Fireside Chat: Learning Tough Lessons from Tough Times

Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely place, and the road isn’t always smooth. Join us for an intimate and candid fireside chat with Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum; Rob Mathieson, Founder and Managing Director of ION; and David Lewis, second-generation Managing Director of Collectables, as they explore the real, often unseen challenges of running a business.

In this session, our speakers will share personal stories of navigating business closures, near closures, and the dark moments that tested them both professionally and personally. From winding up businesses to finding the resilience to rebuild, they’ll discuss both the practical and emotional hurdles that come with running a company - the mental health pressures that can accompany them and the importance of talking to peers and leaning on your network when things get difficult.

Expect an honest and open conversation where the focus is on learning from experience, bouncing back from adversity, and gaining insights into what it truly takes to survive and thrive in tough times.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from entrepreneurs who have faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger, wiser, and with insights that could help others avoid going it alone.

The Small Print
This event is exclusively for entrepreneurial members and will be held under Chatham House Rules, encouraging open and honest discussion.

To help us ensure you have a great experience, please let us know in advance if you have any dietary or accessibility requirements. If you need to cancel or amend your booking, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible.

Please be aware that your name, job title and company may be shared with our Forum partners and event attendees for event‑related purposes. Should you wish to remove yourself from any delegate lists please let us know.