Partner Article

Getting to know... David Broom

We know you as the founder of B7 and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m a Dad first. A football coach on weekends. And someone who’s constantly trying to figure out what it all means while building things that matter. I run a few businesses, and I’m proud of what they’ve become - but I’m even more interested in what they could be. I think very deeply, take big risks, and never really switch off, not because I’m chasing success for its own sake, but because I’m searching for something bigger: purpose, progress, maybe a bit of peace along the way. I don’t think I’ll ever stop trying to find it.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

See, I don’t actually ‘work’ in any one industry. B7 is a creative marketing agency, River Birch Newman is a financial advisory business, and Fintegrate is a tech business bringing SaaS to financial advisers. I didn’t want to work in any of those industries when I was younger (or even going back to just over 5 years ago). What I wanted was to test myself by applying my belief system to different industries. It’s working!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

There’s loads to like. I think the thing that stands out most is the way I’m developing as a person. I used to be more emotional: I’d overreact, panic, think ‘worst case scenario’ a lot. I’m now much more considered, much more calm, much more experienced. Working with people and spinning plates forces you to be that way. So I love the constant self-development. The worst part is the uncertainty that faces entrepreneurs every day. We all crave control, don’t we? At times – realising that control takes time to capture – that can be difficult.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

How far I’ve come as a person. I’ve always been passionate, ambitious and empathetic. But I also used to be quick to overthink. I’ve had a lot of help from family, colleagues and others – without them knowing they’re helping – to become a much more intentional human being. I could say ‘becoming a Dad’ or ‘starting my first business’ but in reality it’s the improvement of my self that’s allowed me to be better at those things in the first place.

How do you relax outside of work?

I coach football on the weekend and I find that being around young people focusses my mind. As a Dad, being around young people is just brilliant. They remind you of what life can be.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

As a Glaswegian I’ve never felt out of place here. People have accepted me and looked after me from day one. It’s an honest part of the UK and it’s relatively easy to make a name for yourself here, purely because people seem to have your back. The weather’s actually better here than it is in Glasgow, too!

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I used to be a dancer. I danced for Scotland at the World Championships in 1995! I quit out of fear that other lads in High School would find out I danced. I’ve forgotten how to lift and twist and turn the way I used to, but I can still move at a slightly above average level.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .