DRAGON'S DEN STAR BREAKS DOWN: Wealth Didn't Buy Happiness!

Sara Davies once found herself frustrated by a single phrase that dominated online searches about her: “Sara Davies net-worth.” It stung because her story was, and always had been, about far more than just numbers. It began with a young entrepreneur from the North East, fueled by a university idea and a relentless drive.

Before the fame of television, before the investments and valuations, she was simply building something from the ground up. But as her public profile soared, the focus on her wealth threatened to overshadow everything she’d accomplished. This shift felt particularly jarring after a full-circle moment – being invited to pitch her student business onDragons’ Den, thirteen years after initially being considered as a contestant.

Davies quickly distinguished herself within the often-intimidating atmosphere of the Den. While others favored sharp critiques, she offered a unique blend of warmth and honest assessment. For six years, she proved that empathy and business acumen weren’t opposing forces, softening the show’s edges without sacrificing its competitive spirit.

Her public image began to evolve beyond that of an investor. A willingness to embrace new challenges, like competing onStrictly Come Dancing, revealed a different, more relatable side to audiences. This marked a gradual transformation from a successful businesswoman to a recognized household name.

Now, Davies is taking her biggest risk yet withTime Is Money, a new, high-stakes quiz show on ITV that she hosts. It’s an unconventional move, she admits, as her background isn’t in presenting or comedy. But the show’s premise – a fast-paced test of investment and timing – feels perfectly aligned with her skillset.

The game is simple, yet brutal. Five contestants start with £1,000, but with every ticking second, the prize money dwindles. Correct answers mean survival; hesitation means elimination. Each contestant is essentially given an investment, forced to confront the age-old dilemma of growth versus risk. The relentless pace reflects the show’s core message: time truly is money.

The pressure on Davies is immense. A single stumble requires a complete recording halt, a meticulous review, and a restart for the contestants. “I learn very quickly not to make a mistake,” she confesses, acknowledging the challenge of accurately pronouncing complex names – from European footballers to Shakespearean characters. It’s a pressure cooker environment where precision is paramount.

She prepared rigorously, dedicating an hour each day to practicing difficult words until they became second nature. The production team even anticipated her struggles, subtly cueing her with challenging terms just before she needed to say them. This wasn’t just about avoiding errors; it was about ensuring a fair and exciting experience for the contestants.

“I wanted to do well for the contestants,” Davies explains. “I’m feeling the pressure of the show, but I’m looking at them thinking, ‘This is their big moment, and they could win all this money.’” She understands the weight of the opportunity, and her commitment to their success is palpable.

Davies credits Bradley Walsh, whom she describes as a mentor, for preparing her for this new role. She meticulously studied his work onThe Chase, observing how he balanced authority with genuine warmth and engagement. “You don’t get good at something by accident,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of “silent mentorship” – learning from those who don’t even realize they’re teaching.

She recalls a small interaction with Walsh during a previous appearance onBlankety Blank, where he took the time to connect with her before filming, creating an atmosphere that fostered better performance and, ultimately, better television. She’s now striving to emulate that same approach, to channel her “inner Bradley.”

Her departure fromDragons’ Den, which coincided with the launch ofTime Is Money, wasn’t driven by a desire for television fame, but by a crucial business decision. She unexpectedly bought back her first company, Crafter’s Companion, a move that surprised many given the business’s recent struggles.

The company had faced near collapse during the pandemic, threatening over 100 jobs. Revitalizing it required her full attention, leading her to step away from the Den. It was a decision guided by her intuition, a quality she’d been told for years wasn’t strong enough. She prioritized the well-being of her team above all else.

In her final weeks as a Dragon, Davies participated in one of the show’s largest deals to date, investing £500,000 alongside Steven Bartlett in a groundbreaking hair dye technology company. Throughout her time on the show, she backed over 20 businesses, investing nearly £2 million in total.

Davies’ leadership style is rooted in community. She hosts an annual conference for the businesses she’s invested in, bringing them together for seminars, workshops, and peer-to-peer support. Her husband leads sessions on accountancy, while she focuses on branding and personal development. It’s a unique, exclusive network built on collaboration and mutual growth.

While she doesn’t rule out a return toDragons’ Den, she acknowledges the significant commitment it requires. For now, she’s focused on redefining success – prioritizing impact, happiness, and embracing unexpected challenges, like hosting a game show. She’s proving that success isn’t just about net worth, but about pushing boundaries and making a difference.