Howard Blackburn is the founder of Pathrive. A Sydney-based business that provides coaching and mentoring to “busy” leaders.
Pathrive is on a mission to “unglorify busy”, helping leaders who want to create more time, more connection & more impact without abandoning their ambition.
For more information download the “Pathrive” app or head to www.pathrive.com.au
Here we sit down with Howard, to know a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Howard: Well, in 2020 times were changing for businesses and the role I was in was changing somewhat, particularly what I enjoyed about that role so for the first time in a long time, I started to think a lot more about my journey and what impact I wanted to have moving forward.
I spent time reflecting and speaking to people in close circles.
After some time, I decided this was the time to take that leap.
Taking those aspects of leadership I was passionate about, excelled at and worked towards having a larger impact on the leadership landscape.
I spent the next year doing some further studies in coaching as well as studies in mental health whilst starting to build my vision, mission and a brand.
The mission to “Unglorify Busy” had always been there within my leadership subconsciously so over this time the work I was doing was bringing this to life and really focused on how to elevate it.
Q. What’s one thing in your routine that you do consistently that has made a huge difference in your personal or business life?
Howard: Habits!
I focus on habits, not hacks.
My morning kicks off the same way every day – dedicated “me” time.
Even if it means waking up at 4 am to get it in, I know I won’t be the best version of myself for my wife, my daughter, my team or my business if I am not putting my own well-being high on the priority list.
Q. Who are your mentors and inspiration? and what knowledge or insight did they give to you that was valuable?
Howard: I’ve had many great mentors over the past decade.
One, in particular, stands out. Phill Dickson (Head of operations @ Starbucks) had a significant impact not only my career but my life. He continues to do so today.
His mindset and priority towards family and ourselves were what really opened my eyes up to how addicted to busy I had been on my journey.
Phill inspired a way of leadership for me that really empowered the belief that success could be found in balance, and not in the chaos of busy.
This mindset and personal focus have played a huge role in the success of Pathrive and the transformation of my clients.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Howard: Recently launching “Pathrive” the app.
I left my corporate role in 2020 inspired to impact leadership on a wider scale and to provide mentoring access to those who don’t have it because let’s face it – you aren’t gifted a great mentor in every job. In fact, it is extremely rare.
This app allows us to level up our reach to leaders across the globe.
Making our content, community & coaching more accessible than ever.
This was something on the journey map from the very start for Pathrive so to see it now out there is extremely satisfying.
You can download the app for free here – App Store or Google Play
Q. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
Howard: I market organically, utilising LinkedIn as our main lead generator, followed by IG and of late we’ve taken the leap onto tiktok.
Whilst the idea of having 1000s of users on our platforms sounds great, it is important for us to continue to focus on the quality not quantity.
We place focus within our communities on impact so that we can see realtime results and provide support in those areas.
My strategy has been to build relationships in order to start conversations and build leads.
Q. What has been your biggest failures or challenges?
Howard:
Alongside my addiction to busy, I’d say my ability to stay patient in business.
Trusting in the process & focusing on progress, not perfection.
I have a great business coach that has been a big help with this and keeping me grounded as well as accountable.
Q. How did this failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Howard: This challenge led me here today. It caused me to spend 3+ years adapting my leadership with a focus on being an amazing leader inside and outside of the workplace.
These learnings, strategies and habits I used to go “beyond busy” and to stay patient on the journey are what I share with my clients today.
Q. If someone was to create a TV show about you, what would it be about and what would it be called?
Howard: Haha it would more than likely be about my addictive personality.
I don’t do things half a$$ed.
Whether it’s my family, sport, hobbies, or my career I go all in.
It would be called “all in” – how one man’s journey ended busy once and for all! haha.
To keep up to date with Howard and his journey, connect with him on LinkedIn, Instagram
or download the new “Pathrive” app .
