LDC Top 50 2024
Paul Rogers
Managing Director
Ocura Healthcare Furniture
Shortly after becoming general manager at Ocura Healthcare Furniture, Paul Rogers was diagnosed with throat cancer. Over the following months, he saw first-hand the impact that the right chair, the right equipment, a simple armrest, can have on patients, visitors and the people who work in hospitals. Following his recovery, he used that insight to help grow Ocura, which sells furniture to NHS and private hospitals.
“I can see a clear path for this business,” says Rogers, who became Managing Director in 2023. He credits his parents for his work ethic. “They taught me that it takes a lot of hard work to achieve anything worthwhile in life.”
I have always wanted to do my best and be the best version of myself. Success drives more success as the people around you start to appreciate your abilities.”
Q&A
What does ambition mean to you?
I find it hard to talk about personal ambition as leadership is about teams. I have always wanted to do my best and be the best version of myself. Success drives more success, as the people around you start to appreciate your abilities. But I wouldn’t have achieved my ambitions at Ocura without the 53 people I work with, who graciously give their all to meet our goal to get to £50m in turnover by 2029.
What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned in business?
I had worked to get to the point of business ownership, I saw that as success. But I let business consume all my time. It took over my life. What I love about Ocura is that we set clear boundaries for everyone on the team: do your best work during the day but, at 4.30, get out and be with your family, my wife and daughter are a strong support and driver for me. We don’t believe in working evenings or weekends here.
Has surviving cancer changed your perspective?
I give my all every day because I know now that I’m not immortal and my time is not limitless. You never know when the end will come. I try not to get caught up in stresses or distractions, I just stay grateful, focused and enjoy the positives in every day.
