Paul ‘Pablo’ Ettinger
Entrepreneur, investor and business angel, Pablo Ettinger has enjoyed a hugely successful career, creating and developing businesses, some of which have gone on to become highly respected brands. He is best known for being a founding partner of Caffè Nero, the growing high-street success story that now has over one thousand continental-style cafés in the UK and overseas.
Today, Pablo spends much of his time helping start-ups as an investor and mentor. He is also a huge advocate of building your network as a route to finding success. His love of music has led him to co-found Talentbanq.com and also, more recently, as a founder investor in MusicGurus.com.
I think that opportunities are in a way far greater than they were before, and often much more interesting. But you have to have a good education first – that’s the foundation on which you build those opportunities.
I have been incredibly lucky in my life, but I have also worked hard at it – and that includes actively building my network. In my view, this is one of the most effective ways in which you can cultivate opportunities for the future and ‘make your own luck’.
For young entrepreneurs, it’s very important to remain absolutely focused on what you’re trying to achieve. Part of being focused is to work hard to make things happen. Make your list of things that have to be done this week, and just get them done.
A child’s attitude and confidence is something that becomes instilled at a very early age. As parents, we have a huge responsibility here since children are so impressionable when they are very young.
Where to buy
Read more from Paul ‘Pablo’ Ettinger and the other 21 exceptional contributors to this book
A Few Wise Words is available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones, leading on-line booksellers and select bookshops
