In this episode, we peel back the layers to reveal ‘The Person Behind the Profile’ with Daniel Willis (CEO of Claxon and founder of 103).
In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Daniel Willis, the dynamic chairman and CEO of Claxon and founder of 103. Daniel’s life story is a testament to the courage to start over, even when faced with the most daunting setbacks.
From the promising beginnings of a professional soccer career in New Zealand, Daniel’s path seemed set for greatness. Yet, just before signing a significant contract in Greece, a devastating injury changed everything, forcing him to rethink his future from scratch.
What followed was a whirlwind of experiences in the hospitality and nightlife industries, where Daniel quickly rose through the ranks, learning invaluable lessons about leadership and adaptability. But his entrepreneurial spirit truly shone when he launched his first major business—a clothing brand that reached international acclaim in just three years. However, inexperience and a failed deal in the U.S. brought it all crashing down.
With the fortitude to learn from both his previous rise and fall, Daniel transitioned into sales and finance, gaining the skills and experience that would later fuel his success with Claxon, a rapidly growing advertising agency. His resilience was tested once again when he had to step back into the CEO role after taking some time out, facing the challenge of rescuing his company from potential collapse.
Throughout our conversation, Daniel shared how his mother’s unwavering belief in him became a cornerstone of his resilience. Her encouragement helped him navigate the highs and lows, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
Daniel’s story is more than a narrative of business achievements; it’s an inspiring lesson in personal growth, perseverance, and the strength found in believing in oneself.
“Over 60% of all millionaires have been broke at least once throughout their life,” he says in the episode.
“It’s easy to be good when it’s easy; the true test is when it’s hard.”
[Listen to the new episode here]
New episodes of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut drop weekly and are available to stream across all major audio networks.
Coming next on Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut
Next week’s episode:
Episode 8: Scaling the Corporate Ladder: Nat Harvey’s CEO Journey
In this episode, Rowena interviews Nat Harvey (CEO, Mamamia), on her Uncomfortable Growth story.
Nat shares her journey of uncomfortable growth, from her time at Seven West Media to her recent leap into a Chief Revenue Officer role in early 2024, and then 4 months later into her first CEO role. Tune in to hear how Nat overcame imposter syndrome, embraced the power of purpose, and navigated the challenges and opportunities that come with a major and unexpected career transition.