Thanks, Dad, for Saying No

By Adam Beverley

Growing up with a father who was an EO member, I was surrounded by the spirit of entrepreneurship from an early age. Looking back now, it’s clear that EO was always in my future—even if I didn’t realise it at the time.

My journey started in sales. I worked my way up from a sales rep to manager, then into leadership roles, and eventually took the leap into entrepreneurship. Today, I run my own recruitment consultancy. Along the way, there were many mentors and supporters, but one moment stands out: the time my dad said “no.”

I was 18 when I asked if I could join his business. It felt like the logical (and easy) step. But Dad didn’t see it that way. He gave me a firm “no,” and told me he wanted me to grow on my own, not in his shadow. At the time, I was disappointed—maybe even a little angry—but that decision shaped everything. It forced me to forge my own path, build resilience, and figure things out for myself.

I’d seen EO from the outside through my dad’s involvement—events, conferences, the community—but being part of it myself has far exceeded any expectations I had.

The Accelerator Program in particular has been a game-changer. In my first year, I focused on growth and financial stability. But the second year challenged me in a different way. I was navigating some tough personal and professional waters, and it made me question the direction I was heading. That year in Accelerator gave me the clarity to realign my goals, both in business and in life. I made the bold decision to pivot.

One of the best moves I made during that time was bringing in a business partner—shoutout to Walter! Together, we built smarter systems and strategies, and grew the consultancy to $1.5 million with a team of seven.

Now we’re stepping into a new phase. This year, we’re aiming to hit $4 million in revenue and double the size of our team. It’s an exciting chapter, and I couldn’t have written it without EO, our incredible crew, Walter—and, of course, my dad.

So here’s to growth, challenges, and the power of one well-timed “no.”