Chester James

You can recover from anything Even losing your business, your purpose, your money, your family, your home… I’ve been a worldwide top biller for a £1.5bn company I’ve built a £25m multi award winning business Yet my comeback from losing all that is my biggest achievement Now I’m armed with all the knowledge, experience and battle scars to make me unstoppable Your biggest losses can turn out to be your biggest wins, and teach you the most valuable lessons I’ve helped over 60 recruitment businesses build, scale and grow from the lessons I’ve learnt and the knowledge I’ve gained. I’m also about to launch my own - newsletter - community - platform - book - mastermind group If you’re interested put the word MASTERMIND in the comments 😃 What’s the biggest thing you’ve had to recover from? Thank you A-Game for having me on your show! ***Link to full episode in comments***

Today I met my sister for the first time It’s a difficult story to write, so in a nutshell… I was abandoned by my mum at the age of 2, along with my brother aged 3 We were then fostered for 4 years Dad took us back at the ages of 6 and 7 His new wife abused me for years My foster mum told me 4 years ago my dad had taken my mum in, whilst pregnant with my brother This was hard to take, and to try to find the right time to tell my brother that his Dad isn’t his Dad, and I’m only a half brother Fearing this reaction, I eventually told my brother a year ago….he’s cut to pieces about it, and since then has not wanted to talk with me at all 4 weeks ago I got a random message saying I’ve seen your posts on social media about mum and…. “I’m your sister” And today I met my sister Ally, for the first time She has told me that mum also abandoned 2 other children and I also have 3 other siblings too, two brothers and a sister. Trust me this isn’t even the half of it… Processing all of this today, whilst meeting my incredible sister has been somewhat emotional, to say the least I feel so blessed and grateful to have found the courage to be open enough to talk about these things online It has helped me heal, and so many others too, as they have told me because of my posts they know they aren’t alone. My vulnerability has also been key in building my community, my brand and my business Best of all it brought me a new sister who I couldn’t be more proud of ♥️ It’s my 48th birthday next month, so meeting Ally today is the best birthday present I’ll ever have To me, each and every part of my life is a gift, and something I embrace, to build a better version of myself Nothing or nobody is going to stop me being who I truly am And who I truly am is f*cking incredible! Just like my new super hero sister 👩🏻 What’s your view on the power of telling your story online - no matter how difficult it may be?

Business development doesn’t have to be daunting, difficult or demotivating. With the right mindset and plan you’ll do it as a matter of course, enjoy it, and even find it easy! I’m thrilled to be hosting an exclusive TEAM Network webinar on proactive business development. (*ITS FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE*) I have built a successful career as a top biller, agency owner and mentor, guiding recruiters to sustainable growth - I know what it takes to excel in competitive markets. This session is designed to give you the tools and mindset to not only plan, but act with confidence and precision when developing new business - in the short, medium and long term. In this session, I’ll cover: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠: Pinpoint where your opportunities are and how to target them 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Stand out from the competition with a powerful approach 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Learn how to maximise productivity and avoid burnout 𝐒𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬: Discover the art of strategic follow-ups 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 & 𝟗𝟎-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Build and stick to a plan that delivers results 𝐐&𝐀 Your chance to ask me questions and get the guidance you need. Here’s the zoom link to put it straight in your diary! 📆 Date: Friday 22nd November ⏰ Time: 1pm 📍 Where: https://lnkd.in/e3Z7x_JX See you all there 😃

What would you say… If I told you there’s an elite group where founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, investors, coaches, and consultants like you, could: Transform their LinkedIn profiles to captivate and convert, with a powerful ‘about’ section that speaks directly to ideal clients. Develop a tailored content strategy designed for sustainable, authentic growth – building credibility and authority in their industry. Receive personalised, one-on-one coaching every quarter, setting specific LinkedIn goals, reviewing metrics, and refining lead-generation tactics. Direct access to me and my ancient wisdom via WhatsApp and bat signals 🧛🏻♀️ Engage in monthly group coaching calls, packed with insights and actionable guidance on the latest LinkedIn strategies. Gain hot-seat spots in quarterly sessions, where I’ll work closely with each member, alongside guest experts, to tackle their toughest LinkedIn challenges. Access an exclusive resources library, including content templates, outreach scripts, metrics trackers, and more. Join a dedicated WhatsApp group for ongoing support, feedback, and a network of high-achieving peers who are all in it to grow together. LinkedIn post-linking will NOT be allowed here, to prevent pod activities. BUT, with my guidance and help, you won’t need to worry about pods 😉 The Elite Coven is not your average mastermind. It’s a done-with-you mastermind group to help you nitroboost your LinkedIn presence and build a legacy of influence, impact, and opportunity. And for the first five people who join, I’m offering an incredible 50% off for the first six months! Are you ready to become part of an exclusive community of only 20 people that’s serious about authority, authenticity, and real results? Send me that DM now as I really can’t take on more than 20 people. First come, first served. Only those serious need to apply. Love and darkness Zsike 🖤

