What no one tells you about being a CEO...

Hi Everyone!! 👋
It's been a while... Life's been a bit of a whirlwind since becoming Gymshark's CEO again.
I just wanted to share with you some of the things I have learnt since I started this role back in August 2021. I'd also love to answer any questions you have about being a CEO - Head down to the comments and i'll try and respond to as many as possible!
Follow me:
/ benfrancis
/ gymshark
/ benfrancis
/ benfrancis1992
/ benfrancisgs
Check out my website:
benfrancis.com
Thank you for your continued support! 🦈
#gymshark #youtube

[@aa-kh9ex]

Man's a real CEO. Talks very well - no 'ums' and 'ahs'. Instantly makes a person sound more confident and knowledgeable. All the best.

[@willyromney]

So you think hes a "real CEO" because he doesn't say ah or um when speaking? Is that right? 🤣🤣

[@bindutiwari4263]

​@@willyromneybro has no life

[@paulkamara281]

Well said........ignore Willy. He's just being Silly

[@paulkamara281]

@@bindutiwari4263 I assume you mean Willy? Not Ben?

[@paulkamara281]

@@willyromney Ok Willy, What do you think of Ben? Please tell us (all) your insights of this Successful Young Man?

[@aliabdaal]

So great seeing what your life has become - super inspiring ❤❤

[@theManuScript]

Ben - really love your humble outlook and commitment to sharing content like this when your running a billion dollar company :)

[@AshleyBitton]

amazing!

[@maximaximilian9917]

Never been a big fan of Gymshark, but incredible to see how reflective the CEO is

[@yourfitnessbff7515]

So humble, wow!!! You go Ben ❤️

[@RoadmapMBA]

Thanks for sharing Ben! Great video!

[@Reid0898]

Please talk about your biggest money losses and the integration of life outside business 💕

[@si_gr]

Such a motivation! Thank you so much for the insights!

[@netrowex]

Much love & respect Ben!

This is so great! Love to see more videos about this topic. Thank you!

[@joymae]

You are still so relatable the amount of success you have achieved. Stay humble and congrats!!!

[@nabilahmedkhan8052]

Great to see a new a video from Ben after a while ! Was looking forward to it. Such an inspiration !

[@ethanswift3366]

Massively helpful! Especially the part about the restructuring, really helped provide some prospective into the challenges you face managing a large company! Look forward to your next video Ben!💙

[@rafaellabrozou3969]

Really like how humble you remain despite your huge success!

[@AshleyBitton]

I've been watching now for a few years and I always get so motivated!!! So much respect for Ben, what a go getter!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏 sending love and support from Hollywood! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

So much respect for you Ben!! Ive been following your journey from the start, ive been "studying" gymshark during my MBA and what you have been doing for the past 9 years is insane! SO COOL!!!

[@JackLauricourt]

As always a really informative and inspiring video. Look forward to the future of Gymshark as ever and of course the first ever physical retail store that’s here to stay! 🙌🏼

[@notyouraverageguy475]

Really respect and love how you are in the position where you could take a huge step back and allow others to manage and run gymshark but you continue to work considerably long hours and persist in seeing your vision come to life. Very inspirational. On a side note, I remember being in the second gym I ever trained in and people started rocking up in yellow gymshark vests.

[@GloryBe2God]

Love the transparency Its wild what you & team have built the brand to

[@HealthbyHxnnah]

I discovered gymshark 2 years ago, I bought a load of items in lockdown from your sale and started getting into fitness again and watching your videos really inspire me. I am currently doing a personal training course and the goal is to work with you or for gymshark one day 🤞🏻

[@ArieS1]

Thanks for your perspective Ben. So insightful, especially for me at the time as my business is growing month over month and I've had to make tough decisions.

[@campbellboo6252]

Loved this, as someone in their early 20’s who is looking to take over family business’ this was very informative and great to have things to relate to.

[@ABCstockholm007]

People with chronic illnesses have it so much harder. You can only do this if you have the luck of being healthy.

[@wandertvandeputte]

Thank you for sharing this. This really motivates me to work even harder on my start-up where we want to share the message to just f*cking enjoy everything that you do as long as it makes you happy :)

[@richardparry7532]

I love watching your videos but this one I feel I've been the most connected to. Working 8am to about 7.30pm every weekday on my own business (fraction of your turnover and staff) thinking I was alone. And to know that despite the size of your business, your wealth and opportunities in life, that you still are so humble and honest about how difficult it can be - It's incredibly refreshing - To know that I am not alone.

