The Birth of Silent Disco with Founder of The Silent Disco Company, Toby Burns #133
The UK’s first silent disco was a way to bring joy to parties. A decade later, and it’s a full-blown entertainment empire.
The Silent Disco Company isn’t just about events, but evolution. It represents the impossible task of growing a brand in which energy is everything.
That’s what makes this conversation with Founder Toby Burns so profound - it’s your blueprint to reinventing identity, and turning play into purpose without losing your edge.
Lee and Toby discuss:
The inception of the iconic silent disco movement in the UK
Toby’s core philosophy, and how it drives the lasting memories he makes
How to instil the Founder’s energy throughout a growing team
Why entrepreneurs undertake the toughest journeys in business
The value of surrounding yourself with successful people and being open to learning
Redefining success beyond financial metrics, and building a legacy
Links & references
Toby Burns:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns/
Extrology:
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“We don't celebrate success and entrepreneurs in the UK... but in America, they love it.” - 3:35 - Toby Burns
“I think entrepreneurs are a bit weird, we’re wired differently. It’s the toughest gig, and we’re so hard on ourselves.” - 11:55 - Toby Burns
“Chaos gives us stability; if stuff isn't going wrong, or there's not a challenge to overcome, we're bored.” - 15:50 - Toby Burns
“I saw silent disco at a festival in the States, and I knew I could bring it into the market I was in.” - 26:45 - Toby Burns
“I try to spend 80% of my time growing the business, and 20% operating the business, and I know some Founders would disagree with that.” - 34:25 - Toby Burns
“I see the business as fast pounds and slow pounds, and that perspective definitely changed after Covid and becoming a father.” - 41:35 - Toby Burns
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/