Season 5 | Ep 21 - Liam Thomas on the reality of leading his agency whilst losing his business partner after a 7 year battle with cancer

This week's episode was one that I wanted to have but was also really nervous about. It is without a doubt the most emotional and heartbreaking conversation I have ever recorded.

I was joined by Liam Thomas, the Founder of Highfield Professional Solutions & Data X Connect, a specialist recruitment agency headquartered on the South Coast of England with 45 staff.

Liam launched the business with his mate and business partner, Sam Hughes, 15 years ago when they were both 25 and fearless!

A classic recruitment founder story.

But in 2014, when the business was well-established and growing, Sam was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. The diagnosis changed everything for them.

Over the next 7 years, Sam battled everything that came his way and the business continued to grow. Liam admits he was in denial and always believed his partner and friend would be back to work full time again one day.

In September 2021, Sam lost his life after an incredible fight.

In this episode Liam talks about it all: when they started the business, coping with the diagnosis,  and dealing with the reality of losing Sam.

There were tears shed during the recording and I hope it moves you as much as it moved me.

I am so proud of Liam for speaking about this and I am sure you will be too.

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