In this episode of the GCS Connect Leaders series, David Bloxham, CEO at GCS, sits down with Jurek Sikorski, Director of the Henley Enterprise Lab at Henley Business School. Jurek, a seasoned leader in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and an active supporter of local startups and entrepreneurs, shares his wisdom on what it truly takes to build a thriving business, whether you’re launching a startup or leading as an executive.
Expect a deep dive into topics such as:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring founder, Jurek’s practical experience and candid stories will inspire and inform you.
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00:00 — Introduction & What’s in Store David opens the episode and introduces Jurek Sikorsky, outlining his experience and what listeners can expect.
02:45 — What is the Henley Enterprise Lab? Jurek describes his current role, the Lab’s support for student entrepreneurs, and the unique approach they take towards starting and scaling businesses.
06:15 — Why Practical Experience Matters Jurek shares his own business background, from pharmaceuticals to biotech startups, and the lessons learned along the way.
10:00 — Challenges Every Business Faces A candid discussion on common business challenges: limited capacity, competition, cash flow, unforeseen crises, and commercialization hurdles.
17:40 — Risk Management & Decision-Making Jurek explains his method for anticipating and managing risks, including practical frameworks for assessing and mitigating threats.
22:30 — Balancing Realism with Positivity How to stay positive and aligned as a leadership team, even while facing tough business realities.
26:40 — Is Success Luck or Leadership? A lively conversation on the role of luck, timing, and seizing opportunities—plus personal stories from Jurek’s career.
32:25 — The Power of Focus & Collaboration Jurek’s top advice for founders: focusing on what matters, working as a team, and building complimentary partnerships.
38:10 — Overcoming the Lonely Road of Entrepreneurship Tips on finding networks, mentors, and partners—even if you’re not part of a business school ecosystem.
43:20 — Does Technology Make Starting Up Easier? The myth and reality of technology as an “opportunity enabler”—why founders need more than just tech to succeed.
48:00 — Encouraging Innovation and Embracing Change Why ongoing innovation in product, process, and business model is essential for sustainability and long-term growth.
53:45 — Looking Ahead: Opportunities in Crisis Jurek shares his optimism for the future, the rise of new technologies, and why entrepreneurs should view uncertainty as fertile ground for success.
56:50 — Final Reflections & Takeaways Closing remarks, Jurek’s core advice for future business leaders, and a thank you from David