Sam Robinson is Managing Director of LKS Quaero, a management consulting company. Sam’s background is in law, public policy and risk management.
Since 2014, LKS Quaero has delivered high-quality strategy, leadership development and work health and safety services to the rail, mining, construction and industrial sectors.
For more information, visit www.lksquaero.com.
Q. What motivated you to start your own business?
Sam: After working overseas, my family and I moved back to Australia and I started working as a management consultant. I loved the work, but wanted to do my own thing so left that and started with a few contract roles. It grew from there.
Q. What challenges have you faced while running your own business?
Sam: Cash flow. It’s not fun looking at your bank account and wondering how you’re going to pay the bills. My advice is to be kind to yourself. No-one who does this work can expect things to come off perfectly the first, second or third time. Keep learning. Persist. Find a way to keep going.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Sam: I get to do a lot of interesting work – cultural assessments in local government, safety reviews on board sea-going vessels. This year I’ve spent time at a gold mine in the outback. My favourite thing is our presentation days for accredited leadership programs. It’s when you get to see the results of people’s efforts over 6-7 months and it’s always inspiring.
Q. What is one book that has had a positive impact on you?
Sam: Vaillant, George E. Adaptation to Life, 1977. It’s a great book to give you perspective on how others have coped with life challenges. Plenty of inspiring stories as well as solid research.
Q. What is your passion?
Sam: I’m very passionate about helping people become better leaders. This has grown from informally coaching friends to now supporting leaders in more formal programs. One of my first clients – a manager in a manufacturing plant – sent me an email saying I’d really made a difference to their life. That was it for me!
Q. What apps do you use the most?
Sam: Netflix to relax, Spotify because I love listening to podcasts – especially on big road trips to Cobar in New South Wales.
Also, not really an app, but my Galaxy S22 smartphone with a stylus is my favourite bit of technology. Can’t do without it.
Q. What is your ultimate goal in life?
Sam: To have brought the best out of the people I work with.
Q. What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
Sam: Persist.
Connect with Sam Robinson
Sam Robinson’s work is inspiring and his commitment to helping people become better leaders is admirable. If you’d like to learn more, connect with Sam Robinson on LinkedIn or visit his website LKS Quaero to learn more.