My Bottom Line: Roger Mavity, Conran Group

Roger Mavity is chief executive of the Conran Group, external.

He found his first job after failing to get into university, and began working as a clerk in an advertising agency.

Roger says having a job gave him an immediate sense of purpose which he had never felt before and that he found doing something was far more rewarding than learning about it.

He also says he has learned far more from his failures than from his successes.

Roger appeared on The Bottom Line which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service. Listen again via the download or watch it on the BBC News Channel.

Find more business wisdom from other chief executives on the My Bottom Line website.