From Global Speaker to Ceramics Artist: A Journey of Loss and Renewal
Jez Rose, once a top-rated keynote speaker with a global client list including Ford, Audi, and Marriott, has undergone a profound transformation. After building a business earning close to seven figures, he lost everything, only to discover a deeper sense of happiness and purpose in a simpler life centered around ceramics and selective speaking engagements.
The Rise to Speaking Stardom
Rose, originally from High Wycombe and later Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire, stumbled into keynote speaking by accident. A friend's suggestion led to his first training session for Lloyds Bank, sparking a career that snowballed into international acclaim. With a background as a TV presenter, magician, and ambulance service worker, his unique style quickly garnered attention, leading to appearances on BBC, ITV, and TEDx stages, and recognition by Microsoft as a top business speaker.
At his peak, Rose moved to America, bought a farm, and traveled extensively, speaking to thousands worldwide. However, the relentless pace took its toll, with him spending up to 233 nights a year in hotels, sometimes forgetting which city he was in.
The Unraveling and Financial Collapse
As his business grew, Rose made a critical error by stepping back from management, trusting others to handle operations. This trust proved misplaced, leading to severe financial consequences, including a £150,000 backdated tax payment and an £80,000 VAT repayment demand within five days. The onset of Covid-19 exacerbated the crisis, causing his work to vanish and forcing him to sell all his possessions to cover bills.
Reflecting on this period, Rose admits to losing touch with his true self, indulging in luxuries like expensive watches and silver pencils from Fortnum & Mason. Now, he wears a simple $20 Mickey Mouse watch, which he says garners more admiration than his former Cartier timepieces.
Rediscovering Joy and Purpose Through Ceramics
After losing everything, Rose returned to his Buddhist values of joy, passion, and purpose. He found solace in ceramics, describing working with clay as soothing, creative, and meditative. This new pursuit allows him to fail without fear and avoid the constant travel and pressure of his previous career.
Today, based in Rutland in the East Midlands, Rose splits his time between selective speaking engagements, clay-based team-building workshops, and building a ceramics studio set to launch in 2026. He has integrated charitable giving into his work, aiming to raise £75,000 over the next year.
A New Definition of Success
Rose's understanding of success has shifted dramatically. He now lives a simpler life, guided by a quote from Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: 'You have enough.' For him, this means covering his bills and having more income than expenses, but also embracing mindfulness and connection.
Despite financial vulnerability, Rose claims he has never been happier, waking up grateful each day. He emphasizes that true success lies not in wealth or status, but in the impact one has on others. By sharing his story of failure and renewal, he connects with audiences on a human level, offering hope and inspiration for starting anew.
