I remember Samuel Brooksworth well from our time on The Apprentice back in 2016 – one of the few who seemed to keep his head while others were losing theirs for the cameras. Fast forward, and he's the CEO of the globally recognized, award-winning company Remoteli, featured everywhere from Forbes to GQ. On this episode of Beyond The Boardroom, we get into the real story behind the calm exterior and the impressive success.

Samuel opens up about his Apprentice experience – how his wife actually applied for him, and how he saw the show primarily as a platform, not a desperate grab for fame or even the win itself. He shares insights into resisting producer pressure to be more confrontational, staying true to his own brand, and the psychological toll of the process that viewers rarely see. We discuss how different personalities handle that unique pressure cooker.

His journey didn't start there. Samuel talks about developing resilience early on, from navigating subtle prejudice in school to facing outright hostility as a street fundraiser – experiences that taught him empathy and the importance of perspective. That grounding proved essential when, during the uncertainty of furlough, he had the 'eureka' moment for Remoteli: connecting businesses needing talent with skilled professionals in Ghana, his ancestral home. He details the challenges and triumphs of building an international company with a powerful social mission – aiming to create a million jobs across Africa and combat 'brain drain'.

This isn't just about business growth; it's about purpose-driven entrepreneurship. As a Podcast Host deeply interested in diverse paths to success, I explore Samuel's powerful insights, drawn from his Guardian article, on the unique hurdles faced by Black men in business – the 'thick glass ceiling' and lack of opportunity that often hinders progression and entrepreneurship. He makes a compelling case for why true diversity isn't just fair, it's smart business. We also discuss his leadership style, the importance of empowering teams, maintaining work-life balance, and his belief that if something is meant for you, it won't pass you by. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Give your idea at least 18 months before you even think about quitting.

This conversation is a deep dive into building a meaningful business, navigating corporate and societal challenges with integrity, and achieving significant Marketing Wins through authenticity and purpose.

Find the full series of Beyond the Boardroom on YouTube.

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