Business owners often talk about growth, sales and strategy. They talk far less about loneliness.
That was one of the key themes explored when former hostage negotiator Nicky Perfect joined business owners from across Derby at Vibrant’s latest Supper Club event.
Drawing on decades of experience handling high-pressure conversations and crises, Nicky challenged attendees to think differently about communication, leadership and the importance of finding trusted spaces where people can speak openly.
“People always say that communication is a soft skill. I don’t think it is. I think it’s a life-changing skill.”
Throughout the evening, discussion moved beyond business tactics and into the realities of leadership. Nicky spoke candidly about crisis, connection and the pressures that many leaders carry behind closed doors. With the table of 20 business owners nodding along in agreement.
One message resonated strongly with the room.
“Leadership is one of the most isolating jobs that you can have, unless you find a group like this where you have a safe space.”
The conversation explored how many business owners feel they must carry responsibility alone, often shielding teams from challenges, protecting others from difficult decisions, or feeling pressure to always have the answers.
Nicky encouraged attendees to challenge that mindset.
“You don’t have to solve the problem in one conversation, and you don’t have to have all the answers.”
The event formed part of Vibrant’s Supper Club series, which brings together business owners, leaders and professionals for meaningful conversations over dinner. The aim is to create a space where people can connect, share experiences and discuss the challenges of leadership in a supportive environment.
For Vibrant founder Bev Wakefield, that sense of community is a key part of why the events exist.
“Business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly lonely. Supper Club was created to give people the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day pressures of running a business, connect with others who understand those challenges, and have conversations they don’t often get to have elsewhere.”
The evening concluded with one final reminder about the power of communication.
According to Nicky, one of the most meaningful things a person can hear is:
“Thanks for listening.”
Because in those three words, people feel heard, valued and understood.
Business owners can find out more about future Vibrant events via the events page on the Vibrant website here and watch the highlights from Nicky’s talk here.
