Firdaus Nagree is a prominent entrepreneur known for his role as the founder and CEO of FCI London, a prestigious luxury furniture and interiors brand based in the UK. With a keen eye for design and a passion for innovation, Firdaus has successfully positioned FCI London as a leading name in the industry.
Prior to establishing FCI London, Firdaus began his career as a strategy consultant, where he honed his analytical skills and business acumen. He later transitioned into the London property scene, leveraging his expertise to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. As the head of FCI London, Firdaus is committed to delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship in every aspect of the business. Under his leadership, the brand has garnered acclaim for its exquisite designs, impeccable service, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
In addition to his role at FCI London, Firdaus is an active member of the London chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), where he collaborates with other business leaders to drive innovation and foster growth in the entrepreneurial community.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What is your leadership style, and how has it evolved over the course of your entrepreneurial journey? Are there specific principles that guide your decision-making?
Leadership is all about openness, humility, and continual evolution. Initially, I believed that asking for help was taboo. But through various mentors and personal experiences, I’ve learned that it’s actually one of the greatest traits of great governance.
It’s also important to acknowledge what you’re good at, do it well, and let your team play a part in the rest. My one piece of advice to emerging leaders would be, “Serve the people you lead.”
Tell us about FCI London. Also, FCI London has expanded globally with offices in the UK, UAE, Nigeria, and India. What challenges and opportunities did you face encounter while establishing a presence in these diverse markets?
We are a luxury furniture and interior design company, and we are home to London’s largest award-winning showroom. With over 700 quality brands available, we have grown from a small, family-run outlet to a fierce international competitor.
Our accomplishments are attributed to the fact that our clients have access to everything under one roof, seven days a week. Whether they need advice from qualified designers or are looking to commission custom wardrobes, it’s all doable.
We also offer a comprehensive B2B service for industry professionals, including trade discounts, CPD courses, and free project software.
Our expansion into the global market came down to a great team and sound marketing. We’ve had to figure out how to design for different cultures within our own product range and make the results exceptional. Essentially, we kept it simple by offering a full consultation, creating a floor plan, shipping out everything we needed, and installing it to specification.
Being a board advisor for YPO, The Supper Club, and EO, how do you see the role of global entrepreneurial groups in fostering collaboration and innovation?
Becoming a member of an entrepreneurial group is pivotal for any business owner. And although it’s founded on networking, the benefits go much deeper. These platforms encourage you to learn and grow by offering ongoing seminars, workshops, and forums. Knowledge and ideas are shared, explored, and developed, making it an excellent way to find the best version of yourself. With the opportunity to connect with other CEOs globally, it’s an epicenter of innovation.
Your engagement with charitable organizations like YUVA, We Forest, One Kind Act, and Bright Futures UK is commendable. How do you believe businesses can play a meaningful role in supporting social causes?
Running a profitable business is humbling and comes with responsibility. I find giving back keeps me accountable, and I take my involvement seriously. Choose charities that resonate with your standards and values. With YUVA Unstoppable, for example, the founder and his staff work for free and make a significant impact on their cause. It’s the same with We Forest. We’re in a business where wood is a main manufacturing material, so it makes sense that we support the sustainability of that particular resource.
Onboarding your team is also key and gives the entire company a valuable sense of purpose. And setting this type of example for my children is of prime importance to me.
You practice meditation and biohacking. How do these practices contribute to your personal and professional life, especially in the fast-paced world of Entrepreneurship?
My life changed drastically after I read Tool of the Titans by Tim Ferriss. It basically states that the one common denominator amongst great achievers is meditation. Initially, I thought that it was nonsense, but then I gave it a try, and it’s been revolutionary in terms of how I manage my day.
Biohacking is also invaluable. It involves making small adjustments to your regular habits and measuring the benefits until you find the perfect balance. This includes sleeping routines, cutting out caffeine and alcohol, turning off your tech, and planning out your next day before you go to sleep. Coupled with yoga and exercise, these are the keys to my mental and physical wellness, keeping me calm and focused.
Can you describe the work culture at FCI London? How do you ensure that the company’s values are embedded in day-to-day operations and interactions?
One of my greatest achievements has been building my incredible team, which I believe was made possible through a collaborative, focused, hands-on work culture. Allowing every individual to have a say, share ideas, and feel valued filters down into our business methodologies and is reflected in the caliber of customer reviews we get. It’s something we all feel excited about.
Employee engagement is crucial for organizational success. How do you foster a positive and engaging work environment within FCI London, especially considering your global presence?
We have a morning routine called a huddle, where we convene online and share our goals. It keeps everyone connected. It’s also important that my employee’s successes are acknowledged and that they feel encouraged to develop their careers.
Are there particular books, podcasts, or resources that have significantly influenced your perspective as an entrepreneur and investor?
Absolutely. Keeping ahead of the curve involves learning from specialists who have proven success rates in their industries. I follow a podcast by Phil Agnew called Nudge, which I find invaluable from a marketing perspective, and I enjoy Donald Miller’s StoryBrand philosophy on how to run a business.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a wonderful spiritual guide, and, as mentioned, Tool of the Titans changes lives.
As an angel investor, what criteria do you consider before investing in a startup?
It’s important to make sure that the concept is original in its approach, viable from a marketing perspective, and has the potential for long-term profitability. But it’s also about the founders, their cause, and the energy that they bring. Quality people make a huge difference. My main criteria are: do I think it’s going to be successful, and will my involvement make it better?
Are there specific industries or trends that currently capture your interest?
I’m a tech enthusiast, so SMART home software, VR, and AI are of great interest in terms of expanding our design offerings. We’re also building a global SaaS platform and are looking into NFTs and how they can add value in the business arena.
You’re actively involved in mentoring startups and young founders. How do you approach mentorship, and what advice do you find yourself frequently sharing with emerging entrepreneurs?
I get tremendous value from mentoring and feel that creating a structure is essential. My keyadvice is:
- Make sure your idea is solid.
- Clarify your end goal.
- Hire excellent people.
- Drive to get it done.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for FCI London? Are there any specific milestones or goals that you are excited about achieving in the coming years?
We are wholly focused on evolving our offerings, fine-tuning our service, and growing our overseas market, with special attention given to our UAE endeavors.
Please visit: https://www.fcilondon.co.uk
