Facts about Tre Lowe
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Tre Lowe
Tre Lowe is a London-based music and wellness entrepreneur with a multifaceted career. He rose to fame as one-half of the UK garage duo Architects, known for their hit song "Body Groove." Tre's talents extend beyond music, as he's a successful entrepreneur founding MBL Entertainment, a record label, and Alpha Clique, a coaching consultancy empowering creatives and entrepreneurs. A passionate advocate for mental health, he openly shares his experiences to inspire others. Tre is also showcasing his business acumen on a national stage as a contestant on the 2024 series of "The Apprentice."
Q&a
Could you walk us through the origins of your entrepreneurial journey? Did your passion for music precede your ventures in entrepreneurship, or did they evolve simultaneously?
My entrepreneurial journey traces back to my father and our Nigerian heritage, specifically in the Igbo culture, where commerce and education are deeply ingrained. Despite facing immense poverty and personal tragedy, my father persevered, driven by a vision to excel. Growing up in a village in Nigeria, he witnessed unimaginable hardships, losing seven siblings and narrowly escaping a similar fate himself. Determined to pursue education, he defied societal expectations and eventually made his way to London, where he encountered the challenges of immigrant life in Notting Hill. Despite the odds, he seized opportunities, eventually becoming a property owner and securing a prosperous future for our family.
His resilience and unwavering belief in hard work left a profound impact on me. From a young age, I absorbed the lesson that perseverance is key to success, regardless of the obstacles one faces. My upbringing instilled in me a sense of determination and a belief that with dedication, anything is achievable. While societal barriers existed, my father never allowed them to define our potential. Instead, he taught me to embrace challenges and strive for excellence, qualities that have shaped my entrepreneurial endeavours and approach to life.
How did your father’s values influence you during your childhood, and how did you interpret and internalise them? Considering the generational differences and the rapidly evolving world we live in today, where hard work and perseverance may hold different meanings across different time periods, how do you perceive the transfer of values from immigrant parents to their children?
Growing up, we were in a peculiar situation where despite having assets, we lived modestly due to my parents’ kindness and generosity. They allowed people to live in our properties rent-free, which sometimes led to others taking advantage of their compassion. As a result, we still experienced financial struggles despite the apparent wealth. This upbringing instilled in me a sense of resilience and the understanding that success wouldn’t be handed to me on a silver platter. I attended an average school and was surrounded by peers facing various challenges, which motivated me to work hard and forge my own path to success, rather than relying solely on my parents’ resources.
My childhood was shaped by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for music, nurtured in the vibrant community of Notting Hill. Inspired by historical figures and fueled by my father’s entrepreneurial journey, I dreamed of leaving a lasting legacy. Despite facing challenges, his resilience taught me the power of perseverance. Today, I strive to inspire others, proving that with determination, anything is possible.
Can you share the story behind your participation in The Apprentice? How did you initially become involved in the show?
As a huge fan of Lord Sugar, I’ve always been inspired by his journey from East End beginnings to business success. Watching The Apprentice, I saw how it highlighted the challenges men face today, which motivated me to create wellness products aimed at making a positive impact.
When my partner suggested I audition for The Apprentice, I initially hesitated, thinking it was just reality TV. But she convinced me it was a business show, not just entertainment. So, I took a chance and auditioned, and luckily, I got on the show.
Being on The Apprentice was incredible, especially facing Lord Sugar in the boardroom. It felt like sitting in front of a mentor I’ve always admired. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, reminding me of the importance of following your dreams and working hard to achieve them.
The strategy has undeniably paid off, as evidenced by reaching the final five after ten intense weeks.
It’s an incredible feeling, and I’m filled with gratitude for how far I’ve come. Since the moment I applied for the show, reaching the final five has been my minimum target. I’m naturally competitive, and I knew that my biggest competition was always going to be myself. While my fellow contestants proved to be formidable competitors, I had confidence in my abilities to reach this stage.
Looking ahead, I’m excited and a bit nervous about what’s to come. Competing against four incredibly sharp minds will undoubtedly be a challenge, but it’s one I’m ready to tackle head-on. I can’t wait to see how things unfold in the final five.
What is the most valuable lesson or insight you gained from your time on The Apprentice, or from your interactions with Lord Sugar, that you plan to apply to your future business endeavours and life in general?
In reflecting on my experience on The Apprentice, one word stands out: resilience. Lord Sugar’s journey, marked by numerous challenges and setbacks, exemplifies the resilience needed to succeed in business. His ability to navigate adversity, whether facing harsh critics or daunting business ventures like Tottenham Hotspur, showcases the strength of character required to thrive.
Participating in The Apprentice revealed a different dimension of resilience. Beyond the business tasks, the show demanded mental and emotional fortitude. Cut off from loved ones, stripped of personal belongings, and constantly under scrutiny, contestants faced a psychological gauntlet akin to military training.
For me, entering the show meant leaving behind personal responsibilities, including caring for my parents and managing my own health issues. It was a test of resilience on multiple fronts, amplified by the need to adapt to unfamiliar personas and high-pressure situations.
Yet, amidst the challenges, I discovered an inner resilience I didn’t know I possessed. I learned to navigate diverse personalities, lead teams, and perform under intense pressure. The triumphs we achieved as a team, like breaking records in business tasks, underscored the power of collective resilience and effective leadership.
One standout moment was pitching for sponsorship in the Formula E task, where passion and persuasion were paramount. Despite the cameras and the high-stakes nature of the pitch, I channelled my resilience to deliver a compelling message that resonated with sponsors.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of the resilience I demonstrated, not just as an individual but as part of a team. While some contestants may come from traditional business backgrounds, my journey as a musician and creative professional adds a unique perspective to the show. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability inherent in all of us, waiting to be unlocked when faced with life’s challenges.
Looking at the remaining four contestants, who do you perceive as your toughest competition as you progress further in the competition?
In many aspects, all the finalists present strong competition. I’m not entirely familiar with everyone’s business plans, so it’s hard to pinpoint a specific rival. However, I imagine for Phil, Rachel, and Paul, their primary competition is likely their own businesses. With my background, competing against individuals with well-established businesses, particularly someone like Phil with an award-winning enterprise, won’t be a walk in the park. Nevertheless, I’m confident in my abilities and determined to give it my all.