Antonio Wedral is the co-founder of Novos, an e-commerce SEO agency making waves in London by helping brands pivot from paid advertising to a more sustainable, SEO-driven approach. Our conversation traversed the inspiring journey of Novos, emphasizing the power of people-centric business models, the transformative potential of SEO in e-commerce, and the crucial balance between professional ambition and personal well-being.

Antonio's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by his parents' resilience, who, after fleeing the Yugoslav war, had to start anew in the UK. This foundational story is not just a tale of starting over but a lesson in perseverance and vision. "My parents...had to start everything from scratch...I think it probably put something within me where it just had like a motivation within me," Antonio shared, underscoring the profound impact of his family's experience on his ambition to create a business that puts people first.

At the heart of Novos' philosophy is a commitment to building a company that values its employees as much as its clients. Antonio and his co-founder envisioned an agency that was not only a leader in SEO but also a champion for workplace culture. "We want to work with really cool clients...let's make this the best place to work in the UK," Antonio explained, highlighting their dual focus on client satisfaction and employee well-being.

Antonio's insights into the SEO industry reveal a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in the digital marketing space. He articulated the agency's mission to empower brands by reducing their reliance on paid advertising and increasing their visibility organically. This approach not only helps businesses achieve financial independence but also fosters a deeper connection with their audience.

Moreover, Antonio touched on the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental toll that comes with entrepreneurship. His personal journey underscores the necessity of finding balance, stating, "You can't be super successful if you're burnt out. You need to find a balance." This candid reflection on mental health is a vital reminder for all professionals to prioritize their well-being alongside their career ambitions.

Listeners can glean several key takeaways from this episode:

• The significance of a people-first approach in business.
• The transformative power of SEO for e-commerce brands.
• The importance of workplace culture in attracting talent and fostering innovation.
• The necessity of balance between professional success and personal health.

Antonio's story is not just about the success of Novos; it's a broader narrative on the potential to revolutionize industries by focusing on the human element, whether it's through the services offered or the culture cultivated within.