Edge Forum

Creating business opportunities from a young age, Karl George is a natural born entrepreneur who loves to break the mould. In an inspiring one-to-one, he let the Edge Learner Forum in on the secrets of his success, where faith fits in, and how it's all about learning what makes you tick.  

Hi Karl. What do you do?

I am a business owner and have been almost all my adult life. I qualified as an accountant and ran my own accountancy practice for 10 years. I now run a business consultancy which specialises in delivering governance and leadership solutions to third sector organisations.  

What was your journey to get to where you are?

My journey. I have always been entrepreneurial had my first business whilst still at school – I used to have several karate clubs – my fist “proper” business was an accountancy practice when I was 23 and since then I've always been in business. It has meant hard work, determination when I have had setbacks and recognising that life is not a destination but a journey. I had to learn to balance my life along the way. God first, Family Second, Business Third. I didn’t always have my priorities right.  

Can you describe what your education was like?

I passed my 11+ and went to Handsworth Grammar School. I stopped studying at about 3^rd year and subsequently didn’t do anywhere close to how well I should have done. I therefore didn’t go to university because I just scraped through my A levels. When I went to work as an accountant I had to study in the evening and in my holidays. I qualified as an accountant over 15 years ago now so I eventually turned things around- for example I am now a Visiting Professor in the areas of Governance, strategy and leadership  

What does success mean to you?

Success means being able to support and lead my family spiritually and materially and guide my children to achieve what they should achieve. It means pursuing my gifts and doing what God put me on the planet to do.  Having time to give back to the community and being an excellent ambassador of the gospel.

It sounds like you've reached a lot of your goals. But what challenges have you faced?

The challenges have been breaking through barriers and comfort zones primarily. I don’t like to be pigeon holed and breaking the mould can sometimes present challenges.

How do you maintain being yourself?

It is important to have a good understanding of your purpose in life; what makes you tick, including your strengths and your core values. I regularly look at my strategic life plan and evaluate my personal goals and objectives.

Did you have any support?

I have had a lot of support over the years from my wife. We have been married nearly 8 years. My staff over the years, in particular my PA- she has worked for me over 15 years. My immediate family, my parents and siblings. Also friends and colleagues- some have been part of my mastermind group, or mentors. Others have been clients for a great many years. 

What drives you?

 I am driven by the need to fulfil my purpose every single day. I know that my purpose in life is to have a tremendous impact in this world on other people’s lives, enabling them to achieve their full potential by my teaching my achievements and the examples that I set.  

Who is your role model?

I have many – but I will list Marcus Garvey for now. International Leader, focused on his indigenous community , and a business man. 

What advice would you give to young people?

Find out what you are good at- and I mean explore greatly, not just the typical stereotypes- and then work at this until it becomes a real strength.

What do you think education should be like?

Education is a life long process. One should always be studying, learning, making yourself better. Education should give people the opportunity to develop a passion for learning and developing.