Steven Bartlett: How He Makes His Money

Steven Bartlett is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurial figures of the modern era—an author, investor, speaker, and the youngest ever dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. His rise from dropout to millionaire mogul isn’t just a story of financial success; it’s a blueprint for modern relevance, influence, and personal authenticity. This guide dives deep into who Steven Bartlett is, what drives him, how he’s made his mark, and what we can learn from his journey.

The Early Years: From Struggle to Self-Discovery

Steven Bartlett was born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana to a Nigerian mother and a British father. His family moved to Plymouth, England when he was young. Bartlett’s upbringing was not one of affluence or privilege—he was raised in a working-class household where money was tight, and fitting in wasn’t always easy. He has spoken candidly about growing up as a young Black boy in a predominantly white city, often feeling like an outsider.

Bartlett didn’t have the typical path to success. In fact, he dropped out of Manchester Metropolitan University after just one lecture. He knew college wasn’t for him. Rather than follow a conventional route, Bartlett was drawn to business, creativity, and the potential of social media. He took a risk, and it paid off—eventually.

Social Chain: The Game Changer

Steven’s first major business success came with the founding of Social Chain, a social media marketing agency, in 2014, alongside co-founder Dominic McGregor. The company tapped into something that few others fully understood at the time: the massive, untapped power of social media communities.

Social Chain's genius was simple but effective: build large social media pages (such as meme pages, student communities, and viral content platforms) and then use them to distribute brand messages. Unlike traditional advertising, this content was native, organic, and shared widely by users themselves. It was influencer marketing before the term became mainstream.

The company exploded in popularity and success. Social Chain represented clients like Apple, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Amazon. It expanded to offices across Europe and the U.S., and it eventually went public on the German stock exchange in 2019.

By the time he stepped away from Social Chain in 2020, Bartlett was already a multi-millionaire in his twenties.

The Diary of a CEO: From Podcast to Global Influence

While most entrepreneurs would consider their journey complete after such success, Bartlett was only getting started.

He launched The Diary of a CEO podcast in 2017, initially as a raw audio diary to document his thoughts and entrepreneurial journey. But the podcast quickly evolved into one of the most respected and listened-to business and self-development podcasts globally.

What sets Bartlett’s podcast apart is its sincerity. He isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, to admit when he’s failed, or to ask his guests deep, human questions. From CEOs and athletes to psychologists and creatives, his guests come from every walk of life—but all are united by their pursuit of excellence and self-awareness.

The podcast’s impact is enormous—not just for its celebrity guests, but for the millions of people worldwide who listen and feel inspired to change, grow, and take action in their lives.

Becoming a Dragon: Youth and Wisdom

In 2021, Steven Bartlett became the youngest ever dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den at just 28 years old. His appointment marked a generational shift—not just in terms of age, but in perspective.

Bartlett brought a fresh, digital-native approach to the show. He understood the value of brand, content, and community in ways that some of the older dragons did not. His presence reinvigorated the show, drawing in a younger, more diverse audience who saw in him someone who looked like them, thought like them, and represented a new era of business.

What’s more, Bartlett’s investment strategy focuses on people over products. He’s less interested in the widget and more interested in the founder behind it. He understands that belief, grit, and creativity often outperform spreadsheets and projections.

Authoring His Truth: Happy Sexy Millionaire

In 2021, Steven Bartlett published his debut book, Happy Sexy Millionaire: Unexpected Truths About Fulfillment, Love, and Success. The title itself is a nod to the fantasy version of success that many people chase—one that Bartlett himself once pursued.

The book dismantles society’s illusion of success. It’s not a business manual; it’s a self-reflection guide. Bartlett talks about the toll that hustle culture can take, the loneliness that can come with high achievement, and the paradox that material success doesn't necessarily lead to happiness.

In Happy Sexy Millionaire, Bartlett gets philosophical, psychological, and spiritual. He challenges readers to rethink what fulfillment means, to unlearn toxic beliefs, and to build a life rooted in self-awareness and authenticity.

The book became a Sunday Times bestseller and has helped position him not just as an entrepreneur, but as a thought leader.

Philosophy and Mindset: The Foundation of Success

One of the most compelling things about Steven Bartlett is his mindset. He doesn’t preach hustle culture or toxic productivity. Instead, his message is grounded in mental health, introspection, and values-driven entrepreneurship.

Here are some core elements of Bartlett’s personal philosophy:

1. Purpose Over Profit:
Bartlett believes that money is a by-product of doing meaningful work. Chasing money alone is often empty; real success is built on solving problems, creating value, and living in alignment with your values.

