November is ‘National Entrepreneurship’ month in the US. 🙌 At Canopy Group, many of our clients are entrepreneurs. We asked ourselves, “What does it take to be an entrepreneur?”. Entrepreneurship takes more than just talent. It’s also about having the courage to seize an opportunity when it comes your way; to be resilient, especially in the face of setbacks; and to have incredible determination and willpower to bring a vision to life.
We interviewed Marco Fiori, Managing Director of Bamboo PR.
Canopy Group: What made you join Bamboo PR?
Marco: I needed a job after university, and realised journalism was trickier to get into than I expected. I love technology, writing and building relationships, and this small agency offered me all three! We’re dramatically different 14 years later, but the core reason I joined – the wonderful people working here – hasn’t changed.
Canopy Group: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?
Marco: Going from employee to owner. Our previous owner and business partner passed away in 2022 after a short battle with cancer, so navigating this rollercoaster of emotions required a strength I didn’t know existed. The blurring of personal grief, professional soul-searching, trying to run a company overnight, and learning about what life’s all about was something I never thought I’d face in my life.Â
Canopy Group: What has been the biggest achievement you’ve had as an entrepreneur?
Marco: Growing Bamboo despite this personal journey. We’re now seven people, the largest we’ve been, and we’ve grown steadily over the past two years. We have never compromised on what makes us unique, delivered excellent work, and continued to care for our people in their journeys. I’m super proud of what we’ve achieved.
Canopy Group: No one succeeds alone – who has supported or inspired you in your journey?
Marco: Countless people. The list is endless, but it must be my wife. She was there for me in our darkest days and helped me realise I could take on Bamboo. She’s always there for me.
Canopy Group: Why do you believe every entrepreneur should have a personal assistant?
Marco: I was initially uncertain, but I quickly learned that, like everything in life, a problem shared is a problem halved. I’ve learned the value of my time and realised it’s not indulgent but, in fact, valuable for our business as it’s enabled me to be more present with our team, clients and at home.
Canopy Group: What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your work?
Marco: The value of time and relationships. Life can change in an instant. It’s lonely without others helping you on your journey, and it’s important to celebrate the now.
Canopy Group: Any decisions you wish you could change?
Marco: There are too many to count, but making mistakes, changing course, and self-compassion are all part of growth – decision-making used to be difficult for me, but I’ve learned to find people better suited to certain decisions I find difficult.Â
Canopy Group: Has your work changed your outlook on life? (And how?)
Marco: Yes. When you find somewhere you love working, hold onto that. It’s what will get you through the difficult days.
Canopy Group: Where have you travelled to? (And where did you enjoy yourself the most?)
Marco: I was fortunate to spend a year working part-time for Bamboo in my mid-twenties as I travelled across Asia and Australasia. I’ve seen a lot of the US and Europe, too. It’s an incredibly privileged position to be in. I have soft spots for Japan, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Ask me why; I’d be happy to share over a Bambrew!
Canopy Group: Tea or coffee?
Marco: As a proud Anglo-Italian, that’s perhaps the most challenging question you could ask! It has to be espresso!
Learn more about Bamboo PR here.