From Singing to Science to Sustainability with Dr. Robert Harwood

What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw

Dr. Robert Harwood is a scientist, business strategist, food industry expert…and chorister. His first ‘job’ was as a 7-year old chorister at Exeter Cathedral. “It was like having a job anyway. We’d spend hours each week in rehearsals and then perform in front of a couple thousand people at the weekend.”

That discipline and structure – as well as courage – formed the basis for Robert’s academic studies and led him to travel the world researching bugs, jumping out of airplanes, and exploring new professional experiences. Along the way, he developed a special vacuum to collect insects based on cyclonic technology. A certain James Dyson hit on similar idea and later commercialized it.

Dr. Harwood is a graduate of Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Southampton. His company, CPL Business Consultants, has worked with leading food companies across Asia, Europe, and North America.

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw, Robert talks about how a scientist’s curiosity and skepticism help in resolving business challenges. And a mantra of “don’t be afraid of what you’re afraid of” has enabled him to go far outside his comfort zone.

What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw...

Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by leading athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference makers. They all have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share their lessons with you.

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One of our mentors said there are three parts of a business life, well-lived: learn, earn, and return. Learn your craft, earn a living, and return what you know to those who follow. We believe life is a learning experience and we've benefitted from the insight of others. Through What I Wish I Knew, we highlight the voices of people with great stories to tell and valuable lessons to share.

Mike Irwin is an advisor, business strategist, entrepreneur, and writer. He served as global head of strategy, chief financial officer, and VP marketing at WD-40 and on boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Through Bottle Rocket Advisors, he helps clients grow revenue, improve profitability, and scale-up. Simon Daw is a global commercial, innovation, and marketing expert. He's scaled B2B and B2C businesses across Europe and internationally, serving in commercial marketing leadership roles with Bel Fromageries, Kimberly-Clark, Tate & Lyle, WD-40, and Whitbread. He guides clients in developing competitive advantage and achieving step-change profitable growth.