Why it’s never too late to start something new

At 72, most people are winding down. Keith Grinsted is doing the opposite. With a career spanning everything from managing department stores and funeral offices to supporting people through loneliness and redundancy, Keith’s story is one of reinvention and resilience – powered by endless curiosity.

Content Editor, Laura Wilson was lucky enough to chat to Keith about the ups and downs of a life spent managing businesses, bouncing back, and helping others do the same – with some refreshingly honest advice for anyone thinking about starting something new.

How diverse jobs prepare you for anything

Keith’s career journey has been anything but conventional – and that’s exactly what’s equipped him to adapt and thrive throughout the challenges he’s faced along the way.

Starting out at the centre of bureaucracy in Whitehall, Keith had a brief stint on Fleet Street, spent a short time as a milkman, then tried his hand at driving instruction… which meant he quickly learned the value of versatility. From there, he took on managing multiple retail outlets, leading large teams, and gaining hands-on experience in business operations and people management – including handling huge turnovers.

Keith’s path then led him to startups and the tech world, where agility and innovation are essential. His transition into business writing and public speaking came just before the COVID pandemic – a time that forced many professionals to rethink how they work and connect.

He embraced change, learning new skills and helping others along the way with his not-for-profit organisation, ‘Goodbye Lonely’ – an online community designed to help people suffering with feelings of isolation. On this, Keith said: “I’ve had quite a few challenges – including seven redundancies and nearly going bankrupt twice – all of that gives me a strong connection to people facing tough life circumstances.”

Learning the hard way – and what challenges can teach us

Keith’s colour blindness ruled out many early job paths – but the biggest hurdle he faced wasn’t visual, it was internal: a persistent lack of self-belief and imposter syndrome. As an entrepreneur, the isolation hit hard – especially without a mentor or sounding board to share ideas with.

“Starting a business can be lonely”, Keith says, “There’s a lack of personal support and mentors – people you can bounce ideas off.” While larger companies made space for blue-sky thinking, going solo meant that spark was often missing – until AI came along, helping Keith re-ignite his creativity and feel less alone in the process. Today, he heads up Pathway Collective – an online career coaching and mentoring platform helping founders find their feet and pursue their goals.

You don’t need a fortune to get things off the ground

The prospect of starting something new often feels like you need a huge windfall to even begin – but that’s not necessarily true. Many think launching a website will set you back a fair few quid, but that’s not been Keith’s experience.

“I believe you can launch a business without spending a fortune. With Fasthosts, I got my domain for £1 and my site upgrade only came to £13 a month. Compare that to someone I spoke to recently who was quoted between £15-20k for a site – completely unnecessary.”

Practical advice for budding entrepreneurs

Keith’s biggest piece of advice for ambitious entrepreneurs? “Start with your why”: Your passion is the bedrock of your business. He’s learned that shifting your mindset is key, and it’s all about learning to walk on the sunny side of the street – even when things get tough.

Take Jeff, a computer programmer Keith was supporting with job applications. Jeff is partially deaf – a fact he mentioned in every session. To this, Keith said: “Jeff, you don’t have a hearing problem – I, as a potential employer, could make reasonable adjustments. You have a problem with your hearing because you keep making it the focus.” It hit a nerve, but the next week, he came back with an updated CV and a much better outlook.

It’s also important to remember that building and leaning on a support network is vital – even if you’re an introvert like Keith. Having people you can turn to when things get hairy keeps you motivated, and opens doors to new ideas and opportunities. It’s a win-win.

Find what works for you

Ever heard of ikigai? It’s that sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what people need, and what pays the bills, all converge. Keith’s advice for achieving your ikigai? Start small, tweak your path bit by bit, and have faith in the long game. Business pivots aren’t failures – they’re just new routes to doing what lights you up.

“There was another guy I worked with – he was an electrician whose business had collapsed during one of the early financial downturns. He loved playing golf. I said, ‘Why not combine the two? Golf clubs have money. Why not offer them electrical or CCTV services? And that’s exactly what he did. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to help you realise where your passion really lies.”

The power of starting today, not tomorrow

For Keith, taking action starts with even the smallest shift. “Every person I’ve supported over the years has shown a sign – no matter how small – that they’re ready to try”, he said.

“Here’s my rule: I’ll help anyone who’s willing to help themselves. But if someone’s not prepared to make any effort to change, I’m not going to waste their time or mine.” This mindset plays out in his day-to-day too. “Take today for example – I always have a latte, but this morning I ordered a cappuccino. I sat at a different table. That alone will change my day. Because I’ve started it with something different.”

Why having the right tools matters

Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re running multiple sites. “Every time I had a new idea, I’d buy the domain and build a site. But I eventually found it hard to manage all of them,” Keith told us.

So he consolidated all of his domains with Fasthosts: “I remember once I signed up for a few things by accident – and got myself in a pickle. But I rang up, explained, and the support team sorted it all out, even refunded me for stuff I didn’t mean to buy.” It was this smooth experience that gave Keith the confidence to become a Fasthosts Solutions Partner – and he’s never looked back.

Ready to make your passion work for you? Start today

Keith’s story shows what’s possible when you persevere – and find the right hosting partner. It’s his determined mindset, along with our support, that’s helped him grow The Pathway Collective and Goodbye Lonely.

So if you’ve got a vision, take it from Keith: don’t hold back – let today be the day you make it happen. Get in touch with Fasthosts, and start building something that matters.