Returning to the Den

When is it right to return to an old workplace…?

This Sunday night sees me return to Dragons’ Den. I had a blast filming with the Dragons again - the familiar and formidable Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones who I’ve battled in the den with before and shared businesses with, and also the force of nature Sara Davies and cool-headed Tej Lalvani. Some of the old crew were there, including the old wardrobe guy Billy, who said he was delighted to have me back as I was so simple to sort...not sure if he was telling porky pies or not! Anyway, obviously easier than the tall fella. With old and new friends all around it felt like putting on a comfy, familiar pair of slippers, whilst grilling entrepreneurs on TV once again!

It made me think about when it’s right to return to a role or job and this was no different. Obviously on this occasion, I was filling in for Touker Souleyman who was unwell and couldn’t film for a while, so it was always going to be a short term cameo as an Emeritus (look it up) Dragon. I’m not usually one to go back to something as I very easily get ants in my pants and I like change. I like new, shiny challenges, but this also felt a bit different and a chance to see how the pitches and the businesses that were asking for investment had moved on. I found that I still wanted to invest in the person rather than the business, as after all it’s the person you have to work with but it was fascinating seeing the tech advancements of many of them.

Many people return to a role or business because of the people they can work with and returning to the Den was no different for me in this aspect. The people around you can make a huge difference to your working day, as you sometimes spend more time with them than your loved ones! I loved being a dragon first time round and left because of my other business commitments needing more day-to-day focus. However, it was nice to be able to pop back and dip my toe into the Dragon waters again.

Returning employees are more and more common these days. In my businesses I have had many fantastic people work for me, spread their wings a bit, gain a different kind of experience somewhere else, and then see a chance to return in a more senior role with me. I never like to lose good people, but that’s why it’s always important to be a good leaver enabling you to return to be a flower in any garden you want, including mine! It’s always a hard decision to leave somewhere that you love with good people, but it can always help you too. 

Leaving the Den was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but in this day and age it’s more important than ever to be able to gain experience in different ponds, before setting your sights on those bigger goals when your expertise and you are ready. The right employees returning will bring so much back to the table, and can be an instant value add to your business; experience of your business, but with fresh eyes.

Returning isn’t right for some people; perhaps the team has changed or the shift in business means it is no longer the right environment for your skillset. But, if there is still a passion there, people you want to work alongside and a belief that you can add value to it, then it can never be the wrong decision.  

Hope you enjoy me returning to the den, starting on Sunday September 1st, 8pm on BBC2 for a few weeks.