CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 8 2023 9 Spotlight on Rebecca Sutherland, Entrepreneur, Investor, Business Coach and Mentor Rebecca Sutherland is no ordinary business leader. Having built multiple successful ventures, Rebecca’s entrepreneurial spirit is deeply ingrained. “It’s just who I am,” she says. “I struggled being an employee, so becoming an entrepreneur was the only option.” Her passion for spotting problems and applying her expertise to solve them has driven her throughout her career. But, more than anything, it’s her unwavering commitment to shared values that defines her leadership. Leading with Values As both an entrepreneur and investor, Rebecca’s approach to backing businesses goes beyond the typical numbers game. “For me, it’s all about values. I need to know that the person I’m investing in has honesty, integrity, and a real passion for making things better,” she explains. It’s not just about the idea—Rebecca looks for alignment in vision and a willingness to manage expectations. “If someone has a great idea but they’re not executing well, I can help with that. But first, our values have to align.” Challenges in a Male-Dominated World Rebecca has navigated industries where women are often underrepresented, facing her share of bias and unprofessionalism. “I’ve been asked to speak to ‘the man in charge’ or had people complain about me to my husband, who is also my business partner. Men don’t face the same scrutiny women founders do.” She’s determined to change these narratives. Titles like ‘Mumpreneur’ are something she understands but doesn’t apply to herself, despite having children and being a working mum, “I’m trying to change things, and not everyone likes it.” Imposter Syndrome and Overcoming Self-Doubt Despite her achievements, Rebecca admits to struggling with imposter syndrome. “It’s hard to back yourself sometimes, especially as an entrepreneur. You’re juggling so much that it’s difficult to focus on your wins.” Her advice for overcoming these challenges? Build a strong team who believe in you and share your values. “They remind me of my successes and help me reflect on the lessons learned from my mistakes.” Female Entrepreneurs Bring Something Different Rebecca doesn’t engage in the men-versus-women debate as she believes in the best person for the job, but she does believe women can sometimes bring a unique perspective to the boardroom. “Female entrepreneurs often have less ego and a greater focus on value and purpose.” She’s also a firm believer in the power of representation. “Having women in leadership roles encourages diverse entrepreneurship and helps drive funding to womenowned businesses, plus it helps inspire the younger female generations who want to be entrepreneurs.” Business Achievements and What Keeps Her Moving One of Rebecca’s proudest moments was selling her first business, a lettings agency. “I turned it around in six months and did it all on my own. It encouraged me to continue and start other projects.” For Rebecca, adding value is what truly motivates her, not just financial success. “Money gives options, but it’s not the motivator. Creating something meaningful is.” Her approach to work-life balance is clear: “I don’t believe in working 80 hours a week to be successful. Missing out on family experiences isn’t worth it, and I communicate that to the people I invest in. My first question to them is, ‘What do you want your life to look like?’ “ Advice for Female Founders For women seeking investment, Rebecca’s advice is simple: “Find your people. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who have done what you want to do—ask for help and build a strong network.” Rebecca stresses the importance of having a support system, especially in tough times. “The people I’ve met through networking have positively impacted my career. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” What’s Next for Rebecca? Looking ahead, Rebecca isn’t focused on a particular industry but is excited about supporting individuals doing things differently, if their values align with hers. “The sector is irrelevant to me—it’s all about the people and the impact they want to make.” With her clear leadership, values-driven approach, and passion for empowering others, Rebecca Sutherland continues to be a formidable force in the world of business. Rebecca Sutherland Bio Rebecca Sutherland is an investor and entrepreneur with a passion for turning overlooked businesses into market leaders. As the Founder of Aluminium Fire Systems, she has built a reputation for reshaping industries by transforming “boring” businesses into opportunities for growth. Rebecca specialises in identifying potential where others see roadblocks, driving profitability through innovative solutions and strategic direction. With a strong focus on business acquisitions and turnarounds, Rebecca doesn’t just invest in companies—she redefines what’s possible. Her ventures, including PITCHINVEST and Harbar Six Limited, are dedicated to fueling the rise of founders who refuse to play by the old rules. She’s on a mission to back visionary leaders who challenge assumptions and disrupt the status quo in their industries. Originally from Birmingham, Rebecca’s reach extends across international borders connecting growth-oriented businesses with the resources they need to thrive. Her unique ability to bring investors and entrepreneurs together has enabled countless ventures to achieve success on their own terms. For Rebecca, it’s about more than just the bottom line. She believes in empowering teams, fostering creativity, and ensuring that people—not just profits—are at the heart of every business. Whether she’s guiding emerging leaders, scaling businesses, or investing in disruptive ideas, her commitment to shaping the future of UK business is undeniable. With a growing community of 10,000+ followers, Rebecca is leading the charge for founders who are ready to break boundaries and turn their bold visions into reality. Rebecca Sutherland | LinkedIn
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