A massive multi channel influencer commented on my post yesterday saying I wasn’t successful Here’s how I turned my rock bottom into remarkable success… Born into poverty in 1976, I faced abandonment and abuse that shaped my early struggles with self-worth and suicidal thoughts. In this podcast I recount my rise in the recruitment industry, becoming a top worldwide biller and later founding a highly acclaimed multi million £ company. My career faced a severe test during a legal battle with a private equity firm, which led to devastating personal and financial losses. Yet, I emerged resilient, embracing a growth mindset and stressing the importance of authenticity, vulnerabilty and learning from others. My journey from personal despair to professional heights showcases my strength and inspirational comeback. I have rebuilt my life personally and professionally, I’m proud of who I am and my version of what success looks like I’ve also learnt that what people portray on the outside isn’t success, real success comes from within. Huge thanks to Michele Fleming-Anwar who introduced me to her hubby Pete Anwar and his co host Jacky Maughan and their incredible BARE CHAT podcast…. Available on YouTube & all the major podcast channels 🔥🎙️ UPDATED: Full Episode Link In Comments 👇

I’ve had the millions in the bank The houses, the cars, and the watches I even spent £16k on a weekend holiday in Sardinia 😅 Being financially rich had its advantages - but I wasn’t rich in - Purpose - Meaning - Values - Direction So when I lost it all, it was one of the best things that happened to me Because I was forced to - Look inward - Love myself - Look at my mental health - Seek help Of course have dreams, chase fame and go after the money, it’s all important But when it comes at the cost of losing your purpose and your soul - trust me it’s not worth it If you want wealth real wealth look at: - 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 - 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 - 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 - 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 What would you add?

I love personal brand it’s important But if you’re in recruitment your outbound activity is MORE important Trying to replace that and in some cases demonising outreach is absolute BS 💩 In this market, in any market, you need to be: - 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 - 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 - 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 - 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝘀 - 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀 - 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 - 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 - 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 That’s just for starters! I hugely respect most of the personal brand gurus, many of whom are doing lots of great things But some are suggesting outbound is dead or cold outreach is fruitless - that’s just wrong, dangerous and quite simply bad advice. What is going to make you really win is a combination of outbound, inbound, personal brand and yes cold calling too. If you haven’t spoken to a customer yet, it’s initially a cold outreach isn’t it… it’s what you say, send, and 𝗵𝗼𝘄 that matters. Unless you just want likes and no leads of course…. Reminder folks: Leads over likes ✔️ Value over vanity ✔️ Conversation over chit chat ✔️ Oh and BTW, posting on here every day is also outreach, it’s just dressed up by some as inbound 😂 Outbound isn’t the devil it’s the difference.💰 What would you add?

Employees vs Employers - it takes two to tango 💃🏻🕺🏽 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 Here’s 5 ways how to lose top talent - a step by step guide. 1. Hire top talent. 2. Set unrealistic expectations. 3. Provide zero support. 4. Ignore requests for help and resources. 5. Criticise for not succeeding. Hiring isn’t just about hiring someone to do a job, it’s about the tools and support you provide to make that job a success. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 Here’s 5 ways how to lose top roles - a step by step guide. 1. Land a dream role 2. Don’t deliver on commitments 3. Provide zero consistency 4. Ignore suggestions to improve productivity 5. Blame everyone else for not succeeding. Working in a business isn’t just about going through the motions, it’s about the commitment and focus you provide to make that job a success. What would you add? 💃🏻🕺🏽

Some CEO’s I take on board have lost their love for what they’re doing and when you lose your love you’re in trouble. I mentor them to fall back in love with who they are and what they’re doing and take accountability! My business is called BASE Mindset for a good reason 😃 I believe the 5 most important traits in any successful business are… 𝗕ehaviours 𝗔ttitude 𝗦kills 𝗘xperience and of course 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 trumps everything! What would you add? PS: thanks to Sam Brennan and Neil Curry for hosting me on their TargetRecruit podcast, link in comments 🚀

I’m off to a client’s wedding today - obviously we get on! The irony is yesterday I fired a client - obviously it’s quite the opposite! You can 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 create your own destiny with who you choose to associate with - or not…. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 Scroll by or block and don’t waste your evergy - it creates space for you to attract posts and people you do like 𝗜𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 Remove them or remove yourself, be it a client, colleague or companion - life is too short and you are in control 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 As long as you remain focussed on your business objectives - it can enhance your longevity by being yourself and building connection What would you add?