Steven Bartlett at SIBF 2024: From business success to fatherhood dreams

Steven Bartlett, the incredibly successful young entrepreneur and host of ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast, was one of the featured speakers at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024.  

Steven Bartlett: Failure as a stepping stone to success

On Saturday, 16 November 2024, the penultimate day of the International Book Fair, held from 6 to 17 November, Bartlett shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Botswana-born and raised in humble circumstances, he stressed the critical role of failure in achieving success, framing it as a necessary part of growth.

He reiterated one of his guiding principles:

“Failure equals feedback; feedback equals knowledge; knowledge equals power.”

Bartlett urged the audience not to fear failure but to view it as a source of valuable lessons, both personally and professionally.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Bartlett recounted starting his first business at the age of 14. Growing up in financially challenging circumstances motivated him to create something enduring. He shared how resilience and determination enabled him to overcome adversity, though he acknowledged that ego can complicate decision-making. “Ego is necessary and very useful, but it can also be a severe obstacle to progress,” he observed.

Bartlett’s engaging storytelling—often humorous but deeply insightful—captivated the audience of the Sharjah International Book Fair. His honest and relatable narratives shed light on the challenges and joys of his entrepreneurial path.

“When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, and I’m happy,”

Bartlett told the audience, highlighting the importance of passion in sustaining creativity and momentum as an entrepreneur and content creator.

 A focus on lifestyle and family

Bartlett also delved into his personal journey of prioritising health and wellness. He revealed that a few years ago, he made significant changes to his lifestyle, paying closer attention to his diet, sleep, and overall health. For example, he avoids scheduling commitments before 11 a.m. to ensure he performs optimally after a restful start to the day.