[@steventshibangu9999]

From Africa we are followed you and sir you are a very very insightful Man

[@sarahwashington00]

Thank you for this video Ben ! It looks very realistic and it’s inspiring

[@chicsloth26]

Ben you are so inspiring. I also wanted do something that will be as impactful as you did

[@nico_fspz]

I love to watch Ben's videos. I binge them as soon as they come out. It feels like meeting with a mentor. So much to learn from the videos 🙏 thank you Ben (and the team)!

[@eriklozeman5906]

You are my example, Ben. If I get 1/1000 of what you've achieved, I'm a happy person. Thanks for all your good advice! 💪

[@JatinL10]

What a co-incidence! Just few hours ago I was binge watching different video on your channel to get motivated for more ideas for my own brand and I was just wishing that you’d upload more videos and BOOM! There we go ❤️👻 Love you Ben! Very proud of you 🥰

[@ITZCALI_CONSTRUCTION]

Every time one of your videos pops I have to make time for it right away! I absolutely love the way you run your business and it’s always so motivating to me because I run my own as well. I am located in colorado so it would be awesome to hopefully meet you one day. If you do a little athlete meet up I would like to go up to Denver and meet you man! Cheers!

[@TheManiaakz]

Yes he’s finally back on KZbin!! 😁

[@puredistancegolf]

This was great. More please.

[@AnjuliMack]

You've come so far over the past 10 years, love to see it! Congrats Ben

[@liammatthews4]

this is such a great video, being open and saying everything as it is, I think there's too many people that just glorify the entrepreneur lifestyle without showing the downsides. Ben is a role model not because he's perfect but because authentic!

[@razabadass]

Thank you Ben for acting as a source of ideas, inspirations and information for self-improvement efforts for me! Raza :)

[@aqynbc]

I will be honest. I litterally just heard of you Ben. I have been watching few videos since. You are definitely a great inspiration for many people. Well done.

[@CreateGreg]

Solid video guys, well done! 🙌

[@roberttitchener1821]

Really impressive what a smart intelligent man also humble

[@hhart4423]

Great video, wish there was more open/realistsic content on business management, life as a CEO etc.. I too am a 30 year old CEO in a fairly large business, and whilst it's incredibly rewarding, most people further down the business hierarchy often don't realise the non-stop demands on your time, having to talk and listen to all stakeholders, solve difficult and immediate problems and ultimately be responsible for absolutely everything in the business, and as you said, you will make mistakes and things do go wrong in businesses. Let alone the different dynamic between a guaranteed salary versus risking your own capital with no guaranteed upside. Good stuff man, interesting content. Stick at it!

[@mist7627]

Great video. Keep up the grind. Inspiring me a lot

[@SergeyVikultsev]

Thanks for this video!

[@SteadyAimCinema]

keep it up mate, great vid

[@Canup]

damn this is legendary. Super cool to watch as being a CEO myself

[@TPOLD]

Self Development is the major pillar in life. Without it we stagnate which can result in stress, anxiety and a reduction in self-love. I love to hear that you want to provide your employees which might be categorized as your inner circle of the community to thrive for the best! I dedicated my life to the same purpose to support entrepreneurs and creative people to take decisive decisions so they can get their greatest work into the world and find true self-love. I would love to connect and see how I could bring value to you, your company, your vision and purpose. #strongertogether please let me know what’s the best way to reach out to you. Happy greetings from Koh Samui 🙏

[@MARIN-PROD]

Motivational brother

[@jamesperrett6022]

Amazing edit as always Ryan and great advice as always Ben! 🎉

[@ryanhutchinson1666]

Thank you mate really appreciate it!

[@surgicalcapscom]

it's very warm

[@Chrissiechiis]

I lost it at the airplane shot :") Awesome video! Thanks!

[@corriedotdev]

Put my company on pause as I do a phd, burnout is real. Needed this.

