and stories from incredible people worldwide. Everyone has been through something. We share those Nuggets of wisdom and change lives.
Now a brief summary of my career and a few nice things along the way, in no particular order:
In the 90s, I owned one of the leading dance organisations in the world - Dreamscape. I have been in a boy band. I wish I'd been in a successful boy band! Instead, I have swept floors in a factory to keep my dream alive. I have managed acts on XFactor, written contestant songs, and enjoyed flying Concorde. I have written hit records, and Charles and Liz invited me to drink champagne at Buckingham Palace.
I've enjoyed rock bottom three times 😂 I ran ten marathons, including London, eight times. Running my 11th and 9th London Marathon in October 2022 with my son, now that's a blessing. I ran 100+ half marathons I've cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End - 1,000miles.
I've been on the front of newspapers and paid to pack newspapers. I've stood outside BBC Radio 1 London singing to DJ Scott Mills in my boxer shorts… whilst painted green, to keep a marketing campaign alive!
I built a record label which at one point had six albums in the top40 🤩 And lastly, my One Golden Nugget is 'Just Be The Love' Be the love in every interaction and thought.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
LinkedIn.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I collect and share wisdom.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
It changes people's lives.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Let it go.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Changing people's lives.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I've never given up.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
In-person.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Persistence.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Don't rush it, and there is no destination. No need to rush anything.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Anyone who goes after their dream and continues to do so, regardless of present circumstances
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
My family, hot yoga, running, meditation and driving supercars.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
Positive is never a better time to share wisdom and be vulnerable. It's the mindset of a modern leader.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have 3,000 mentors from all the people I have interviewed for Nuggets so far, and every one of them has taught me something. And I have two close mentors. Mentors are the key. They can look at your situation from a perspective without emotion.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Do it.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
They can't see beyond their current situation. Having a defined purpose and a vision is what you hold onto when the going gets tough, and it always gets tough. Because that's how life works. You have the lesson first.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Yes, my own Nugget - "Just Be The Love."
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I'm more interested in the people than the brands.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Real success is defined by having a vision and never giving up on it. If you keep going and moving forward to your heart's desire, you are a success. Money is not a level of success. On my journey with One Golden Nugget, I have learned not to judge.
You don't know what someone else is going through or what they have been through. So, clear your mind of judgement. I have also learned that life is just energy, and we can create anything we want with our thoughts and feelings.
It's the negative stuff and the expectations that get in the way of that creation. Be in flow. And lastly, problems are not there to stop you, ever. Problems arise in your life experience to teach and grow. Learn the lesson and then move to pass them.