Milestones & Marathons: Celebrating Nathan Stewart’s Decade at 365 finance

As March unfolds, we shine a spotlight on Nathan Stewart’s incredible journey of ten years with 365 finance. From Co-Head of Sales to ultra-marathon runner, Nathan’s story is as diverse as it is inspiring. In this special feature, we delve into Nathan’s dual passions and the remarkable balance he strikes between professional responsibilities and personal pursuits. Join us as we celebrate Nathan’s achievements both on the race track and in the financial arena, highlighting the spirit of perseverance and ambition that defines his tenure at 365 finance.

Nathan: March marks my milestone of a decade working with 365 finance, and I have been Co-Head of Sales since 2018. My main focus is empowering SMEs with financial solutions tailored to their cash flow, delivered swiftly to help them achieve their goals. Each client we assist carries a unique entrepreneurial journey, and I am proud that 365 finance plays a part in their story. Our positive reviews show the effectiveness of our approach, reaffirming our commitment to keeping our clients front and centre in all that we do.

Nathan: Many introducers might remember me for boozy lunches that somehow always stretched into late nights. I decided it was time to swap the pints for running and took up marathon training. I then stumbled upon a 100KM run from London to Brighton- and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve ran 250km in the desert, 220km in Cambodia’s 100% humidity, and a 100 mile non-stop run during a storm. I’m currently gearing up for a 400KM run in the Scottish Highlands this May.

Nathan: I consider myself an avid hobbyist when it comes to running – I run six days a week, covering over 100km each week. For me, running isn’t just a physical activity but a process I love. Each year, I set a race goal that scares me and pushes me beyond my comfort zone. To prepare, I incorporate smaller races like half marathons and marathons.

Guiding me through this is my coach, Nathan Montague. Together, we’re preparing for the unique challenge of The Cape Wrath Ultra run, made even more interesting by the fact I live in London. My weekends are spent running and up and down the city’s steepest hills. Fortunately, I’m blessed with a supportive girlfriend who understands my hobby!

Nathan: I’ve learned that 99% of the hard work is completed long before race day. It’s all about consistency and preparation, and the race itself becomes a reflection of that groundwork. This philosophy mirrors my approach as co-head of sales at 365 finance. I believe in setting goals, identifying potential obstacles, and developing plans to achieve these goals.

In my interactions with clients, I appreciate the journey they’ve undertaken to reach their goals and the hard work it has taken to build their company. Owning a business is a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks and requires substantial hard work and dedication. By empathising with their journey and respecting the challenges they’ve faced, I aim to align our strategies with their unique experiences. This client-centric ethos both prioritises their needs and strengthens our capacity to support their business goals.

Nathan: Of course, challenging times are inevitable, but if something is going not as planned, I try and stay calm and apply a ‘can-do attitude,’ focussing on actionable steps to navigate the situation. This mindset is key in the fast-paced fintech landscape, where staying agile amidst ever-changing trends is crucial.

Nathan: Cambodia really jumps out for me, mainly because of the incredible resilience and warmth I witnessed in the Cambodian people despite their recent dark political past. The support from local children cheering from nearby schools made my run there truly unforgettable and heartwarming.

One standout moment was when, in the sweltering heat of the race, I’d approach locals watering their gardens and ask for a quick spray to cool down. Picture a sweaty foreigner suddenly appearing in your backyard, signalling desperately for a spray from your hose—it was a scene that brought smiles and laughter to all involved, along with some much-needed relief from the heat.

But the most touching moment came as I crossed the finish line side by side with a Cambodian runner. As we entered Angkor Wat Temple, he shared with me his heartbreaking story of being an orphan who had lost his entire family to Pol Pot’s regime. Despite his tragic past, he now dedicates himself to educating school children about Cambodia’s history—a true inspiration.

Nathan: During a 100 mile run, which despite it taking place in May, there was a huge storm. Around 10 hours in, I could feel my feet weren’t in good shape due to it being extremely muddy and wet. I decided to keep cracking on, taped my feet up and finished in 20 hours.

The next day, I went to the hospital, convinced I had trench foot. The doc had a good laugh, saying no one gets trench foot since the Second World War. But when he saw my feet, his smile faded pretty quick – turns out, I did have trench foot.

That whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: no matter how tough things get, staying determined and keeping a positive outlook can help you push through even the roughest patches.

Nathan: My running Wishlist is always evolving. After seeing the determination of runners battling through the Winter Spine race—a 250-mile trek through the wild Pennines- I think I have to give that a shot. It’s a race that really puts your body and mind to the test in some harsh conditions.

As I started exploring longer distances, there is a run from Birmingham to London along the canal which has caught my eye. It’s a niche non-stop run which is 145 miles and I like the idea of the challenge it presents. I am intrigue by the concept of how far your body will let you run for and the connection that occurs with your mind and body during this time- a stripped back version of yourself.

Nathan: In Cambodia, I got severe heat stroke, collapsing after three days of heat and humidity. By the start of day four, I was medically advised to pause my run due to having tunnel vision and being unstable on my feet.

Taking the advice on board, I took it easy for the remainder of the day. However, after a refreshing dip in a waterfall and some much-needed rest, I finished the race and got third place.

Nathan: Life’s all about the journey and if we can have fun and meet some incredible people along the way, even better. As my coach often reminds me, it’s all about ‘Miles and Smiles.’

As we raise a toast to his achievements and look forward to many more shared successes, Nathan’s story reminds us of the resilience at the core of our organisation. Here’s to Nathan, a true champion, and to the continued growth of 365 finance. Cheers to the next decade and beyond!