[@lifesgood2244]

You said that you have to interact with lots of people(8:03) Can you share some tips on how you manage to engage in such a high level of human interaction on the daily. As an introvert, I find it rather difficult to always be social and welcoming to people around me. I know that communication and interactions with people are fulfilling, and eventually can lead to better, understanding human relationships in the long-term. How do you as an individual and a CEO manage to be so present in the business environment constantly interacting with different people? And how do you deliver your opinions and ideas to your employees with perfect clarity. I would like to work in the business sector someday, and this has always been a big question to me. Last but not least thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. These videos are so inspiring and helpful to everyone. Thank you, Ben! Kind regards.

[@JeffCaplan313]

Narcissism. The answer is narcissism. And psychopathy. Treat everyone the same - like they don't matter. Only what they produce for you does.

[@ziegenmaelker5311]

Really great video again, love you editing style. As you’re now working in the more operative part of your business as a CEO, is it still possible to think about future projects and the positioning of Gymshark in the market or are you too focused on your day to day tasks? Greetings from Germany!

[@liveforyouonly]

such a good video, no bullshit and let's us see what it's REALLY like

[@gymshark]

1:49 The little run to the gym 😂

[@sneeds2108]

Regarding sharing more as a CEO, have you considered a weekly/monthly vlog?

[@JayChadwickRugby]

🔥🔥🔥

[@mrnodaysoff_]

Thank you for sharing this insightful message here. Would love to have a chat and ask a few questions

[@braddparfitt]

You inspired me at 16 to start a clothing business. I now currently own a sports bar doing £5-£10k a week. Its people like you that inspire others to start their own business. Love the videos Ben.

[@joyx8910]

Wow, I am really interested in that and I would like to do the same. Do you have any advice for me? I am 17 and this is what I really wanna do :)

[@bethaneydunne9682]

Wow Ben you have done so well come on in confidence amazing job opportunity so happy and pleased fot you well done keep it up are you still doing KZbin Vlogs ?:) x🙂🙂🙂

[@rickmatsokotere2251]

Good to see True Geordie and his missus.

[@johno4377]

When I think of worldwide travel, places like Asia and USA seem so far away and so distant to the UK. Has travelling frequently to these destinations changed your outlook on how connected we really are? I imagine the world feels a lot smaller in a sense when you are spanning each corner on a weekly basis.

[@zaizeleiful]

thanks for the video! improve sustainability please!

[@AC-zq9tv]

Success is often a lonely road

[@Alexisurdaddy]

Ik im not with gymshark design team but you all should come out with a short sleeve and long sleeve top that has no symbols on it and just the gymshark on inside tag I gaurentee it will selll out if it’s the material and call it minimalist tee

[@sallelyelias1497]

💜

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

Can you do some vlog content? It doesn't have to be a full day but maybe some bits from each day of the week or something like that? 😊I really like these kind of videos as well but it would be fun to follow you around more.

[@jamesperrett6022]

You’ll be pleased to know that vlog content will be what is coming next and will be the main kind of content moving forward! 😁

[@lifesgood2244]

@@jamesperrett6022 Awesome!!!

[@ilhaank_5636]

I live in Mauritius

[@adamebanks3837]

Given how challenging the role is and the travel etc and you're quite young do you see yourself being the CEO for the remainder of your career as usually people are CEO nearer to retirement

[@bethaneydunne9682]

Hi Ben Amazing progress you should be proud well done keep it up 👍👍you read for xmas done shopping everything gobe expensive 🌲🐕❄️☃️🎅🤶🧑‍🎄🌲⛄️❄️❄️🌲

[@seanjamescameron]

Please add the end card, nothing appears when Ben redirects us to the week in the life of a CEO.

[@Jeremiah.Brantley]

We will be great mates one day!

[@carfuen1073]

Dam mans made it got the wife the massively successful business and only 30 yrs old

[@AshleyBitton]

I love waking up early and getting the hardest things done first too! How did you manage to stay focused and not give up when progress wasn't happening as quickly as you would like? I don't really have a big friend or family support network, any advice on trying to grow your brand/channel when you're prettty much on your own?

[@BenFrancis]

Try and focus on getting through your everyday tasks efficiently and always keep your end goal in mind. Try not to dwell on how long the process is taking! All the best! 🙌

[@AshleyBitton]

@@BenFrancis thank you 😌

[@tankthepitbull520]

Money cannot buy a stress free day.

[@tomgurney8635]

Can we get more colours of your fave VITAL LIGHT 1/4 ZIP please Ben?

[@stilu2012]

I wish to wake 5 am but i have nothing to do at that time,can u give me an idea?

