When life throws an unexpected curveball, how do you respond? Robert Pope, VP of Business Applications for Pax8, knows this all too well. Growing up in a picturesque part of the UK, Robert developed a passion for speed and racing that fueled his entrepreneurial journey. He shares how his interests in economics and business, alongside the invaluable mentorship from venture capitalist Piers Linney, led to the formidable success of a startup focused on business communication solutions. Through his story, we...
When life throws an unexpected curveball, how do you respond? Robert Pope, VP of Business Applications for Pax8, knows this all too well. Growing up in a picturesque part of the UK, Robert developed a passion for speed and racing that fueled his entrepreneurial journey. He shares how his interests in economics and business, alongside the invaluable mentorship from venture capitalist Piers Linney, led to the formidable success of a startup focused on business communication solutions. Through his story, we uncover how these experiences have equipped him with a unique approach to facing the unforeseen twists in both his career and personal life.
The episode takes a poignant turn as Robert recounts the day his life was upended by a leukemia diagnosis. Amidst a whirlwind of personal and professional milestones, including a transatlantic move and navigating pandemic disruptions, he faced a health challenge that came out of nowhere. Robert opens up about his mental journey through illness, challenging conventional ideas about what it means to "battle" cancer. He shares powerful metaphors and personal reflections on the role of luck and circumstance, offering a raw and real insight into the isolation and resilience required during such a demanding time.
In the final stretch, Robert emphasizes the solace found in shared experiences and the power of vulnerability. From seeking support from friends and family to gaining perspective from others who have faced similar battles, he illustrates the importance of community in overcoming adversity. Robert's reflections on gratitude and perseverance shine through as he discusses the metaphor of climbing a hill to navigate life's toughest challenges. With a focus on small, manageable goals and maintaining a positive attitude, Robert's story is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination, providing hope and insights for anyone faced with life's unpredictable challenges.
Robert Pope is a highly accomplished technology leader with a track record of success in the industry. He has worked alongside notable figures, including Piers Linney of Dragons' Den (the UK’s version of Shark Tank), spent five years at Microsoft, and navigated the challenges of building and selling a technology organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently serving as Vice President at Pax8, a global tech marketplace experiencing explosive growth, he is widely respected within the Microsoft community. As the former UK President of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners, Robert is recognized as a thought leader in cloud technology.
Beyond his professional achievements, Robert has a lifelong passion for speed and adrenaline-fueled pursuits. Whether on a mountain bike, BMX, motorcycle, car, or sailboat, he is always chasing acceleration—whether wheels are involved or not.
His life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia, just as his children had left home and he was entering a new phase of life. Having always assumed that any hospital stays would result from a high-speed, fireball crash rather than a silent killer, he approached his diagnosis not as a fight, but as a lesson in survival. His mindset remains steadfast: You are not dead yet.
Quotes:
"I never imagined that a leukemia diagnosis would be part of my journey. It came out of nowhere, amidst a whirlwind of personal and professional milestones."
"The power of community is undeniable. Finding comfort in shared experiences and connecting with others who've faced similar battles has been invaluable."
"Climbing a hill is a powerful metaphor for life's challenges. It's about maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on small, manageable goals to overcome adversity."
"You are not dead yet. It's a mantra that has guided me through this journey, reminding me to keep living and finding moments of light and hope."
Links:
Robert’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertpopeuk/
You Are Not Dead Yet - https://www.youarenotdeadyet.co.uk/who-am-i/
Donate to THE CHRISTIE CHARITY - https://www.justgiving.com/page/youarenotdeadyet
Pax8 - https://www.pax8.com/en-us/
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