Robert's Story

Robert Bloxham is an Alumni Member of Vistage and this story relates to his time as a member.

Corporate life isn’t for everyone. Having a burning desire to make a change, and a difference, but working in the confines of a large company, can leave you feeling trapped inside a box. You have a craving for something more, but the restrictions of your job role mean change is slow — no surprise this gets frustrating. 

Robert Bloxham started his marketing agency, ORB, to finally put ideas into action and do the type of work he always wanted to achieve.  After working for corporate agencies, through ORB he was liberated to use visual thinking and create brands that are memorable and reflect a company’s values.

But, like many owners and managers, Robert isnt a jack of all trades. It became clear to him that some aspects of running a business didn’t come quite as naturally. He explains that,  “Creating a great culture, corporate governance, contracts all of these things were alien to me.”

“There can be problems I have been thinking about for weeks that get sorted in an hour, that’s where I find the most value in Vistage.”

Robert heard about Vistage through another member, saying “I spoke about the problems I was facing, and he said straight away, it sounds like you need Vistage!” 

He met with his now Vistage Chair, Alan Cook, to discuss membership and was reassured that he wasn’t the only one facing the same challenges and opportunities for growth. “When we discuss issues, there can be problems I have been thinking about for weeks that get sorted in an hour, that’s where I find the most value in Vistage.

“ Vistage really helped me to get a grip on the strategic side of the business, helping me to continually grow and work on the business rather than getting bogged down in the Business.”

From colleagues to friends…

As well as finding a professional network that offers fresh ideas and support, Vistage has also helped create new social friendships for Robert.

“I’m good friends with the people in my group and getting to meet up with each other every month, as well as at the annual retreat means you actually go deeper, you really know each other’s business ambitions and personal goals.” 

Now two years into his Vistage membership, Robert is excited for what the future holds for ORB. “Vistage is relatively life-changing; as a business owner, it’s changed my leadership style and my visibility and understanding of our customers. We want to be the business that owns the mid-market space for branding. We love that space, and we are continuing to open lots of doors in that area.”