[@bethaneydunne9682]

Wow Mazing well done Ben how old are you where you from wow amazing 👍

[@bethaneydunne9682]

@@user-mh7dw2mh9h i dont have your number i dont have telegram plus is this a scam as get loads 👍👍

[@dylanolic713]

hey just wondering what camera setup ben uses! for his videography!

[@BenFrancis]

We're currently using a Sony A7sIII and a GoPro Hero 10 for the videography, with Rode Go2 Wireless Mics for audio 😄

[@sarahwashington00]

@@BenFrancis thank you !

[@davidrincon4264]

This brand was made in the uk if I’m correct so why is there so much events and meetings in regards to maybe meeting the team (influencers) out side the uk ?

[@lifesgood2244]

It's because Gymshark is now a global brand. You cannot really stay in one country and expect the employees to fulfill all the work in international branches. As a responsible and dedicated CEO Ben is always working closely with his employees in UK and in other branches around the world.

[@jamescharlesworth9929]

👍 would you ever do any work experience in gymshark ?

[@Mike-jx2uj]

that screensaver, can we see the full version- 1:17

[@BenFrancis]

Hi Mike! I've just posted it to the community page on my channel 😄

[@bethaneydunne9682]

are you ready for xmas done xmas shopping 🎄🌲❄️☃️☃️🧸🧸

[@Evulnation]

Oof, most of your energy you have is in the morning? Firstly, I need to figure out how I can make that happen.

[@Flaam_vfx]

6:30 u're a busy man and i respect that you're the ultimet image of what a man should be but theres something u should be awaire of i think considering getting a privet jet will save you at least 5 million usd a year and a looooot of mental space

[@malachi6336]

maybe you should think on restoring a healthy image for your brand it's complecated just hire an image cosultant high quality professional that's if you cared

[@ianismailchoudhury8874]

Do you like to wear same clothes everyday for less decision fatigue

[@BenFrancis]

Kind of, also comfort - I'm a creature of habit!😅

[@JatinL10]

I’m someone who has been gaining a lot of weight since last few years given it to depression and anxiety. I was in severe depression in early 2019 for almost 3 years because of some toxic relationships and stuff and peer pressure during University. Fortunately it came to an end as soon as I graduated in 2019 May. But during the depression I used to overeat to overcome the feeling and that lead to a vast increase in my calorie intake leading to a massive increase in my weight and then came the Pandemic and Lockdown. I gained 25 KG since 2019. Now that I have such a huge diet, I’m just not able to go into calorie deficit. Just not able to control myself. What should I do Ben? Would really really appreciate any tips. Lots of love!

[@BenFrancis]

Start with small differences daily that won't be a shock to your body. Getting out and moving/ light exercise will also help with mental health. Think of it as a lifestyle change rather than just a physical change. Eventually you'll notice changes mentally and physically. We're all on a journey!! 💪

[@JatinL10]

@@BenFrancis Thank you!! ❤️🙌🏻 Means a lot

[@prosknip3754]

second :P

[@user-alexander232]

F

[@clsdchnnl9273]

how is he in the job for only 9 months????

[@jeromejacob]

Big fan Ben but.... up at 5am but in the gym until 7:30pm and then commute home and then has dinner and then spend time with your wife? How much sleep are you getting? Can't be much? If these are times are correct please share your sleep info and prove this is healthy (maybe using WHOOP) or let us know what you're really doing as this feels like unsustainable hustle porn promotion and harms a lot of people in the process who try and replicate this unsustainable routine as the numbers don't add up... maybe you have someone cook your food and wash up or something in the evening? Please let us know! Sent with love!

[@JimJanger]

I don't think you talked about being lonely at all. You have a wife, and are worth a billion dollars surrounded by people that care about you and your business. My life is pathetic to your, nearly the same age never had a girl and working a average job that pays me below a living wage. Congrats man you hit the lottery.

[@bettiereisman5500]

🤔 p♥r♥o♥m♥o♥s♥m

[@user-alexander232]

First pin this

[@hookrightboxingtv4851]

wow i feel useless after watching this need to work harder.

[@dave-ds-dsa-]

Bro if u reply to this then u are going to sponsor me okay

[@michaelstallion8004]

lonely but you keep most of the money

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Least your woman is 8/10

[@peterKukTCK]

awesome, Ben wearing vivobarefoot shoes! 👌