Gold Circle Wisdom: Entrepreneurial Growth Lessons & Personal Gems
- Kim Rix
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Kim here, and I'm so excited to share a truly transformative journey I've been on for the last 15 months – as part of Adam Stott’s Gold Circle. You know, in the world of gemmology, we spend our days looking for those hidden treasures, those unique inclusions that tell a stone's story. Well, this past year, I’ve been doing just that, but not with gemstones; I’ve been unearthing spectacular insights and priceless wisdom from some truly remarkable individuals, offering potent entrepreneurial growth lessons.
The Gold Circle is a place where entrepreneurs gather to learn, grow, and connect. And while my passion lies in the fascinating world of gemstones, the universal principles of business, resilience, and personal growth resonate deeply, no matter your field. It’s been an incredible privilege to meet and learn from some inspiring figures, whose words have genuinely struck a chord with me, offering lessons that I feel compelled to share with you all.
These guest speakers were some of my favourites:
Ashlie Cain: Resilience and Purpose as Entrepreneurial Growth Pillars
One of the most recent and impactful sessions featured Ashlie Cain, an individual whose story is a powerful tapestry woven from experiences as a professional footballer, reality TV star, extreme athlete, and, most importantly, a father. Ashlie's journey immediately resonated with me because it’s a living testament to turning adversity into strength. He spoke candidly about growing up in tough environments and how those early struggles didn’t limit him but instead fuelled his determination to succeed.
What truly struck a chord was his emphasis on fatherhood as purpose. He shared how becoming a father completely reshaped his perspective, giving him a renewed clarity and motivation to live with deeper meaning. For anyone who has faced personal bereavement or loss, finding a new purpose can be a lifeline, a way to reframe those difficult experiences.
Ashlie's message felt so authentic; it wasn't just about physical strength but also about the incredible mental toughness and unwavering discipline required to push beyond comfort zones. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't just about bouncing back; it's about growing stronger through every challenge and finding your "why" in the midst of it all.
As someone who has navigated the intricacies of the gemstone world and built a personalised brand, that unwavering commitment to purpose and authenticity, both on screen and off, is something I deeply admire.
Levi Roots: Authenticity and Persistent Drives for Business Success
Then there was the unforgettable Levi Roots, the Dragons' Den legend himself. Adam Stott shared how he'd been trying for two years to get Levi to speak, a brilliant lesson in persistence that truly pays off! Levi's story of transforming a home-cooked jerk sauce into a household brand is nothing short of inspiring.
What really stood out for me, beyond the incredible business acumen, was his raw authenticity. Levi’s pitch on Dragons' Den wasn't just about the sauce; it was about him – his personality, his music, his vibrant presence. He performed, and in so doing, he made his product memorable and deeply human. As a gemstone lover, I believe in the power of stories – the stories behind the gems, the stories behind the personalised pieces of jewellery I admire. Levi reminded me that our own story, our genuine self, is our most powerful asset.
His journey, from a family recipe to millions, speaks volumes about belief and bravery. It’s a wonderful example of how embracing who you are can turn a passion into a business, and how having the courage to show up as your authentic self can truly win hearts and minds.
Tommy Fordham: Building Legacies Through Empathy and Overcoming Adversity
Another deeply moving session was with Tommy Fordham, the entrepreneur behind Mallet Footwear. Tommy’s story held profound lessons, especially around resilience in adversity. He openly discussed the challenges he faced, particularly with dyslexia in school. As someone who believes in overcoming obstacles, his ability to persevere and build a successful business despite these early setbacks was incredibly impactful. It's a testament to focusing on personal growth and learning from every struggle.
However, the most poignant part of his talk, and one that deeply resonated with themes of personal bereavement, tragedy, and the importance of human connection, was his experience working with Freddy, a terminally ill boy. This encounter profoundly shifted Tommy’s perspective on success, moving beyond just profit to making a real, positive impact. It highlighted that true success isn't just about what you build for yourself, but how you can enrich the lives of others, especially when faced with the harsh realities of illness and loss.
