TAKEAWAYS

• Entrepreneur Michael Cleave told fans that leaving school at 15 didn’t stop someone from making bank in business.
• The self-made mogul revealed he once turned a tiny startup into a massive £32 million payday through sheer grit.

Michael Cleave, the husband of socialite and entrepreneur Mamideb, has shared insights into his journey to success, saying a university education is not a requirement for anyone determined to build a successful business.

Cleave made the remarks during an event hosted by Mamideb, following a social media user’s suggestion that he share some of the lessons behind his success.

Speaking to the audience, Cleave recounted how he left school at the age of 15, worked in a bar and later trained as an electrician before venturing into business.

“I left school when I was 15. And I got a job,” he said, explaining how he used the skills he acquired, alongside savings from his work, to prepare himself for business opportunities.

He revealed that he eventually invested in a start-up that had no customers, clients, premises or significant capital at the time.

“When I sold my controlling interest, because I still had an interest in my business, I sold it for £32 million,” Cleave said.

According to him, the same business was valued at £70 million five years later, illustrating the potential of building a business from the ground up.

While acknowledging the benefits of university education, Cleave argued that it should not be viewed as the only path to success.

“University is good and you get benefit from it. But it’s not the be all and end all,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of attitude, hard work and customer relationships, arguing that technical ability alone is not enough to guarantee success.

Using what he described as the 80-20 rule, Cleave said skills account for 20 per cent of success, while attitude contributes the remaining 80 per cent.

“You may be the best hairstylist in the world, but if you can’t rapport with your customers, they won’t come and see you,” he said, encouraging the audience to combine their professional skills with discipline and good customer service.

He further urged people to save and invest their earnings rather than spend everything they make.

“When you generate that money, don’t spend it. Don’t break it,” he advised.

Cleave’s remarks come as he and Mamideb continue to build their business interests across sectors including real estate, agribusiness, beauty and glamour, positioning themselves as an entrepreneurial couple with interests spanning multiple industries.

His message to the audience was that success does not necessarily begin in a university classroom, but can grow from practical skills, the right attitude, financial discipline and the ability to recognise and seize opportunities.