2. Self-Awareness Is a Superpower:
Whether in business or relationships, knowing yourself—your patterns, your insecurities, your triggers—is the key to progress. Bartlett frequently discusses therapy, journaling, and mindfulness as tools for personal growth.

3. Vulnerability Builds Connection:
In contrast to the hyper-polished entrepreneurial world, Bartlett embraces emotional honesty. He shares his mistakes and doubts. This vulnerability creates deeper trust with his audience and makes his brand more relatable.

4. Long-Term Thinking:
Bartlett often talks about “playing the infinite game.” He doesn't chase fads. He looks for sustainable models, long-term partners, and legacy-driven decisions. His investments and brand moves reflect this philosophy.

5. Optimize for Impact, Not Attention:
Despite his massive online following, Bartlett is intentional about how and why he shares. His content is crafted to educate, inspire, and challenge—not just to go viral.

Business Ventures and Investments

Outside of Social Chain and his media ventures, Bartlett is an active investor and advisor. He has invested in numerous tech companies, wellness brands, and purpose-driven startups. Some of his notable involvement includes:

Thirdweb – A platform making it easier to build decentralized apps and Web3 tools.
Flight Story – A marketing and communications company that helps disruptive brands grow.
Huel – A nutrition brand that Bartlett frequently champions for its forward-thinking products and sustainable mission.
MindLabs – A mental health platform combining neuroscience and digital wellness to improve mental fitness.

Bartlett is deliberate in choosing companies that align with his values, particularly in tech, health, sustainability, and human potential.

Personal Life and Public Persona

Despite his fame, Bartlett maintains a relatively private personal life. He is selective about what he shares, but he’s always thoughtful and introspective when he does. He’s spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health, including periods of depression and anxiety, particularly during his early entrepreneurial years.

He’s a strong advocate for therapy and often urges young men—especially those in high-pressure roles—to seek support and redefine masculinity through emotional intelligence and vulnerability.

He also frequently touches on topics like love, heartbreak, imposter syndrome, and family relationships, offering a well-rounded look at what it means to grow as a human being, not just a professional.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Steven Bartlett’s influence goes far beyond business. He represents a shift in what leadership looks like in the 21st century. He is not just a businessman; he is a cultural force.

His rise has broken stereotypes. As a young Black entrepreneur with immigrant parents and no university degree, he challenges traditional narratives around success. His presence on mainstream platforms like Dragons’ Den matters deeply in terms of representation.

He is shaping a generation’s understanding of success—away from the superficial and toward the soulful. He is part of a growing movement that sees entrepreneurship not just as a vehicle for wealth, but for impact.

Moreover, he’s creating ecosystems that empower others—from mentoring young founders to investing in mental health startups. He’s building not just businesses, but communities and conversations that matter.

Lessons from Steven Bartlett’s Journey

Steven Bartlett’s story offers timeless lessons for anyone pursuing success, fulfillment, and meaning:

You don’t need permission to start.
Dropping out of university didn’t stop him. If anything, it fueled his hunger. Formal credentials can’t replace grit, vision, and action.
Start with what you know and love.
He built Social Chain by understanding social media as a native user. Passion + knowledge = power.
Build a personal brand rooted in truth.
Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy. Bartlett’s openness is what makes his podcast and persona so magnetic.
Mental health is wealth.
Bartlett’s success is built on self-awareness. You can’t build empires if your internal foundation is cracked.
Be intentional with your influence.
Whether it's investing, podcasting, or speaking, Bartlett uses his platform deliberately. Influence is a responsibility, not just a perk.
Stay curious and adaptable.
From startups to blockchain to mental health, Bartlett constantly evolves. His agility keeps him ahead of the curve.

Conclusion: The New Face of Leadership

Steven Bartlett embodies a new era of leadership—one that is diverse, emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven, and unapologetically human. He’s not just building companies; he’s shaping culture. And he’s doing it all while staying true to himself.

For anyone seeking to navigate the noise of modern entrepreneurship, Steven Bartlett’s journey is both a roadmap and a mirror. He shows us what’s possible when we blend business with soul, and ambition with meaning.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative, or simply someone who wants to live a fuller life, there’s something in Bartlett’s story for you. His success isn't just admirable—it’s accessible, if you’re willing to dig deep, think differently, and act boldly.

In the end, Bartlett’s legacy may not just be in what he builds, but in what he inspires in all of us: the courage to create a life worth living.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!

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Everything You Want to Know About Steven Bartlett: The Ultimate Guide