As a gemstone lover, I often see how jewellery can symbolise love, memory, and hope, often in the face of life's deepest challenges. Tommy’s story reinforced the importance of empathy and giving back, reminding us that leveraging our personal experiences and stories isn't just good for business; it's vital for creating a meaningful life.
Tulisa's Journey: Vulnerability, Reinvention, and Personal Development
Then there was the truly captivating Tulisa, whose interview was a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Her journey through the public eye, including intense scrutiny during her rise to fame, really highlighted how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth. It wasn't just her words that held my attention, but also her incredibly elegant yet casual sweatpants and top – a perfect example of blending comfort with sophisticated style, which I just loved!
What really resonated with me from Tulisa was the power of vulnerability. She shared how being open about her struggles not only helped her heal but also fostered deep connections with others, breaking down stigmas around mental health and personal growth. For anyone who's faced loss or needed to rebuild after a setback, this message is profoundly important.
It takes immense bravery to be vulnerable, and in doing so, Tulisa showed how staying true to yourself, even amidst immense industry pressures and personal challenges, is paramount.
Her reflection on using her platform for good – mentoring and uplifting others – further underlined the impact of a purpose-driven life. Her story truly embodies grit, identity, and the ongoing journey to self-worth, which are lessons we can all apply in our lives and businesses, whether we’re creating jewellery or navigating life’s complexities.
Sarah Willingham: Strategic Foundations for Scaling Your Business
I gained invaluable insights from Sarah Willingham on building strong foundations for business scalability. As a business advisor myself, I preach the importance of solid structures, and Sarah's advice on keeping business models simple and replicable truly struck a chord. She emphasised focusing on what you're great at, not just good at, and building foundations that allow you to grow without chaos.
For me, consistency in messaging is key – whether I’m talking about gemmology, jewellery, or the process of personalised designs. Sarah's wisdom reinforced my belief that to scale sustainably, we need clarity, consistency, and a brilliant team around us. While her session didn't focus on personal tragedies, the underlying message of meticulous planning and robust design is directly applicable to navigating any kind of challenge, ensuring your business – and indeed, your personal resilience – can withstand unexpected pressures.
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Dr. Alka Patel: Proactive Health for Enduring Entrepreneurial Success
And finally, just last week there was Dr Alka Patel, the Longevity Lifestyle Doctor who, frankly, gave us all a much-needed kick up the derrière – in the nicest possible way, of course! She dropped some seriously eye-opening stats about our health prospects, sitting in a room full of go-getters. It was a proper moment of "Oh, right, this actually applies to me." But instead of leaving us feeling glum, she pivoted straight into how we can actually change things.
She's all about this "Younger Ageing" concept, using hard data and smart strategies so we're not just hoping for the best, but actively extending our "health span" right alongside our lifespan. We even got a workout, dutifully doing stand-ups and sit-downs for a minute straight, feeling our legs turn to jelly while she promised it could add decades. Who knew longevity could involve so much involuntary exercise?
What truly stood out, though, was her genuine warmth. When I approached her to have my picture taken, she greeted me saying “hey, my favourite person’ and when I asked why, she said because of "lots of eye contact." It was such a small, human moment, but it made me feel genuinely seen.
Her big message? Stop waiting for something to break; get proactive about your health now. It's practical, it's personal, and honestly, it just makes good sense.
My Personal Gold Circle Journey: Key Entrepreneurial Growth Lessons Uncovered
My year in the Gold Circle has been more than just business strategy; it’s been a profound lesson in humanity, resilience, and the power of authentic storytelling. From Ashlie's purposeful drive through adversity, Levi's vibrant authenticity, Tommy’s empathetic legacy building in the face of illness, to Tulisa’s graceful vulnerability and Sarah’s strategic simplicity, each encounter has offered brilliant insights.
My work as the Gemstone Detective is all about unearthing beauty and truth, and this year, I’ve found some truly precious gems of wisdom that I'll carry forward, both in my professional life and in my personal journey.
I hope these reflections inspire you as much as they've inspired me. What lessons have you learned recently from unexpected places?
Kim Rix GG GIA
Gemstone Detective
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