Ambitious Minds

Building The Silent Disco Company with Toby Burns

Toby Burns · June 13, 2025

Entrepreneurin

Interview with Toby Burns

Building The Silent Disco Company with Toby Burns

Podcast: Ambitious Minds

June 13, 2025

What if you could turn a teenage side hustle into a company that runs over 4,000 events a year, without raising a penny of external funding? In this episode, I'm joined by Toby Burns, founder of The Silent Disco Company - the UK’s leading provider of silent disco infrastructure…

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Key topicsFrom DJ to CEO: Scaling a Business & Navigating the Entrepreneurial JourneyToby's journey from a young DJ to the CEO of a thriving entertainment company offers a wealth of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He can share his experiences of scaling a business from humble beginnings, navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities for growth. Toby's story embodies the resilience and determination required to turn dreams into reality in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. Building a Brand with Purpose & The Power of Customer-CentricityToby's success in the events industry is rooted in his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. He can discuss the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction, building strong relationships, and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. Toby's emphasis on human-centered service amidst technological advancements underscores the timeless value of personal connections in business success. Transforming Events with InnovationToby can delve into the genesis of the silent disco concept and how it has evolved to become a staple in the events industry. He can discuss the impact of introducing unique experiences like silent cinema and karaoke, highlighting the importance of innovation in keeping events fresh and engaging for diverse audiences. View all topics →

About Toby Burns

Founder & CEO of The Silent Disco Company Group

350,000+ Headsets hired each year4,000+ Events delivered each year1,000+ Five-star reviewsAge 15 Began as a children's entertainer

Introducing Toby Burns, a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of The Silent Disco Company Group, renowned for innovative silent disco, cinema, and karaoke hire services across the UK and Europe. With an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, Toby's passion lies in crafting engaging events that cater to diverse audiences and occasions, leveraging cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment.

Toby's journey into the events realm commenced at the age of 15 as a children's entertainer, leading on to his work as a DJ with the pleasure of performing at events for prestigious clients like Google and Virgin. Then, 11 years ago, his love of the entertainment industry pushed him to establish The Silent Disco Company. Today, his company orchestrates over 4,000 events annually, partnering with esteemed organizations such as Glastonbury Festival, Google, and BBC, to name a few.

As a podcast guest, Toby brings forth a wealth of experience and insights, offering invaluable perspectives on entrepreneurial journeys, innovation in business, and the power of embracing opportunities for growth. His narrative, peppered with anecdotes of overcoming challenges and seizing pivotal moments, resonates with audiences seeking inspiration and practical wisdom in their pursuit of success. Join Toby as he shares his story, inspiring listeners to dream big, embrace change, and carve their own paths.

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About this episode

What if you could turn a teenage side hustle into a company that runs over 4,000 events a year, without raising a penny of external funding?

In this episode, I'm joined byToby Burns, founder of The Silent Disco Company - the UK’s leading provider of silent disco infrastructure for parties, weddings, festivals, and corporate events.

Toby shares how he went from entertaining kids at birthday parties to DJing luxury events, and ultimately scaling a business that’s redefining how people experience music and nightlife.

He breaks down the realities of self-funding a company, the importance of sales over branding, and how AI is helping streamline his operations today.

We also dive into lessons on hiring, managing burnout, investing in property, and why every entrepreneur should think about building a business to sell; even if they never plan to.

00:00 Introduction to the Silent Disco Company

01:02 The Journey of Toby Burns

02:51 Innovating in the Event Industry

04:45 The Importance of Sales and Innovation

07:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life

15:00 The Role of Education and AI

24:53 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

36:16 Always Be Hiring: The Entrepreneur's Mindset

36:41 Balancing Hands-On Work and Leveraged Work

38:05 The Impact of Government Policies on Entrepreneurship

38:40 AI and Automation in Business

39:17 The Burden of Taxes on Business Owners