Trailblazers – the business pioneer who has recovered from major setbacks to create a business with heart

Steve Smith is Managing Director at Anthem Engagement Ltd. Steve’s passion has always been about inspiring real change and he has worked with hundreds of businesses to dig deep into workplace culture, unearth the truth, and help leaders build environments where people can do their best work. Through Anthem, he champions honest, meaningful feedback believing that when we listen to our people, everyone wins.

Published: November 10th, 2025

2 min read

When asked what motivates him, he shares: “Honestly, it’s people. Whether it’s colleagues, clients, or the community I’ve met through NWEEG, I’m driven by the idea that work can mean something. After my stroke, I learned that making a difference doesn’t always have to be loud, sometimes it’s about consistency, kindness, and keeping going even when things get tough.”

For Steve being a trailblazer is not about being first, it’s about opening doors. To him, being a Trailblazer means using experience, empathy, (and a bit of stubbornness!) to make things better for others. He wants to show that you can build a business with heart, recover from major setbacks, and still create opportunities for people around you.

His future ambition is to keep doing good work that helps others find their voice - literally and figuratively. “I want to continue growing Anthem and NWEEG, further enhance my Trustee role at Aphasia Support, and champion workplaces, like Forbes Solicitors, that put people first. And if that inspires one other person to believe they can bounce back from something life-changing, that’s the real win.”