From Hero to Villain: Why Did the Internet Turn on Steven Bartlett?
How the 'Dragon' Lost His Fire and Became the Internet's Favorite Target
Steven Bartlett's meteoric rise to fame and fortune has been nothing short of remarkable. The young entrepreneur went from university dropout to millionaire by age 23, building a social media empire valued at over £300 million. He became the youngest ever investor on BBC's Dragons' Den and hosts one of the UK's most popular business podcasts. On paper, Bartlett seems to have it all - success, wealth, and influence. Yet despite his achievements, Bartlett has become an increasingly polarizing figure. Many have come to view him as arrogant, disingenuous, and overly self-promotional. The once inspirational rags-to-riches story is now seen by some as carefully crafted marketing. So how did the man once hailed as a business wunderkind become someone many love to hate?
Part of the backlash stems from Bartlett's omnipresence in the media. His face and soundbites are everywhere - on TV, social media, bestselling books, and sold-out speaking tours. The constant self-promotion and recycling of his backstory has led to fatigue and skepticism. There's a sense that Bartlett is more focused on building his personal brand than running businesses. His rapid ascent has also bred resentment, especially among those who feel they've worked harder for less reward. Bartlett's claims of overcoming adversity ring hollow to some given his middle-class upbringing. His advice often comes across as simplistic platitudes rather than actionable insights.
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