Humble Stumbles: Strategies, Stories and Soul Searching from a Serial Entrepreneur

Former BBC Dragon, chess Olympian, economist, trading algorithm pioneer, and care system survivor, Richard Farleigh combines hard-won experience with sharp ideas in this powerful “business book meets biography.” Humble Stumbles is divided into bite-size sections including 46 business strategies - from disruption, discovery, and defence, to why great ideas are worth nothing, the best products don’t always win, and how to fight “infinite start-ups.” Along the way, Richard shares lessons from chess strategy, negotiation, psychology, and creativity, and even detours into religion, fame, and mortality. The book also tells the stories behind some of his most notable ventures, including helping establish London’s celebrated private members’ club Home House, and backing the phenomenally successful Reggae Reggae Sauce. Business anecdotes range from buying 10,000 tennis rackets to acquiring a vast private sapphire collection. Richard’s journey is as compelling as his insights. Raised in the Australian care system and written off as “backward,” he fought his way to a central bank scholarship, became one of the world’s highest-paid hedge fund managers, and “retired” in his thirties. He went on to write the bestselling Taming the Lion, represent Australia at two Chess Olympiads, and help launch more than 100 businesses. Candid, original, and full of practical wisdom, Humble Stumbles is a unique guide for anyone starting, growing, or investing in a business. Endorsements "Potent, personal, witty, and inspirational!" — Shalini Khemka, Founder & CEO, E2E "Brilliantly mixes first-class business analysis with some very personal reflections and memories." — Evan Davis, Broadcaster and Journalist "Packed with insight from an extraordinary career." — Harry Owen, City A.M. "Fun, fast-paced, informative, and thought-provoking." — Jessica Barwell, Home House Collection